HUNTSBERGER, Tom

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, Arizona, Wednesday, July 10, 2013 Tom Huntsberger, 63, died peacefully in his sleep, on July 2nd after a brief but heroic battle with cancer. Born to Peggy and Ted in Los Angeles, on February 17, 1950, Tom was a devoted father, husband, and friend, who lived life to the fullest. After leaving Los Angeles in 1970, he met his future wife, Jan, on a fishing trip to Mammoth Lakes, California. They moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, together to attend Northern Arizona University. He earned degrees in environmental science and chemistry before getting a job as an analytical chemist at NAU, where he worked for 30 years. Tom was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fly-fish, hike, and cross-country ski. He spent many summers backpacking in the Sierras of California, the Rockies of Colorado, and the San Francisco Peaks of Northern Arizona. He enjoyed running rivers as well, particularly the Colorado and the San Juan. He was known and loved for his practical jokes and sense of humor and was admired by many for his thirst for knowledge. But by far, the most precious and important part of his life, was his son, Ian. The relationship of Tom and Ian was not only as close as a father and son can be, but one of deep friendship and admiration. Tom is survived by his son Ian, his wife Jan, his father Ted, and his sister Carolyn. A celebration of his life will be held in his honor on Saturday, July 13th, at 2 pm, north of Hart Prairie. Please call (928)856-4169 for directions. This obituary was prepared by the Advertising Department (928) 556-2279.