I.A. NAMAN

1918-2017

I.A. Naman, treasured father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, friend, and community leader, passed away on Monday, the 11th of December 2017, in Houston, one month before his 100th birthday. He was passionate about family, education, community service, and engineering.

His passion for education was evidenced in his commitment to his alma mater, Rice University, where he was active as a lecturer, benefactor and engineer of many campus buildings. In addition, he taught at Harvard University, MIT, and the University of Houston. He also contributed actively to Houston Jewish life, as a member of Congregation Beth Israel, and later as a founding member of the Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism.

In 1947, Naman founded I.A. Naman + Associates, Inc., a consulting engineering firm in Houston. The firm was started out of his bedroom, and he led its growth to one of the top engineering firms in the world. Unusual facilities and new design concepts marked his professional career, and he loved to note his contributions to 14 of the 100 Tallest Buildings in the World list of 1987. Naman felt his most innovative accomplishment was his first of its kind design for air-conditioning the Houston Astrodome, with its enormous cooling requirement, filtering tobacco smoke, ensuring natural light to grow grass, and acoustics. His groundbreaking design became the world standard for domed structures that followed. He also designed a hypothetical domed colony for the moon, determining that the existing technology was capable of air-conditioning it. After China opened to the West, Naman was a key member of the American team invited to China to design and build a world-class hotel to host foreigners wishing to invest in China. His leadership roles in technical societies included ASHRAE Fellow, and Life Member of the National Society of Professional Engineers.

“Grandpa” Naman was passionately dedicated to his family, and that of his longtime companion, Marcelle Lieberman. He particularly enjoyed family camping trips in the Rocky Mountains, and trips to Texas beaches. He traveled the world, and loved to recount his experiences to whoever would listen. He often hosted family and friends at his ranch in central Texas. One notable event was hosting pairs of Irish teenagers of different religions during the Northern Ireland conflict, offering horseback riding and other ranch activities to help the teens develop strong personal relationships.

He is survived by his three children: Arthur Naman and his wife Zelia, John Naman and his wife Rosemary Smith, and Elisabeth Naman and her husband David Poppick; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his longtime companion, Marcelle Lieberman.

The family is very grateful for the compassionate care of Sharon Alford, and Barbara Howe and the THC caregivers.

At a later date his family will gather for a private celebration of life.

It is his family’s respectful request that flowers not be offered and that instead, those desiring direct memorial contributions in his name to Rice University, P.O. Box 1892 Houston, TX 77251-1892.