Halfway, Oregon
Donald Leslie Huff, 32, of Halfway, died June 25, 2002, on the Idaho side of the Snake River near Oxbow.
A celebration of his life was today in a graveside service at Pine Haven Cemetery in Halfway.
He was born on Aug. 30, 1969, at Baker City to Tom and Vicki Ingram Huff.
Donnie, known as “Duke” until he was about 12 years old, was raised and educated at Longview and Naches, Wash. He was a Naches High School graduate and attended San Jose Christian Bible College at San Jose, Calif., for two years. He studied with the intent of becoming a youth minister.
After college, he returned to Halfway, working as a carpenter, ranch hand and finally enjoying the occupation as a river guide/river adventurer.
Donnie had a desire for adventure. He was always ready and willing to try to experience everything. Those who knew Donnie best knew that he lived, breathed, smelled and talked fish.
He had a story for anyone who would listen, from small river fishing to the big one that got away in Alaska. He had a special gift of finding that hole and catching that fish when no one else could.
Donnie was a very compassionate man. He had a soft heart for any and all animals in need, whether they needed a home, fed, or medical care.
In September of 1998, Donnie and Patti Scott were married in Halfway at the Pine Valley Presbyterian Church. They made their home in Halfway with their daughter, Molly.
Donnie took every opportunity to spend time with his stepdaughter, Molly, and always loved and cared for her as his own. He was also that way with his nieces and nephews, who thought Uncle Don was very special.
Donnie never missed an opportunity to tell those he loved, that he loved them.
Survivors include his wife Patti, stepdaughter, Molly Coffee, parents, Tom and Vicki Huff, and brother, Tom, and wife, Melody Huff, all of Halfway; sister, Mindy, and husband, Brian Parr, of Coon Rapids, Minn.; three nieces; Katie, Karissa and Mariah; two nephews, Joseph and Jacob; uncle, Robert Stout; aunts, Linda Bradbury, Lauren Kloch, and Judy Taylor; godmother, Ellen Lord; numerous great-aunts, great-uncles; and numerous cousins; and his Labrador retriever, “Spook.”
He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Lewis and Zelma Laird and Mable Whitley; grandparents, Laurence and Lula Ingram, Fred and Mildred Stout, Ellis and Mary Jo Ingram; and cousin, Bobby Bradbury, who died at the age of 16.
Memorial contributions may be made to to Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834 to help the family defray the cost of the funeral service.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, July 5, 2002
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor