The family of Howard B. Huftalen announce his death on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017 at 96 years of age. Howard is now with his beloved wife Dorothy who preceded him in death. They shared 65 years of marriage. 

Howard was the son of Floyd and Ruth (Christy) Huftalen. Howard was the beloved father of Diane, Susan (Raymond), Howard Jr. (Lisa), Stephen (Kathy), David (Charlene), and Peter (Sandy). He was the brother of Jim, Esther, Jean, Bud, Arnie and George. His grandchildren are Jodie (Nick), Stephen Jr (Tarsha), David Jr. (Christy), Jon (Ashley), Courtney (Jeff), Colby (Lauren), Katie (Raymond), and Jocelyn (Trevor). His great-grandchildren are Davis, Dean, Austin, Codie, David III, McKenzie, Grady, Ryan and another great-baby due July 28. He also leaves many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. His sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law who have preceded him and his surviving sister-in-law Mickey Huftalen. He loved us all.  

Dad served his country in World War II. He was stationed in England. When he returned from England and was home on leave mom told dad they were being married. Within a week the preparations were made and the ceremony celebrated. Dad had sent money home to buy a boat with his brothers to continue the tradition of his father as fishermen, lobstermen. Dad’s next leading by God resulted in working for Blount Seafood Corporation in the 1950s. He worked there until he retired in 1985. He loved working at Blount’s. He gave his all to the company. He developed techniques that made the food processing easier. He was a great leader of people and so many whom worked with him still talk of him and his life of caring and Christian commitment.

Dad was a Godly man. He lived his faith and belief in Jesus, His Savior. He worked tirelessly in church and on boards. He was a Deacon for many years and was proud of his ability to be a layman speaker in church. He was not a man to give unsolicited advice. He was a man who listened. He helped countless people. He never betrayed a confidence. He looked for the good in each person he met. And expected we, his children, would always “Do unto others what you want done unto you.” 

He loved each one of us, his children, and loved the ones we brought into our lives as our husband, wives, friends. Each that we brought into our family call him Dad. Mom and Dad had a way of embracing people. Never noticing or commenting on their faults. They loved unconditionally. They lived their love for each other as an example of unconditional love. It is our legacy from them of this love that we remember and treasure.  

This is just a portion of this man Howard B. Huftalen: Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Uncle, Brother, Friend. He lived humbly, gave quietly and listened even when we wanted his words. 

God certainly knows the Joy of His servant Howard. He now rests in God’s loving arms! God bless you our Father until we see you again.