Henry Phillip Huff, Jr.
July 27, 1920 - February 5, 2018
Henry (Hank) Huff passed away peacefully at his home in Pebble Beach, California on February 5, 2018, a few months shy of his 98th birthday. He was born in El Paso, Texas on July 27, 1920. He attended Stephen F. Austin High School in El Paso and matriculated to Texas College of Mines (Texas Western). As a junior he transferred to the University of Minnesota to study aeronautical engineering. In college he met the love of his life, Mary Ann Earnest. Upon graduation in 1942, they married and located in St. Louis where Hank began his career as a young aeronautical engineer with Curtiss- Wright. There his team was responsible for the development of the XP-42 fighter airplanes. Hank became a specialist in airplane structures and at that point, with a new son Henry III, the family relocated to Columbus, Ohio so he could perform wind tunnel tests. After the war, in 1946, Hank went to work with Slick Airways, an air freight company in San Antonio, Texas. Slick later moved to Burbank, California and the Huff family followed, and welcomed a second son, John.
Tragedy struck in 1949 with Mary Ann contracting polio. She spent 3 years in a Los Angeles County hospital and returned home as a quadriplegic surviving only with the assistance of an iron lung. Hank dealt with this life defining situation with grace and calm. He imported the two grandmothers and hired several amazing home-helpers to take care of his wife and his two young boys Hank the III (6ys) and John (2yrs). He and Mary Ann were committed to creating a full life together for their family.
Slick Airways relocated to the Bay Area in 1962 and the Huffs moved to Hillsborough. They found a home with an impressive view for Mary Ann, and Hank joined the Olympic Club in San Francisco as a golf member. In 1966, Hank became the Executive Vice President at Trans International Airlines. This charter airline was unique, flying military, football teams, race horses and even cows. In commenting on his now executive status, Hank quipped, “he flew a desk.” TIA was later purchased by Transamerica Corporation and Hank became the CEO. Hank was a demanding boss, but he often awarded employees with an “atta boy” when goals were met.
Love of golf and the beauty of the Monterey Peninsula drew Hank and Mary Ann to purchase a “dream” home in Pebble Beach in 1971. The magnificent ocean views made Mary Ann’s days happy as she ran parties at their home during the Crosby (AT&T) tournaments. Hank joined The Old Capital Club in Monterey for lunch and bridge and Monterey Peninsula Country Club for more golf. In 1975, Hank was invited to join the Conquistadores del Cielo, a prestigious group of top airline executives. He loved the fellowship of his airline “buddies” in both the Spring and Fall meetings at ranches. He retired from Transamerica in 1985, but continued working as a consultant for UPS, building their new airline.
Sadly, in 1983 Hank lost Mary Ann but he found love again with Marie Kuehner, a retired airline administrative assistant. They married in 1986 in Hawaii and enjoyed full retirement, traveling and entertaining. Marie passed away in 2009 and Hank became a full time bridge player at both the Beach Club and Old Capital Club. During the last few years of his life, Hank was warmly attended by his caregivers Charlotte, William and Christopher.
Hank is survived by son Henry Huff III, grandchildren Phillip Huff, Andrew Huff, Della Huff, Summer Huff and great grandchildren Hillary Huff and Tommy Huff. Son John predeceased him in life. Hank will be sorely missed, and will always be remembered as a “true gentleman,” a kind friend and a generous host.
A private family Celebration of Life will be held.
Condolences may be written to the family at www.bermudezfamilyfunerals.com