Boyd Glen Huffman

Boyd Glen Huffman

On May 10, 2014, we began mourning the loss but continued celebrating the life of Boyd Glen Huffman. The things he accomplished, the advancements in science he saw and the lives he touched in his 91 years are amazing. He was truly a member of the greatest generation. Boyd believed the purpose of life was "the pursuit of Love and Knowledge on this planet that we call earth." His achievements demonstrate he acted on this philosophy. Boyd was blessed with a sharp mind and a quick wit. He saw new adventure and an opportunity to learn around every corner in life. He was reading before starting first grade and continued to learn throughout his life; from literature, music and history to science and technology. Most of his early schooling took place in a one-room school house. Boyd could be called a 'self-made man,' his mind was always wanting more. He excelled in the field of technology, choosing this as his profession. He continually took classes and attended seminars improving his knowledge and skills. He refined his abilities in classes from Friden Flexowriter, Teletype Corporation, Collins Radio Company, Photon Equipment, Auto-Trol, and William Dorsey and Associates to name a few. He often traveled to other states to be able to take these classes. Boyd received top secret and ultra-top secret clearance from the federal government and worked at NORAD in Colorado Springs, and Cape Canaveral in Florida. At NORAD, he was one of only two men who installed the earliest computer systems and other sensitive hardware. At Cape Canaveral, Boyd operated the camera equipment for photographing the launching of rockets into space. He was often used as a trouble-shooter. His analytical mind and meticulous attention to detail, allowed him to quickly solve problems that had stumped the 'experts.' Along the way, he was instrumental in developing ColTec Electronics Inc. holding the title of vice president and supervisor of the audio - visual department. For a time Boyd worked for Burrough's and RCA. He was employed by the school district for maintaining audio-visual equipment throughout Southern Colo. Eventually; he started his own business working with audio-visual equipment along with his son, Robin. An interesting note--: one of Boyd's first jobs was in a broom factory near the family home. He sewed brooms for a nickel a dozen and did various other jobs at the factory. He was a coal miner and a gold miner for a short while in those early years. Boyd's career gave him opportunities to travel around the United States. He enjoyed the travel and knowledge he received. Boyd was born in Morrill, Nebraska, the 10th of 12 children with an adopted sister brought into the family. As a child he experienced the Depression and joined in the migration of families in our nation seeking employment in different states. The family's mode of transportation was a covered wagon. The family moved from Nebraska to Wyoming to Washington before settling in northern Colorado. Boyd's mother was quite a woman, living to the age of 101.It was in Colorado that Boyd married Lorraine and raised his family of three. In 1981, he was blessed with a second family when he and Mary were married. His children are; Jerry Lee Huffman (Kay) of Colorado Springs, Juanita Wier (Rex) of Penrose, Shirley Hoberg (Howard) of Kimball, Nebraska, and stepchildren; Roxanna Barrett (Bruce) of Pueblo West, Ray Rice (Lisa) of Edmond, Oklahoma, Robin Rice of Pueblo, and Rose Eve of Colorado Springs, This allowed him to enjoy 7 children, 18 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren. And they thoroughly enjoyed him. He was pre-deceased by 1 grandson, Kelly. Boyd was a loving and caring husband and father, and with his wide range of interest and knowledge, he could tell the most entertaining and engaging stories. He has left each of the family with fond memories and a favorite story to be past down to their children. The era in which Boyd lived, the 20th Century, was an astonishing time in world history. Transportation moved from Huffman's covered wagon to rockets (which Boyd was part of at Cape Canaveral) and lunar spacecraft to space shuttles. In medicine we have gone from sulfur drugs and penicillin to synthetic drugs, robotic surgery and artificial valves. In communication, Boyd's specialty, he saw advances from party-lines to triode vacuum tubes, amplified radio, ham radio and telephone signals, television, transistors, computers, integrated circuits, micro-processors, cell phones and smart phones, and hand-held computing devices. Boyd thoroughly enjoyed the new vistas the home computer offered; from games to e-mail to the internet. On the social-political front, Boyd had the opportunity to shake hands with Pres. John F. Kennedy. He met Werner Von Braun, the famous German rocket engineer and godfather of the Apollo Lunar Program. He also knew Governor John Love. What an amazing time to live. And Boyd lived it! He pursued his dreams with a tremendous energy and had a glorious amount of fun on the way. Boyd enjoyed photography, fishing (he liked to tie his own flies,) and camping with family. Bowling was a special treat for him, starting when he was seven years old as pin setter for a cent and 1/2 a line. He belonged to several bowling leagues over the years, last of which was in Pueblo. He was also a former member of the Elks and the Eagles. Through these and other activities Boyd made life-long friendships. Boyd’s family is so very grateful for the outpouring of cards, calls, visits and prayers. A special thank you to Sangre de Cristo Hospice Staff--- Dr. Sloan, Chaplain Austin, Vince-- RN. Christina-- LPN, Shawna--Family Worker, and C J--CNA, for their tender care to Boyd, and love shown to all the family. You are the Best!! " May God Richly Bless You", is our prayer. A memorial service will be held; Friday, June 27th, 10am, at Aberdeen Baptist Church, 301 Cleveland. In lieu of food or flowers, donations may be sent to the Sangre de Cristo Hospice or Boys and Girls Club of America. Thankyou.