My grandpa, Len Huck, passed away last week at the age of 101. Definitely sad, but I’m not sure how you could live a more full life - so it’s cause for celebration. The dude had a pretty great life, over a WILD span of US history (1922-2024) - Ford Model T to ChatGPT. In reflecting about how he lived such an amazing life, there were a couple themes that stood out to me: Loyalty and Commitment: Len spent 47 years at the same organization. He started his banking career as a low-level teller and credit report writer for Valley National Bank in Phoenix in 1957. He then worked his way up to loan officer, then managed the Scottsdale branch and then region. In 1969 he started managing the bank’s Trust Department. In 1982 he became President of Valley National Bank, and led the bank through the acquisition by Bank One in 1992 (and remained a part-time honorary leader of the bank through the Bank One acquisition by JP Morgan in 2004). Oh he was also married to his wife Sue for 76 years :) Positivity and Gratitude: Len was always known for wearing suit jackets in the color range of what can generally be described as Pastel Rainbow Sherbert. He was a super fun guy, and always had a big smile on his face. His life was not without challenges (he was on battleships and submarines for the Navy in the Pacific Theatre of World War II and downed three enemy aircraft) – but he navigated decades with a thirst for adventure and a love of life and his family. On his 100th birthday, he said in a toast, “I am the most blessed person on the continent.” The stoke was high for Len. Community and Service: Len was a huge contributor to the community of Phoenix as it grew into a bigger city. He was one of the first Presidents of the Thunderbirds (a service organization that puts on the wild Waste Management Open golf tournament at TPC Scottsdale). He led boards for hospitals, YMCA, Boys Club, Arizona State University, United Way, and many more. From his 1978 Phoenix Man of the Year speech, when asked What is your Life Philosophy?, “Recognize that we’re here for a purpose and that it must be to be in the service of others.” Cheers to 101 great years Grandpa Len!
I heard it said once that if you took someone from 1900 to the 1960's and then sent them back, they couldn't even describe what they saw to others, but if you took someone from the 1960's to now and sent them back it would all be relatable ("Their computers are faster and smaller, their cars are faster and more curvy, their phones are radio, etc"). I doubt I'll see anywhere near as much change in my lifetime as your grandfather.
Such a touching tribute to a remarkable man! My grandfather passed away right before covid, he was a week short of his 103 birthday! He played bridge the day before he died. There is much to learn from their generation. I try to remind myself daily. He was an artist and a successful businessman - having started a very popular California retail chain in the 1940s that thrived till the late 1980s. He had a gift of left-brain/right-brain balance! Strategic thinker, yet creative. And he always challenged himself. Thank you for sharing and reminding me of the great lessons from these gentlemen!
What a great life story. If we all could live with that mission statement of “we’re all here for a purpose and it’s to serve others,” imagine how much less complicated life would be.
A fitting tribute to your grandfather, Evan. He lived a very long and happy life full of family, friends, accomplishments and love. Dad was so very proud of his family.
An incredible story, thank you for sharing this. His legacy will live on through those he impacted.
I'm sorry about your loss. My grandmother passed in May. But what a legacy he leaves. I hope you get some time to rest with all of this, we are people first.
Wow Evan Huck what an inspiring story, and how great that you had him in your life for so long. Thank you for sharing! We need pics of the rainbow sherbet blazers... What a life!
What an inspiring man. It sounds like the world was lucky to have him.
Thank you for sharing this, Evan. It looks like he enjoyed life. And 76 years - wow. I think we all hope for that. You have his smile by the way.
Focused on helping founders build great business software companies. Devoted father, tonal zealot, and unprofessional storyteller.
1moWow. What a legend and what a life. What was his handicap:)