George Lowell Huffman

George Lowell Huffman was born to George Sylvan Huffman and Lena Mae (Tull) Huffman on February 2, 1944, in Limon, CO. He experienced a wonderful childhood growing up in Limon and formed some lasting friendships as he progressed through the school years. His sister, Dolores, noted that he never had to work that hard to get good grades and thrived in the athletic experience. Limon was on a great run of success athletically during those years and Lowell and his buddies dominated. It undoubtedly ignited in him a passion for coaching. Lowell spoke almost reverently of Coach Lloyd Gaskill and the influence he had on all the boys to be the absolute best they could be and to represent their school well. No excuses. After graduating high school Lowell attended Colorado Teachers College in Greeley, now University of Northern Colorado. He loved college life, competing in track – earning All-American status, and achieving the skills needed to be an effective teacher. Completing his final year was interrupted by the death of his father. Lowell went home to assume some family responsibility. Lowell married Janet Garten in May of 1971. A baby boy died at birth but they joyfully welcomed the addition of two girls, Heidi and Heather. He worked as a conductor for the Rock Island Railroad until the last run in late March 1980. Phil Gore, Director of BOCES at that time, asked Lowell to consider finishing college and test his teaching skills at Limon. That also gave him an opportunity to test his coaching skills. No pressure but… Limon did not like to lose. He took the boys’ basketball team to State in 1982, finishing second. This was the first return to State since 1964. Lowell continued to teach at Limon until 1989 when Strasburg Superintendent, Del Hemphill, asked him to consider a move to Strasburg to teach in the elementary school. He loved his two years at Strasburg Elementary. Every now and then he would pull out the VCR tape that he used to record his students’ speech assignments and smile and reminisce. Lowell had the opportunity to assist football Coach Milt Banks with his team during the two State Championship years. He also coached the girls’ track team and had such an exciting run of State participants and champions. He met Linda Haerther Bloomquist and they were married on January 10, 1993. Lowell moved to Bennett Middle School to teach Language Arts and ended up coaching there - basketball with head coach Merlyn Henry plus volleyball and track. During those 7 years at Bennett, Lowell decided to tackle his Master’s Degree in Administration. He often wondered, after the fact, how he ever accomplished that while coaching three sports seasons. Steve Beaber, Superintendent at Deer Trail, hired Lowell as Principal for the school district. He was informed, lovingly, early on, that the elementary teachers were doing fine, thank you very much, you can focus elsewhere. He loved Charlene Hemphill and her comrades for that sage advice. After 4 years at Deer Trail, Lowell was offered the elementary Principal position at Bennett, which he assumed for 2 years until retirement. But…he just couldn’t retire from coaching. SHS Boys’ Basketball coach, Jeremy Johnson, brought him on board. He absolutely loved coaching with Jeremy, Kyle Bollers and Kevin Hemphill, and spending time teaching all those boys the game of basketball. He was truly in his element when coaching and teaching. He continued until 2016 when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Kyle created the “Lowell Huffman Lead With Heart” award that he has bestowed on a deserving senior player every year. Lowell wanted to attach a contribution to that award and personally did so every year. Parkinson’s worsened for him in the past year, stealing much from him. He died at home on July 14, 2024, very suddenly and without warning. It was probably the best way to end that battle. Friends say he’s probably riding his road bike or on the lake fishing or on the golf course waiting for his buddies to join him. It truly was a good life for him. Thanks to all those who cared that he touched their lives.

Family members missing him greatly are:

Linda

Heidi Waggoner, Brian, Nick and Riley, Ken

Heather Clark, Josh, Josephine, Paxton, Finley

Travis Bloomquist, Erica and Richardo

Jessica Bloomquist Mendoza, Robert, Mercedez, Dallas

Jonathan Bloomquist, Wyatt, Waylen, Hannah

Sister Dolores Miller and family

Sister Karen Hogan and family

The family of brother Lawrence Huffman

In lieu of flowers, contributions would be gratefully accepted to fund the SHS Boys’ Basketball “Lowell Huffman Lead With Heart” award.

A service honoring Lowell will be held Saturday, August 3rd at the Hemphill Middle School gym in Strasburg at 1:00 p.m.