Obituary: Huppin, Sam M.
Age 85
HUPPIN,
Sam M.
(Age 85)
Entered into rest March 2nd in Palm Springs, California sur-rounded by his loving family.
He was born January 18, 1927 to Abe and Marian Huppin in Spokane, Washington.
Sam attended Lewis and Clark High School and graduated from Washington State College with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering.
He was proud to be a lifelong devoted Coug!
While at school, he co-founded a chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity which brought him great joy throughout his life.
Upon graduation, Sam went to work for the Boeing Co. in Seattle followed by service in the United States Army.
As an engineering instructor at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Baltimore, MD Sam had an opportunity to sightsee all along the eastern seaboard which sparked an enduring love of travel.
Following his military service, Sam passed through Spokane intending to go back to Seattle but never left.
He joined his parents and uncle, Sam I.
“Big Sam” Huppin in the family business that was founded in 1908 by his grandfather, transforming it from a men’s clothing store and pawnshop into a camera and electronics retail store.
He was an early entrepreneur in the consumer electronics industry putting Huppin’s, now a 4th generation business, on course to become the company it is today.
At work, more than anything, he loved to talk to his customers to share a story or tell a joke.
Sam was a longtime member of Downtown Spokane Rotary Club 21 and was a past-president of the Spokane Executives Association.
He was past-president of Congregation Keneseth Israel and was a founding member of Temple Beth Shalom.
He is survived by Norma, his wife of 54 years; and his son Murray and wife Leslie of Spokane; and daughter Rochelle of Santa Monica, CA; as well as by grandchildren Melissa and Kaitlin Huppin of Seattle, and Samantha, Abraham and Lea Fleck of Santa Monica.
He is also survived by brother Gene and his wife Gerry of Kirkland, WA; and sister Betty Rose Williams of Salem, OR.
Funeral service will be held at 1PM Sunday, March 4th at Heritage Funeral Chapel with burial to follow at Mt.
Nebo Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to Temple Beth Shalom, Camp Solomon Schechter or Spokane Rotary Club 21.