David Charles Huff

David Huff, 62, of Helena passed away Friday, October 12, 2012 after a long fight with cancer. His wife and daughter were by his side as he drifted off to be with the Lord. Born January 6, 1950, to Cecil and Ester Huff, David grew up on a farm in Imperial Valley, California. After graduating from Imperial Valley High School in 1968, he earned an Associates of Arts in Music from Imperial Valley College, then went on to Biola University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Christian Education and Music. David eventually went on to earn a Master’s of Science in Education and Learning Development from Montana State University Northern in Havre, MT.
David devoted his life to serving people, as a passionate pastor advancing the work Christ for the first 12 years of his professional life, then as a proponent for children’s safety and education later in life. In May of 2011 he retired from the Montana State Office of Public Instruction as the Traffic Education Director. David forged partnerships with diverse groups and worked to update Montana’s Traffic Education curriculum and to pass and implement Montana’s Graduate Driver License law. He treated people with respect and listened thoughtfully to divergent views as he sat through endless meetings. Because of his involvement, major strides were made on a national level to increase collaboration between the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and various state and federal driver’s education and safety organizations by bringing focus to driver education as part of a systems approach to traffic safety. He was honored with a Public Service award from NHTSA which states “In recognition of your outstanding leadership in finding common ground within the driver education community in the development and implementation of national administrative standards.” The California State Legislature also honored him in 2011 by passing a resolution in “recognition of his… meritorious service to his community, his state, and his country, and conveys the sincere appreciation and gratitude of the public.”
His final mission in life was to convey the life, love and freedom experienced through Jesus Christ, even in the face of such a sinister and debilitating diagnosis of a type four brain tumor. He chronicled this battle though posting on his blog with CarringBridge.org, inviting friends, family and colleagues alike, to join through prayer in his battle. As hard as the struggle was, he maintained his faith and good attitude. He recognized that though the battle may be lost here in this life, the war has already been won and he would be victorious – and victorious he was.
He is survived by his wife Janis Huff, daughter Lisa Huff, son Scott Huff (Kirstin) and son Matthew Huff ( Adrianna) and four grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brothers Clyde, John, Richard and Robert, and sister Elizabeth; as well as countless extended family members, friends and colleagues.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Twichel Funeral and Cremation Service in Helena, MT. A viewing has been scheduled for Wednesday October 17th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., as well as 11 a.m. to noon on Thursday October 18th at Twichel Funeral & Cremation Service, 314 N. Rodney Street. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 18th at Neighborhood Assembly of God; the burial will follow at Forestvale Cemetery.

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