Ernest Ray Huppi

Ernest Ray Huppi died on August 1, 2007 at his home in Concord, Massachusetts. He was born in Logan on February 18, 1939 to Ernest and Hulda Huppi. He grew up in Logan with three sisters and one brother. Ray loved the outdoors and in his younger years enjoyed camping, fishing, and waterskiing in Logan, Hyrum Dam and the nearby canyons with his family and friends. Tony Grove Lake was high on his list of favorite spots. As a youngster, he began helping his father at the family plumbing and heating business, and he continued to work there through his college years. In 1962 he graduated from Utah State University as valedictorian of his engineering class with a BS degree in electrical engineering. He earned a master?s degree in electrical engineering from USU in 1966. Ray married Verena Eugster on August 11, 1960, and in 1962 they moved to Massachusetts where Ray worked for USU at the Electro-Dynamics Laboratory as part of the Air Force Cambridge Research Labs. Their son, Brian, was born in 1970. Verena passed away in 1987. In 1969 Ray joined the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory at Hanscom Air Force Base, where he worked for over 30 years. He made many contributions to the field of atmospheric infrared spectroscopy and electro-optics sensor systems. He retired in 1999. Ray was an accomplished musician and loved playing bluegrass banjo, mandolin, and guitar, especially with members of his family. For the past 15 years, he has played in a bluegrass band and has performed at several ward and community functions in the Boston area. He was also an avid gardener and took great pride in his beautiful yard, both at his home in Concord, as well as his vacation home in Hawaii. He was a very creative person who could solve any problem. He could fix anything in his house or car and was always happy to be of service to his family and friends. Ray took great joy in the simple things in life and was never happier than when working in his yard, walking in the woods, rowing his boat on a lake, or watching a sunset. He will be remembered for his quick wit, his kindness to others, and his gentle nature. He is survived by his son, Brian Jessica Huppi of San Francisco; one brother, Ronald Linda Huppi of Winchester, Mass; three sisters, Rose Thompson of Logan; Karren Ronald Barozzi of Kaneohe, Hawaii; and Susan Lee Godfrey of Clarkston; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday, August 11, 2007 at Nelson Funeral Home, 162 East 400 North, Logan. Friends and family may call Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday morning one hour prior to services. Burial will be in the Logan Cemetery. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .