Dean Gardner Huffman – 50th Reunion Essay

Dean Gardner Huffman

Date of Death: 7-Sep-2015

College: Ezra Stiles

(This memorial was published in the Kalamazoo Gazette from Sept. 13 to Sept. 27, 2015, and reprinted on the Class website.)

Dr. Dean G. Huffman passed away at home on September 7, 2015. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, the son of the late Dean DeWitt and Grace (Gardner) Huffman. He was also preceded in passing by a brother, Myles Miller.

Dean excelled at education from a young age and went on to achieve many academic accomplishments. He received a BA and Masters in mathematics from Yale where he won the Putman Award. He would further his education by earning an MD from the Medical School of Ohio at Toledo, and would later become a subspecialist in Maternal Fetal Medicine.

Dean served our country honorably as a general medical officer in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War Era. On July 31, 1982, he married the love of his life Joanne (Thieme) Huffman, who survives.

Dean was an avid reader who enjoyed computers, watching baseball, and The Ohio State University football team. He also enjoyed movies, trivia, and taking cruises with his family. Dean had a great sense humor and was loved by his patients, his family, and friends. He was excited and proud about becoming a grandfather in October to Daphne Engelman. He will be missed by all who knew him. He also leaves to cherish his memory, two daughters, Becky and Annie Huffman; two nephews; many great friends and colleagues.

From legacy.com: Dean will remain in my heart and others as the epitome of a physician. He was one of the most intelligent men I have ever known, and his empathy and sensitivity were renowned. Furthermore, he was a loyal and decent man who remained faithful to his friends and family always. I will miss you, my friend. —Susan Hendricks