Obituary of Wayne Huffmon

Wayne Huffmon, age 99 of Milwaukie, Oregon, passed away peacefully October 29, 2021 with his wife, Joyce, by his side.

Wayne was born on June 12, 1922 to Mary Elva Good and Delbert Huffmon in Great Falls, Montana.  He grew up with his siblings Lois and Ken on a farm that was founded by his parents in 1917.  He started going to school at the local country grade school when he was 5 years old because they needed more children.  He went to Great Falls High School and then attended Montana State University at Bozeman eventually graduating with a degree in electrical engineering.  His university studies were paused while he served in the Navy 1942-1946 training to become an officer and pilot.  Wayne and Leona Carr were wed September 7, 1947 and celebrated forty-two years of marriage until Leona’s death in 1989.  They had two daughters Linda, now deceased, and Suzanne.

Wayne began his professional career going to work for IBM as a customer engineer.  He was working on equipment and computers at the time they filled a room! The family relocated to San Francisco, Denver and then back to Great Falls.  When Wayne’s father retired from farming in 1958 and asked his sons who might like to take over the farm, Wayne jumped at the chance because he was interested in going into business for himself. He successfully operated the farm mainly growing wheat until his retirement in 1987. Wayne and Leona designed and built a cabin at Big Sky Lake MT where they spent time there in the summer and fall.

Wayne and Joyce Wright married in December 1990.  They enjoyed 31 years together traveling; living at Big Sky Lake MT, Waldport OR and the Springs at Milwaukie OR; and spending time with children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

During his life, Wayne was active with the Masons, Shriners and the Presbyterian church. He also volunteered with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts supporting his daughter’s lifelong involvement in Girl Scouting. He was an avid skier and went on many “ski bum” trips and worked at a ski shop.

Wayne was a mentor and father figure to many young people.  He could build and fix about anything with his astute mechanical, electrical, computer and contractor skills. Wayne was always the practical problem solver with an enduring curiosity about life.

Wayne is survived by his wife Joyce Huffmon; daughter Suzanne Huffmon Esber and her husband Jeff; stepsons Tom, Gary and Dave Wright and their wives Judy, Renee, and Sandy; step-grandchildren Heather, Jeff, Erika, Michael, Kirk and Adam; and five step great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Tenderly Hospice for their loving care of Wayne during his final days.  There will be no funeral services; however, family will gather for a celebration of life and spreading of ashes in Milwaukie OR and Montana.

Contributions in Wayne’s memory may be made to Shriners Children’s Portland Hospital  https://lovetotherescue.org/