Obituary of Alan Walter Huck

Alan Walter Huck

1944 - 2023

Alan Walter Huck passed away on November 2, 2023, with his family lovingly by his side. Born on June 23, 1944, to Adam and Lillian Veness Huck, Alan described a near-idyllic childhood on the farm south of Luseland with his older sisters, Shirley and Ginny, and nearby cousins Jerry, Bob, Dennis and Loren Huck; Doug, Doreen, Max, and Brenda Veness; Eugene and Sheila Hoff; and their very special Uncle Bill Veness. The old brick school hosted lasting memories and famous shenanigans with friends Norm Behm, Herbie Weinmeyer, Ron Budd, and Larry Bell, among others. Alan’s life was also enriched by his natural singing voice and self-taught guitar skills. Together with fellow musicians Ron Jahner, Arnie Hoff, Margie Barker, Willie Ubell, Delores Frison, and Elaine Budd, they formed a cover rock band. The Cyclones were a local sensation, performing at numerous dances in Luseland, Kerrobert, Cactus Lake, Coleville, Superb, and other “happening” centers. They were even winners of a CFQC talent contest and invited to appear on a televised show.

In 1964, Alan married Betty Ann Schan from Kerrobert, starting their lives together at the Huck family farm where they raised five children – Chandra, Mark, Lisa, Jason and Rob. He farmed with his father until 1971, then with his Uncle Ed and cousin Dennis for a time. Alan drove the school bus, often accompanied by the family’s black lab, Charlie, running alongside. He enjoyed hockey and spent years coaching and serving on the local minor hockey association. There was always an outdoor rink to skate on at the farm. Alan was a board member of the Luseland Credit Union for many years. Sharing his musical talent in the community, he entertained at various social events and sang at weddings, funerals, and family gatherings. In the 1980s, Alan started as a crop insurance adjustor where he got to drive around the country, look at crops, and visit with farmers – a job tailor-made for him.  He made sure to end up at the right farm at lunchtime.

Alan and Betty fondly recalled the fun they had with family and friends in Edmonton one winter. Cousin Jerry encouraged Alan to sing at some nightclubs, so they packed up the kids – Chandra, Mark and Lisa – to a two-bedroom apartment where they made lifelong friends with the only other family in the building, the Diewerts.

Alan and Betty built a new Nelson Lumber package home on the farm, doing most of the work themselves with occasional help from Uncle Ted and Eugene Hoff, Don Parnitsky, Clinton Heintz, and other family and friends. It was a beautiful, spacious home, and he was proud of it.  The family moved in in December 1974 and he finished the basement the following winter, again mostly on his own. It was a devastating blow when the house was completely destroyed by the fire that took Mark’s life in 2020.

Alan convinced Betty to move to Lethbridge in 2001 to try his hand at another occupation, but he happily found himself a crop insurance adjuster again, staying on in that seasonal position for fifteen years. He enjoyed his time in Lethbridge, maintaining their little house and yard, scouring the thrift stores for good reads, finding the cheapest gas in the city, and attending WHL hockey games.  

A loving and supportive father, Alan urged his children to get out into the world and experience life. He was rather stingy with compliments so when they got one it meant something. Becoming a grandfather was one of Alan’s greatest joys. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and was always interested in their activities and achievements. There was nothing better than finding a quiet corner for a little chat with one or more of them.  

Alan was predeceased by his mother in 1962, his father in 1971, his grandson Richard in 1996, his sister Shirley Kubashek in 2011, and his son Mark in 2020. He is survived by his loving wife, Betty of Saskatoon; children Chandra and Clem Schraefel of Kerrobert, Lisa Huck of Calgary, Jason and Terri Huck of Calgary, and Rob and Amber Huck of Saskatoon; grandchildren Adam Schraefel, Stephen and Laura Schraefel, Derek Schraefel and Shelby Shepherd, Ashley and Shawn Parks (and great-granddaughter Scarlett), Copper Huck, Edison Huck, Rogan Huck and Samuel Huck; sister Ginny and Pierre Parent; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Alan will always be remembered for his music, his sense of humour, and the enduring friendships he cultivated throughout his life.

We will gather at the Luseland Homecoming Hall on November 28, 2023, at 1 p.m. to celebrate Alan’s life with stories, reminiscing, and lots of music. In deference to Alan, it is not a formal event, and he would be happy for you to dress in whatever makes you the most comfortable. If you are uncertain, give Betty a call - she advised him on what to wear for nearly 59 years, as he often liked to point out.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in Alan’s memory may be made to the Luseland/Salvador Homecoming Hall, c/o the Town of Luseland, P.O. Box 130, Luseland, SK, S0L 2A0.