Richard E. Huff

Richard Huff, age 86 of Holland, passed away peacefully Monday, March 30. Dick grew up on the east coast, one of two sons, his dad a Reformed Church minister. Summers often brought him to the forests of New York, and what would be a lifelong love of the Mohonk preserve, near New Paltz and the Hudson River. He came to Michigan for his college years, meeting his wife Phyllis, and what would become a very special connection to Hope College that would eventually see him return to the town he loved, in his retirement. In between, the east coast called him back for a 38 year career in New York City, working on Wall Street (Vice President of Standard & Poors, and AMBAC Indemnity), with involvement in a long trajectory of management and analysis in the bond field that helped create dams, hospitals, buildings, and a wide range of other corporate and public works projects across the country. He also served as President of the Monroe-Woodbury Board of Education, and as Chairman of the Tuxedo Planning Board, both in NY state. His young family started in Montclair NJ, and in time built a new home in the green forests of New York state, in the community of Sterling Forest, started newly at that time to bring together cultural events, a botanical gardens, corporate research center, and more. Architecture had always been an interest for Dick, and this found expression in working with an architect and professor at Columbia U. on a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home, in which his daughter Nancy and son Tom spent much of their childhood. Teenage years were later in the suburban town of Westfield NJ, before the kids were off for college, and Dick approached retirement. At which point, the call of Holland brought him back to this place he loved, with then 20+ years of fulfilling involvement in local activities, through various planning and development boards, an enthusiastic following of Hope athletics, and the beauty of Lake Michigan, Big Red, and Tulip Time. And a very special affinity throughout for all of the memories and friendships centered around Freedom Village. He is survived by his beloved grandsons Andrew and Daniel, and by Tom, Phyllis, Nancy and her husband, Mark, who was like a son to him. Following his wishes, the family will have a small private funeral, and a larger memorial get-together in a month. Burial will be in the Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Holland, Hope College, or the Mohonk Preserve. The family is being served by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St. Holland, MI 49423. www.langelandsterenberg.com

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Richard E. Huff

November 26, 1929 - March 30, 2015