Tom Huntsberger, retired research specialist, died July 2, 2013, after a brief but heroic battle with cancer. He was 63.
Mr. Huntsberger was born to Peggy and Ted Huntsberger on February 17, 1950 in Los Angeles, Calif. He met his future wife, Jan, while on a fishing trip to Mammoth Lakes. The two moved to Flagstaff to attend Northern Arizona University where Mr. Huntsberger received his bachelor’s degree in environmental science and chemistry in 1979.
After graduation, Mr. Huntsberger accepted a position as a research specialist at NAU where he worked until his retirement in 2005.
Mr. Huntsberger was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fly-fish, hike and cross-country ski. He spent many summers backpacking the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Colorado Rockies and the San Francisco Peaks. He enjoyed running the Colorado and San Juan rivers as well.
He will be remembered for his practical jokes, sense of humor and thirst for knowledge.
Mr. Huntsberger was especially close to his son, Ian. Their father-son relationship was marked by mutual admiration and deep friendship.
Mr. Huntsberger is survived by his wife Jan; son Ian; father Ted; and sister Carolyn. A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 13, north of Hart Prairie. Please call (928) 856-4169 for directions.