Popular UT professor was an avid traveler

6/22/2007

Ray L. Huffman, 79, a retired University of Toledo professor of sciences who at one time served as president of the faculty senate, died Wednesday in the Kingston Residence of Perrysburg nursing home after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Mr. Huffman of Maumee was a popular professor and an avid golfer, family members said.

Before beginning his career in education, Mr. Huffman served in the Navy during World War II.

He taught a vast array of science classes at UT's former community and technical college, including health-related subjects such as anatomy and physiology.

"He was a jack of all trades," his son, Mark Huffman, said.

Mr. Huffman began his teaching career at the former Burnham High School in Sylvania. He joined the university in 1962, and retired in 1987.

Often, Mark Huffman said, upon finding out who his father was, former students would approach him just to tell him how his father had touched their lives.

In 1948, Mr. Huffman married Frances Stockton.

He and his wife were passionate travelers. Often taking month-long camping trips, they explored much of the American West and Canada.

Family camping trips are some of Mark Huffman's fondest memories.

After retirement, Mr. and Mrs. Huffman took the opportunity to expand their horizons, traveling throughout Europe and Alaska.

Mr. Huffman continued his commitment to scientific research even in the difficult time before his death. During his seven-year battle with Alzheimer's, he participated in many clinical drug trials.

"It was his wish to do whatever he could to help," Mark Huffman said.

Surviving are his wife, Frances Huffman; daughter, Janet Kamilaris; sons, Mark Huffman and John Huffman; sisters, Ina Hanna and Helen Capobianco, and seven grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow in Maumee United Methodist Church. There will be no visitation.

The Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

The family suggests tributes to the Alzheimer's Association for Research, Maumee United Methodist Church, or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.