Geoffrey MacDonald Halley passed away Sunday, November 19th surrounded by his children, he was 86 years old.

Geoff was born in Southport, England, the eldest child of John Macdonald Halley and Doris (Schofield) Halley on June 7, 1937.  He grew up during WWII and was heavily influenced by his father who taught him the importance of hard work and craftsmanship in whatever he undertook.  He graduated from King George V Grammar School in the sciences, where he also excelled in sports.  He  earned a full scholarship to De Havilland Aircraft Corporation in their Engineering Apprenticeship Program, where he studied both mechanical and electrical engineering.  He worked on many projects, but nothing more exciting than those involving rocket engines, including England’s entrant into the space race known as Blue Streak.

In 1956 he was introduced to Sylvia Elbourn and they became instant best friends. Three years later, on July 25, 1959, after Geoffrey graduated from engineering school, they were married in Harpenden England and started their lifelong journey together. 

Geoff supported the Blue Streak rocket flight test program in Australia, and supported the program until it was canceled.  At that time he joined English Electric where he worked as a development engineer in their atomic power group.  Later, when Geoff was offered a position working on the Apollo program, he decided to move his young family to the United States.  At 

Bell Aerosystems Geoff worked as a combustion development engineer on the engine that eventually blasted the astronauts off the moon. 

As the Apollo program started to wind down, Geoff was recruited by Kewanee Boiler Corporation in Kewanee, IL.  He started as a combustion development engineer adding process improvements and discipline, while his unique knowledge benefited the Kewanee Boiler products.  He eventually became the general manager of Kewanee Boiler Corporation. 

Sylvia and Geoff were a great team with Sylvia becoming a driving force aiding his successes, while their family was always a close knit unit. After 18 years in Kewanee, all the children were married and starting their own families, and Geoff was ready for an opportunity to run his own company in St. Louis in the HVAC field.  He was also sought out as an expert witness for many technical legal cases and eventually became the chief technology officer with the American Boiler Manufacturers Association.  He retired from that position about four years ago, and has been focused on writing his memoirs. 

Geoff and Sylvia were very proud of their family and their achievements, including their grandchildren.  Geoff was a kind man with a thirst for technical knowledge.

Geoff was preceded in death by his wife Sylvia (Elbourn) Halley, mother Doris (Schofield) Halley, father John Halley, and two grandsons Derek and Graham Halley.  He is survived by his sons Ian Halley (Melanie) and Stuart Halley (Marilyn), daughter Jayne Vickrey (Brian), brother Keith Halley, sister Margaret (Halley) Searle and six grandchildren: Nicole Cook (Jamie), Ross Halley (Caitlin), Megan Halley (Andriko Telka), Brandon Vickrey (Emily), Alayna Heether (Tommy), Ellyn Halley (Jack Sullivan).  Geoff also enjoyed four Great Grandchildren: Parker Cook, Micah Cook, Jack Heether, and Audrey Heether.

In lieu of flowers Geoff had suggested that friends wishing to honor his life, make donations to the Missouri Botanical Garden. 

https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org

All friends and relatives are invited to share their memories at 

https://stlouiscremation.com/obituary-listings/

Please note there will be a forthcoming celebration of life for Geoffrey to honor his life and memory.