Lasting Memories
William Donald Hightower
March 7, 1928-Feb. 22, 2016
Palo Alto, California
Submitted by Mark Hightower
William Hightower, age 87, passed peacefully at home on Feb. 22 after most of his family visited with him one last time. He appreciated the many caregivers who cared for him in his home over the last two years as well as the additional hospice team during the last six months of his life.
He was born in Missouri and moved to California with his family during the Dust Bowl era. He moved with his family from Hollister to San Jose where he finished his last year of high school. After high school he attended a Bible College for one year, after which he served in the U.S. Navy for four years. He married Darlene during his last year in the Navy, and after the Navy he attended San Jose State school of engineering while starting a family. Subsequently he attended Stanford where he earned a master's degree in electrical engineering. He eventually settled in Palo Alto with his family around 1960. Initially he worked in research and the aerospace industry, but in 1963 he joined the civil servant staff at NASA Ames Research Center where he worked for 25 years.
Bill will always be remembered for his love of flying. He built model airplanes as a child and at the age of 19 he got his pilot's license out of Reid-Hillview airport in San Jose. In the mid 1960s he became a flight instructor and continued to give flight instruction into his 80s, logging many thousands of hours of flight time. He taught both of his sons to fly as well as his grandson. He also enjoyed with his family flying, traveling in his truck/camper and motorcycling.
His wife Darlene passed away a little over two years ago. He is survived by his sister, Sue of Eugene, Oregon; his son, William of Palo Alto; his son, Mark of San Jose; and three grandchildren, Megan, Ben, and Beth.
Dec. 2, 2020
Here's an edited video from 1985 that has some of my father's flying in it. Enjoy!
Feb. 24, 2018
After I completed primary training with Brad Sexton at WVFC, Bill was my flight instructor for nearly 20 years, until he retired. He was precise in flying and in communicating in an encouraging manner how to improve my skills. Under his instruction I consistently hit my wake turbulence in steep turns and achieved the other VFR goals in BFRs. I am fortunate to have had two excellent instructors, and to have known and flown with Bill for most of my flying days.
Oct. 22, 2017
I met bill at sun dance when Joe Orem was alive flew and instructed in his airplanes always first class mechanically I liked Bill knew him as a professional and Friend God Bless ya Bill and My sincerest Condolences to his familey I did a flight review on one of his students today Passed of course his legacy Lives on...
April 27, 2016
Bill was always a good friend and I was always happy to see him.
March 4, 2016
As others have commented, Bill was a fixture at Palo Alto Airport. He was very active in Sundance Flying Club and owned one of the airplanes in the club, N6190R, a Cessna RG172. Bill, as an instructor, was a guiding force at Sundance, always willing to coach pilots in the skills of aviating. His contributions were recognised and appreciated by the club which appointed him as an honorary life member. He will be missed by us all.
March 4, 2016
I was always pleased whenever I encountered Bill at the airport. Such a kind and pleasant soul. The quintessential gentleman. Generous with advice and he could tell a pretty good story as well. I am pleased that I was able to share a cockpit with him. Great stick, great company. We're missing him.
March 2, 2016
Lots of fun family memories of Uncle Bill and Auntie Dar. They are both missed, but sweet to know they are together again.
Feb. 29, 2016
My condolences to the family. I only knew Bill through his association with the airport. He was an ardent supporter and friend, and will be missed by many.
Feb. 29, 2016
My dad met Bill over 60 years ago. They were reacquainted at a church reunion in 2006. My own email friendship with Bill began in 2010 when he and Darlene attended my dad's 90th birthday celebration. He had endless curiosity and was a delight to converse with. Bill & Darlene were "salt-of-the-earth" people and the world is poorer for this loss.
Feb. 28, 2016
Feb. 27, 2016
I will always remember Bill as a kind and helpful aviator. He always gave great advice when I asked and I appreciated having his sensible wisdom on tap. Blue skies forever Bill!
Feb. 27, 2016
Bill was such a great colleague at the airport. So at home in an airplane and always ready with a smile or words of encouragement for aspiring aviators. He has been and will be missed by his friends at the flying club. Thanks for being your wonderful self, Bill.
Feb. 27, 2016
I will remember Bill as a colleague and friend who loved aviation. We have missed his smile around the airport. Tailwinds Bill.
Feb. 26, 2016
Bill will be remembered as a kind and caring neighbor. I enjoyed visiting and talking to him. We will miss him forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, may he rest in peace.
Feb. 26, 2016
Thanks uncle Bill for sharing ham radio with me, taking me duck hunting and the fun times we all had camping at Philo.