Richard Neil 'Dick' Huffman

Richard Neil “Dick” Huffman, 71, died Jan. 14, 2009 in Tucson, Ariz.

Born in Mazama, Wash. on June 8, 1936, he attended elementary school in Ewan, Wash. and graduated high school in Libby. He was a graduate of Kinman Business University in Spokane, Wash., and began work for the Great Northern Railroad in 1956. He retired from Burlington Northern/Santa Fe in Seattle in 1991.

He and wife, Shari, then returned to Spokane until moving to Tucson in 2006.

At Libby High School, he was a member of the band, serving as drum major, and graduated in the top 10 in the Class of 1954. He returned for reunions maintained close friendships with many classmates.

As a young man in Spokane and later Edmonds, Wash., he was a leader in the local and state Jaycees, achieving the highest honor of being named to the JCI Senate, a lifetime achievement award. He was also very active in his church in Spokane and Edmonds, serving as council officers and directing the choir. In Spokane, he was chairman of the board of directors of the Spokane Valley Food Bank for two years.

He was preceded in death by his half-sister, Betty, and parents, James and Jean Huffman.

He is survived by his wife, Shari, son, Jeff Naoko, and grandchildren, Erika and James – all of Brier, Wash.

Services for Mr. Huffman will take place at a later date in Edmonds, Washington.

Memorials may be made to the local food bank or to charity of choice.