Stanley Henry Huff, 87
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, Stanley Henry Huff, 87, of Osburn, Idaho, passed away Nov. 7, 2016, at the family home in Osburn. He was born Feb. 10, 1929, in Roberts, Idaho. Stan was the son of Henry and Bertha (Fritz) Huff.
Stan began his education early at the age of 5 years. He related that the teacher at school disciplined him for being “too young” to attend school and sent him home. His mother listened as he explained to her what happened and proceeded to send him back to school each of the following days until the teacher finally let him stay. Stan had a keen mind and always excelled in school and all of his other endeavors. While in youth, he won recognition in marble championships.
Stan attended and graduated from Rupert High School in Rupert, Idaho. He went on to attend Idaho State College (now ISU in Pocatello). While in college, he set state records in high jump and other track events. He married his sweetheart, Joyce Cranney, on Nov. 17, 1950, while attending ISC and soon after entered the service during the Korean Conflict in the Dixie Tank Division. He was stationed in Fort Knox, Ky.; Fort Jackson, S.C.; and Camp Atterbury, Ind. Stan and Joyce had their first child, a daughter Lynne, while in the service.
After Stan’s military service was over, he attended the University of Utah under a W.C. Browning Scholarship. His little family grew to include two more children, Lora and Scott, before graduating with a degree in geological engineering. He also worked part time with ASARCO while attending school.
Stan and Joyce and their family moved to Osburn to a “new” rental, which seemed like a palace after living in student housing, Stadium Village, while in Salt Lake City, Utah. Their fourth child, Bruce, joined their family here. He continued working for ASARCO as the chief geologist for the next 35 years until retirement in 1990. He often remarked how much he enjoyed having a job where he loved going to work every day. His passion was geology and taught his family to carefully inspect and appreciate all rocks — whether it be a gem or just another rock in the dirt. When asked by someone what a particular rock was that was spotted, he enjoyed calling some of them “leverites” (meaning “leave’er right where you found it!”). Stan was fortunate to travel to many interesting places, one being Peru, while pursuing his geological interests.
Stan was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Wallace Branch. He was instrumental in the building of the chapel in Silverton, Idaho. He worked along with other diligent members doing their part in the chapel’s construction. Many hours were donated by all of the church members to this endeavor and their efforts resulted in a beautiful completed chapel.
Stan loved and enjoyed his family. He loved to garden and always kept a picture-perfect garden and yard — teaching those skills to his children and grandchildren. He and Joyce were also able to travel to different areas of Europe and learned to appreciate the culture and history of many different places. Perhaps even more enjoyable were short car rides around North Idaho seeing again and again the sites and scenery they both loved. Stan was also an avid Gonzaga Bulldog fan.
Stan is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Joyce Huff; three children, Lora (Brian) Goldade of St. Maries, Idaho, Scott (Leslie) Huff of Kingwood, Texas, and Bruce (Debby) Huff of Sparks, Nev.; six grandchildren, Blair Goldade, Garrett Goldade, Megan Helm, Kenneth Huff, Valerie Huff and Avery Huff; and nine great-grandchildren, Crew, Quinn, Bronson, Sophie, Remi, Graycie, Elyza, Adalyne and Cort. He is also survived by one sister, Dorothy DalSoglio of Salt Lake City; one brother, Bill Huff of Moses Lake, Wash.; and several nieces and nephews. Stan was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Russell Huff and his daughter, Lynne Huff Rogers.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Silverton. Interment will be held at the Osburn Cemetery.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the Inland Northwest Honor Flight, 608 W. Second, Suite 309, Spokane, WA 99201-4430 or to the Northern Pacific Depot Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 469, Wallace, ID 83873.
One may sign Stan’s online guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com.
Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, Idaho, is entrusted with funeral arrangements.