Verne Huser
River runner, educator, author
Huser saw outdoor recreation as bridge to conservation
Salt Lake City, UT—Verne Carl Huser died Nov. 18 in Salt Lake City, at 90. The world lost a great river man when river runner, educator, and wilderness advocate left this planet on the night of the Beaver Full Moon, Nov. 18, 2021. Verne passed away peacefully in the presence of family in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Born and raised in Schulenburg, Texas, Verne graduated with a BS from University of Texas, Austin. He was the athletic trainer for UT baseball team when they won the College World Series in 1952. After serving in the US Army during the Korean War era, Verne took advantage of the G.I. Bill to get his masters in Education at Harden Simmons University, Abilene, TX.
Verne first visited the Tetons in Wyoming in 1958 and became totally enamored with river running. He returned to Jackson Hole for many summers to guide for Barker-Ewing Float Trips. Verne loved being outdoors anytime he could, and was a pioneer river runner who rafted, canoed, or kayaked many western rivers including the Snake, Salmon, Rogue, Colorado, and Tatshenshini Rivers among others. As a partner in Huser-Karp Float Trips in Western Washington, he guided trips on the Skykomish, Wenatchee, and Skagit Rivers. And he rowed the Grand Canyon with family and friends for the last time at age 75.
He earned a Fulbright scholarship in Greece ('62-'63) where he spent a year teaching in Thessaloníki with his first wife Jean, with whom he has two children, Heidi Huser Hackler and Paul Huser. Verne taught high school English and Drama, and coached track for 10 years in SoCal, WY, and OR, before a career change to environmental mediation and education.
Verne married his second wife Willa Runyon in 1972 and helped raise her son David Sonnenreich in Salt Lake City. Verne raised his kids hiking, backpacking, camping, canoeing, white water rafting, always with a keen respect for mother nature. Verne and Willa spent 50 years living in UT, WY, WA, and NM.
A lifelong birder (his fav was the lazuli bunting), naturalist, natural historian, and environmental advocate, Verne loved his environmental work as the Executive Director of the Utah Environment Center; Environmental Communication Specialist for Kennecott Copper; and as an Environmental Mediator with the Office of Environmental Mediation at the University of Washington, as well as in New Mexico, where he helped mediate disputes between indigenous tribes and local governments. He was particularly instrumental in the effort to create the Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque.
Throughout all his other adventures, Verne was a freelance writer and photographer at heart, writing for many publications including High Country News and Sports Illustrated. In 1972 Verne published his first book, Snake River Guide. His other books include River Running, Canyon Country Paddles (on paddling Utah rivers), River Camping, River Reflections, Rivers of Texas, On the River with Lewis & Clark, Paddle Routes of Western Washington, and Bouncy the Giraffe, a children's book he wrote for his kids when they were young.
In the 1990s Verne returned to teaching high school English at the Albuquerque Academy, in Albuquerque, NM. He was instrumental in starting the Bernalillo County New Mexico Master Naturalist Program and worked as a volunteer leading nature walks and bird walks at the Open Spaces Visitor Center and at the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, in Albuquerque, NM. Verne was a tireless advocate for environmental causes, working with many state legislatures to protect wild and scenic rivers and open spaces.
Through his school teaching, coaching, river guiding, and nature walks he educated thousands of people on the importance of our natural resources and the priceless value of wilderness. But the one thing Verne may be most well known for amongst his friends and family is the world's best (or worst!) punster! All the world was a pun to Verne… and he loved spending time with his grandchildren teaching them about nature, always ready with a pun. Verne and his wife Willa recently moved back to Salt Lake City, UT to be closer to family.
Verne is survived by his loving wife Willa Huser, Salt Lake City, his daughter Heidi Huser Hackler (Kirk) Seattle, WA/Mexico, son Paul Huser (Darcy Cruwys) Bozeman, MT, son David Sonnenreich (Sharon) Salt Lake City, and four grandkids, Noelle Huser, Sarah-Jane Huser, Maggie Cruwys, and Rachel "Ash" Sonnenreich, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
We're sure Verne is now floating rivers in the great beyond. A memorial will be held next summer in Jackson Hole, WY.
Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Dec. 5 to Dec. 13, 2021.
River runner, educator, author
Huser saw outdoor recreation as bridge to conservation
Salt Lake City, UT—Verne Carl Huser died Nov. 18 in Salt Lake City, at 90. The world lost a great river man when river runner, educator, and wilderness advocate left this planet on the night of the Beaver Full Moon, Nov. 18, 2021. Verne passed away peacefully in the presence of family in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Born and raised in Schulenburg, Texas, Verne graduated with a BS from University of Texas, Austin. He was the athletic trainer for UT baseball team when they won the College World Series in 1952. After serving in the US Army during the Korean War era, Verne took advantage of the G.I. Bill to get his masters in Education at Harden Simmons University, Abilene, TX.
Verne first visited the Tetons in Wyoming in 1958 and became totally enamored with river running. He returned to Jackson Hole for many summers to guide for Barker-Ewing Float Trips. Verne loved being outdoors anytime he could, and was a pioneer river runner who rafted, canoed, or kayaked many western rivers including the Snake, Salmon, Rogue, Colorado, and Tatshenshini Rivers among others. As a partner in Huser-Karp Float Trips in Western Washington, he guided trips on the Skykomish, Wenatchee, and Skagit Rivers. And he rowed the Grand Canyon with family and friends for the last time at age 75.
He earned a Fulbright scholarship in Greece ('62-'63) where he spent a year teaching in Thessaloníki with his first wife Jean, with whom he has two children, Heidi Huser Hackler and Paul Huser. Verne taught high school English and Drama, and coached track for 10 years in SoCal, WY, and OR, before a career change to environmental mediation and education.
Verne married his second wife Willa Runyon in 1972 and helped raise her son David Sonnenreich in Salt Lake City. Verne raised his kids hiking, backpacking, camping, canoeing, white water rafting, always with a keen respect for mother nature. Verne and Willa spent 50 years living in UT, WY, WA, and NM.
A lifelong birder (his fav was the lazuli bunting), naturalist, natural historian, and environmental advocate, Verne loved his environmental work as the Executive Director of the Utah Environment Center; Environmental Communication Specialist for Kennecott Copper; and as an Environmental Mediator with the Office of Environmental Mediation at the University of Washington, as well as in New Mexico, where he helped mediate disputes between indigenous tribes and local governments. He was particularly instrumental in the effort to create the Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque.
Throughout all his other adventures, Verne was a freelance writer and photographer at heart, writing for many publications including High Country News and Sports Illustrated. In 1972 Verne published his first book, Snake River Guide. His other books include River Running, Canyon Country Paddles (on paddling Utah rivers), River Camping, River Reflections, Rivers of Texas, On the River with Lewis & Clark, Paddle Routes of Western Washington, and Bouncy the Giraffe, a children's book he wrote for his kids when they were young.
In the 1990s Verne returned to teaching high school English at the Albuquerque Academy, in Albuquerque, NM. He was instrumental in starting the Bernalillo County New Mexico Master Naturalist Program and worked as a volunteer leading nature walks and bird walks at the Open Spaces Visitor Center and at the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, in Albuquerque, NM. Verne was a tireless advocate for environmental causes, working with many state legislatures to protect wild and scenic rivers and open spaces.
Through his school teaching, coaching, river guiding, and nature walks he educated thousands of people on the importance of our natural resources and the priceless value of wilderness. But the one thing Verne may be most well known for amongst his friends and family is the world's best (or worst!) punster! All the world was a pun to Verne… and he loved spending time with his grandchildren teaching them about nature, always ready with a pun. Verne and his wife Willa recently moved back to Salt Lake City, UT to be closer to family.
Verne is survived by his loving wife Willa Huser, Salt Lake City, his daughter Heidi Huser Hackler (Kirk) Seattle, WA/Mexico, son Paul Huser (Darcy Cruwys) Bozeman, MT, son David Sonnenreich (Sharon) Salt Lake City, and four grandkids, Noelle Huser, Sarah-Jane Huser, Maggie Cruwys, and Rachel "Ash" Sonnenreich, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
We're sure Verne is now floating rivers in the great beyond. A memorial will be held next summer in Jackson Hole, WY.
Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Dec. 5 to Dec. 13, 2021.
Verne Huser
River runner, educator, author
Huser saw outdoor recreation as bridge to conservation
Salt Lake City, UT—Verne Carl Huser died Nov. 18 in Salt Lake City, at 90. The world lost a great river man when river runner, educator, and wilderness advocate left this planet on the night of the Beaver Full Moon, Nov. 18, 2021. Verne passed away peacefully in the presence of family in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Born and raised in Schulenburg, Texas, Verne graduated with a BS from University of Texas, Austin. He was the athletic trainer for UT baseball team when they won the College World Series in 1952. After serving in the US Army during the Korean War era, Verne took advantage of the G.I. Bill to get his masters in Education at Harden Simmons University, Abilene, TX.
Verne first visited the Tetons in Wyoming in 1958 and became totally enamored with river running. He returned to Jackson Hole for many summers to guide for Barker-Ewing Float Trips. Verne loved being outdoors anytime he could, and was a pioneer river runner who rafted, canoed, or kayaked many western rivers including the Snake, Salmon, Rogue, Colorado, and Tatshenshini Rivers among others. As a partner in Huser-Karp Float Trips in Western Washington, he guided trips on the Skykomish, Wenatchee, and Skagit Rivers. And he rowed the Grand Canyon with family and friends for the last time at age 75.
He earned a Fulbright scholarship in Greece ('62-'63) where he spent a year teaching in Thessaloníki with his first wife Jean, with whom he has two children, Heidi Huser Hackler and Paul Huser. Verne taught high school English and Drama, and coached track for 10 years in SoCal, WY, and OR, before a career change to environmental mediation and education.
Verne married his second wife Willa Runyon in 1972 and helped raise her son David Sonnenreich in Salt Lake City. Verne raised his kids hiking, backpacking, camping, canoeing, white water rafting, always with a keen respect for mother nature. Verne and Willa spent 50 years living in UT, WY, WA, and NM.
A lifelong birder (his fav was the lazuli bunting), naturalist, natural historian, and environmental advocate, Verne loved his environmental work as the Executive Director of the Utah Environment Center; Environmental Communication Specialist for Kennecott Copper; and as an Environmental Mediator with the Office of Environmental Mediation at the University of Washington, as well as in New Mexico, where he helped mediate disputes between indigenous tribes and local governments. He was particularly instrumental in the effort to create the Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque.
Throughout all his other adventures, Verne was a freelance writer and photographer at heart, writing for many publications including High Country News and Sports Illustrated. In 1972 Verne published his first book, Snake River Guide. His other books include River Running, Canyon Country Paddles (on paddling Utah rivers), River Camping, River Reflections, Rivers of Texas, On the River with Lewis & Clark, Paddle Routes of Western Washington, and Bouncy the Giraffe, a children's book he wrote for his kids when they were young.
In the 1990s Verne returned to teaching high school English at the Albuquerque Academy, in Albuquerque, NM. He was instrumental in starting the Bernalillo County New Mexico Master Naturalist Program and worked as a volunteer leading nature walks and bird walks at the Open Spaces Visitor Center and at the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, in Albuquerque, NM. Verne was a tireless advocate for environmental causes, working with many state legislatures to protect wild and scenic rivers and open spaces.
Through his school teaching, coaching, river guiding, and nature walks he educated thousands of people on the importance of our natural resources and the priceless value of wilderness. But the one thing Verne may be most well known for amongst his friends and family is the world's best (or worst!) punster! All the world was a pun to Verne… and he loved spending time with his grandchildren teaching them about nature, always ready with a pun. Verne and his wife Willa recently moved back to Salt Lake City, UT to be closer to family.
Verne is survived by his loving wife Willa Huser, Salt Lake City, his daughter Heidi Huser Hackler (Kirk) Seattle, WA/Mexico, son Paul Huser (Darcy Cruwys) Bozeman, MT, son David Sonnenreich (Sharon) Salt Lake City, and four grandkids, Noelle Huser, Sarah-Jane Huser, Maggie Cruwys, and Rachel "Ash" Sonnenreich, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
We're sure Verne is now floating rivers in the great beyond. A memorial will be held next summer in Jackson Hole, WY.
Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Dec. 5 to Dec. 13, 2021.
River runner, educator, author
Huser saw outdoor recreation as bridge to conservation
Salt Lake City, UT—Verne Carl Huser died Nov. 18 in Salt Lake City, at 90. The world lost a great river man when river runner, educator, and wilderness advocate left this planet on the night of the Beaver Full Moon, Nov. 18, 2021. Verne passed away peacefully in the presence of family in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Born and raised in Schulenburg, Texas, Verne graduated with a BS from University of Texas, Austin. He was the athletic trainer for UT baseball team when they won the College World Series in 1952. After serving in the US Army during the Korean War era, Verne took advantage of the G.I. Bill to get his masters in Education at Harden Simmons University, Abilene, TX.
Verne first visited the Tetons in Wyoming in 1958 and became totally enamored with river running. He returned to Jackson Hole for many summers to guide for Barker-Ewing Float Trips. Verne loved being outdoors anytime he could, and was a pioneer river runner who rafted, canoed, or kayaked many western rivers including the Snake, Salmon, Rogue, Colorado, and Tatshenshini Rivers among others. As a partner in Huser-Karp Float Trips in Western Washington, he guided trips on the Skykomish, Wenatchee, and Skagit Rivers. And he rowed the Grand Canyon with family and friends for the last time at age 75.
He earned a Fulbright scholarship in Greece ('62-'63) where he spent a year teaching in Thessaloníki with his first wife Jean, with whom he has two children, Heidi Huser Hackler and Paul Huser. Verne taught high school English and Drama, and coached track for 10 years in SoCal, WY, and OR, before a career change to environmental mediation and education.
Verne married his second wife Willa Runyon in 1972 and helped raise her son David Sonnenreich in Salt Lake City. Verne raised his kids hiking, backpacking, camping, canoeing, white water rafting, always with a keen respect for mother nature. Verne and Willa spent 50 years living in UT, WY, WA, and NM.
A lifelong birder (his fav was the lazuli bunting), naturalist, natural historian, and environmental advocate, Verne loved his environmental work as the Executive Director of the Utah Environment Center; Environmental Communication Specialist for Kennecott Copper; and as an Environmental Mediator with the Office of Environmental Mediation at the University of Washington, as well as in New Mexico, where he helped mediate disputes between indigenous tribes and local governments. He was particularly instrumental in the effort to create the Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque.
Throughout all his other adventures, Verne was a freelance writer and photographer at heart, writing for many publications including High Country News and Sports Illustrated. In 1972 Verne published his first book, Snake River Guide. His other books include River Running, Canyon Country Paddles (on paddling Utah rivers), River Camping, River Reflections, Rivers of Texas, On the River with Lewis & Clark, Paddle Routes of Western Washington, and Bouncy the Giraffe, a children's book he wrote for his kids when they were young.
In the 1990s Verne returned to teaching high school English at the Albuquerque Academy, in Albuquerque, NM. He was instrumental in starting the Bernalillo County New Mexico Master Naturalist Program and worked as a volunteer leading nature walks and bird walks at the Open Spaces Visitor Center and at the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, in Albuquerque, NM. Verne was a tireless advocate for environmental causes, working with many state legislatures to protect wild and scenic rivers and open spaces.
Through his school teaching, coaching, river guiding, and nature walks he educated thousands of people on the importance of our natural resources and the priceless value of wilderness. But the one thing Verne may be most well known for amongst his friends and family is the world's best (or worst!) punster! All the world was a pun to Verne… and he loved spending time with his grandchildren teaching them about nature, always ready with a pun. Verne and his wife Willa recently moved back to Salt Lake City, UT to be closer to family.
Verne is survived by his loving wife Willa Huser, Salt Lake City, his daughter Heidi Huser Hackler (Kirk) Seattle, WA/Mexico, son Paul Huser (Darcy Cruwys) Bozeman, MT, son David Sonnenreich (Sharon) Salt Lake City, and four grandkids, Noelle Huser, Sarah-Jane Huser, Maggie Cruwys, and Rachel "Ash" Sonnenreich, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
We're sure Verne is now floating rivers in the great beyond. A memorial will be held next summer in Jackson Hole, WY.
Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Dec. 5 to Dec. 13, 2021.
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