Craig Huffman
Dec 29, 1959 -
Jul 31, 2021
Captain Craig David Huffman, 61, passed away on the evening of Saturday, July 31, 2021, after a very hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born on Dec. 29, 1959, to Basil and Nancy Huffman and was raised in San Jose, Calif. He attended San Francisco State University, where he earned his B.S. degree in 1982. Craig earned a commission in the Air Force to fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot. At Williams AFB in Chandler, Ariz., he earned his wings flying the Cessna T-37 and the T-38 Talon, a twinjet supersonic jet trainer.
Craig met the love of his life, Donna Landry, shortly after graduation from college and they were married in Los Gatos, Calif., on Feb. 11, 1984. After receiving his wings and new wife, Craig's first assignment was to return to Williams AFB training new pilots on the T-38. He loved flying the T-38 and often came home saying, "All this fun and I get paid, too!" All three of his children, Matt, Andrea and Brian, were born at Williams. Craig's second assignment was flying the C-141 Starlifter at Travis AFB in Calif. He honorably flew this military transport aircraft in countless missions, including Operation Desert Storm, as well as Operation Desert Shield. He left active duty in 1991, but, continued his military service as a reservist in the USAF until he retired at the rank of Major in 2003.
In 1992, Craig began his career with Alaska Airlines as a flight engineer operating the Boeing-727. Craig and his family moved to Anchorage, Alaska, in 1994, where he flew as a First Officer until he upgraded to Captain in 2000. He captained multiple versions of the Boeing-737. In his time at the Anchorage hub, he was a flight scheduler, a check airman, represented his fellow pilots through ALPA as Chairman of the Local Executive Council 64, and then elected as the Master Executive Council Vice Chairman in 2011. He then was chosen to be the Anchorage Base Chief Pilot for Alaska Airlines in 2013, where he served until October 2020. Craig took this position seriously as a visible representative of Alaska Airlines and volunteered for many community and company events – always with a smile on his face! He especially loved being master of the grill at the annual Summer Kick-off BBQ and being "forced" to fish to bring salmon to cookout events in Seattle.
Craig will be remembered as a fun, generous and patient soul who cared deeply for those in both his personal, as well as his professional lives. His family was his priority and he made lasting memories to ease us through this difficult time. He was fortunate enough in his adventurous spirit to travel to six of the seven continents including excursions to Antarctica. His love of the outdoors was often shared by family and friends alike, as he created countless cherished memories fishing, hunting and camping. When the snow hit the ground, Craig, an avid snowmachiner, enjoyed riding around the hills of Petersville, Paxson Lake and beyond! He loved his annual trip to Arizona golfing with longtime friends. He was always upbeat and had a wonderful smile on his face.
Craig and Donna most enjoyed time on the back deck of their home with their children and friends savoring a life well lived. He loved becoming a grandfather and there was no greater joy than spending time with Adam and watching his family grow. He will be watching from heaven as his second grandson, Charlee, will be born very soon as well as the addition of his first granddaughter in January. He will proudly preside from above at the nuptials of his oldest son, Matt and Elise in June 2022. He was fiercely proud of all his children and an excellent father and role model for them. Craig was an accomplished pilot, respected community leader, loyal friend, loving father and devoted husband who made sure his family knew they were loved. Craig is survived by his wife of 37 years, Donna; children, Matthew (fiancee Elise Johnston), Andrea (David Beiswenger) and Brian (Meredith); parents, Basil and Cecilia Huffman; grandchild, Adam; brother, Ross (Colleen); as well as many other relatives throughout the Lower 48. He was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Huffman. Craig was very much loved and will be deeply missed!
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, at 1 p.m., at the Alaska Airlines Hangar. Additional parking will be in the North Terminal Parking Lot with shuttle service. Due to COVID-19 concerns, masks will be provided at the door. Live streaming via Facebook Live will also be available. In lieu of flowers, expressions of love/memorials may be made through donations to the American Cancer Society or the Alaska Airlines Employee Assistance Fund.
