MONSON – Wayne O. Huff, 78, husband of Melanie (Gary) Huff, died June 10, 2013, at Charles A. Dean Memorial Hospital, Green-ville, from complications of an aneurysm. He was born May 15, 1935, in Guilford, son of Orman William and Leone (Babin) Huff.
He graduated from Piscataquis Community High School, class of 1953, and University of Maine, class of 1957, with a degree in mechanical engineering. He also attended University of New Hampshire from 1958-1964 for more engineering and economic courses. Wayne was a licensed professional engineer in the state of Massachusetts, where he worked for Western Electric Co., North Andover, primarily focused on growing man-made quartz crystals for the communication industry. He was awarded a patent for his pioneer work on high-pressure vessels to actually form quartz from crystal seeds. He returned to Maine in 1964 as a member of Moosehead Manufacturing Co., engaging in furniture production. He retired as president in 2000 and continued as chairman of the board until his death. Wayne served as president and CEO of Lake Hebron Trucking Co. and Moosehead Energy, Inc., as well. He was extremely interested in the well being of his employees and members of the community. He spent countless hours, both night and day, to serve on various boards and organizations. At one time he listed well over 20 such organizations throughout the years. Locally, he served the Boy Scouts, Monson Public Library, Monson Academy Trustees, School Union 60, SAD 68, Trustees of Foxcroft Academy, C.A. Dean Memorial Hospital Trustees and Monson Town Comprehensive Planning Committee. He served Piscataquis County on the economical council, the budget committee and the county private industry chair, representing three counties. He worked with the state on Maine Jobs Council, the apprenticeship committee, and was pleased to be a board member of American Furniture Manufacturers Association, headquartered in High Point, N.C. He enjoyed spending all those hours while he himself kept well informed on the progress of others.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Melanie of Monson; eight children, Christopher Huff and wife, Lynn, of New Gloucester, Timothy Huff and wife, Donna, of Dover-Foxcroft, Kirk Ryder and wife, Yi Fang, of Brewer, Carla Hanson and husband, Bruce, of Greenville, Colleen Huff of Scarborough, Chris Ryder and companion, Michael Blake, of Dexter, Wendy Lander and companion, Scott Lander, of Dover-Foxcroft, and Hilary Kendall and husband, Keith, of Guilford; 22 grandchildren, Nicholas, Kristen, Zachary, Heather, Jesse, Sarah, Hali, Whitney, Andrew, Alison, Ryan, Brooke, Ashley, Jami, Gage, Hilary, Drewcilla, Sumer, Frank, Kolby, Cameron and Elizabeth; seven great-grandchildren, Katie, Ella, Kaylyn, Tucker, Evan, Victoria and Connor; two brothers, Duane Huff and wife, Kathleen, of Guilford, and Dale Huff and companion, Jane York, of Abbot; three brothers-in-law, Walter Gary and wife, Wanda, of Greenville, Michael Gary and wife, Karol, of Willimantic, and Junior Grout of Conway, N.H.; five cousins, Sally Clifford, Robert Alpert, Gary Klemek, Robert Klemek and John Klemek; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a grandson, Michael Huff; son, Douglas Ryder; and two sisters-in-law, Sheila Grout and Ann Huff.
Friends are invited to visit with the family 4-7 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft. Instead of attending a funeral, Wayne requested that the equivalent time be spent helping a friend in need. Services will be private for the family. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Monson Public Library, P.O. Box 282, Monson, ME 04464; or Monson Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 308, Monson, ME 04464. Condolences and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.
Wayne O. Huff
