Kerry Neil Huff
It is with great sadness that the family of Kerry Huff announce his peaceful passing on August 2nd, 2026 of heart failure. Kerry was born June 5, 1952 to Ted and Rilla Huff.
Kerry is survived by his loving wife, Jill Mason, his daughter Jennifer (Henry) Africa, his son Jason (Nikki), and five grandchildren Jonah, Lyla, Andy, Lincoln, and Brandon, and his siblings Gord (Joanne), Karen (Ron), and Arva (Ken). He was predeceased by his parents and brother Layne.
Born and raised in Swan River, Kerry moved on to attain his first two degrees from Brandon University. He then began his teaching career at Major Pratt School in Russell, Manitoba in 1975. After thirteen years of teaching in Russell, Kerry moved to the Yukon with his family to experience the magic and mystery (and a desire to become one of the colourful five percent).
He began his Yukon teaching career in 1988 at Porter Creek Junior Secondary School. He went on to become Vice Principal and then Principal of Porter Creek Secondary until his retirement in 2009.
As principal of PCSS, he quickly became “Huff Daddy” to his students and was well known for his many antics, wearing a different tie every day of the year, his generous distribution of red liquorice, greeting everyone with “Mornin” regardless of the time of day, and the distribution of his very own bobble head.
During his career, Kerry served three years as president of the Yukon Teachers’ Association and one year as Vice President of the Canadian Teachers Federation.
Kerry loved photography and travel in his spare time. He was also a willing contributor in a futile attempt to win an annual hockey pool.
But the luckiest day of his life was when Jill persuaded him to go out for a dinner date. Thus began seventeen very special years filled with so much love and adventure.
There will be a celebration of life on August 28th at 3:00 at the MacBride Museum where people will be given the opportunity to share memories in an open mic.
Elaine Lee
My heart goes out to Kerry’s family, friends and former colleagues. I have so many stories to share but I relocated to Calgary in 2011. I miss you all and will be at his memorial in spirit. Thank you so much Mr. Huffy. I always thought of you as a father figure as you always took care of me, made me laugh, taught me how to be a troublemaker and made sure you drove me to all of my school dances. All my love from Elaine
Teresa Boucher
Kerry was a beloved teacher of many, many people in Russell. He made an indelible imprint on young minds and taught many ideas far ahead of their time in terms of public sentiment when it came to things such as indigenous history and the negative effects of colonialism. His impact on my becoming a teacher was significant. He will always be remembered.
Jill Mason
Thanks Teresa…Kerry often spoke fondly about the time he spent teaching in Russell…especially about the various Canadian history courses.
Tammy wowk
I had Mr Huff in my class. I always thought I was a stupid student but I thrived in his class by getting A’s he was a great mentor to a lot of us in major Pratt school he will be missed. I just asked someone about him the other day wondering where he was. My condolences to you and your family
Cecelia (Temple) Griffiths
At a time when most of the Yukon was brutal towards my family, owing to the fallout from severe trauma to one of my children, Kerry was the one beacon of empathy, compassion, and decency that held us together. He was a wonderful human. I’m profoundly sorry for your loss.
Kevin Greenshields
Kerry was a wonderful, funny and kind person. I never worked with him directly but every teacher and student I knew that worked with him had glowing reviews. He was for students and for teachers which not something all principals are able to balance. When I did talk to Kerry, I also found him to be affirming and positive. He will be missed. My condolences to you Jill and the rest of his family.
Anita Diakow
Our deepest condolences, Jill to you and all his family. 🌹
Kerry always brightened a room when he walked in.
He was a great principal who made a difference in so many students’ lives!!
Thinking of you at this difficult time. 🙏.
May Kerry RIP knowing he was loved dearly.
Kim Rose
He was an amazing encouraging and thoughtful principal. A real pillar for Porter Creek Secondary.
Susanna Chranofsky
One of the greatest people to ever shape my life.
Forever grateful for the life lessons.
Terri Thompson
He was one of my favorite people to run into in the school halls, always so friendly and positive.
He will be missed by so many.
Caity
Mr. Huff was one of the reasons I graduated and chose a better path in life. When I first started at Porter Creek, he was the first person to welcome me with his familiar “Mornin!” and he greeted students that same way every day.
He always had a smile on his face, knew every student’s name, and made school a place where we felt seen and supported. I still have a framed photo from my graduation, the same year he retired, and it’s something I’ll always treasure.
Thank you for every “Mornin!”, Mr. Huff, and for believing in so many of us. You made a lasting difference, and you will be deeply missed.
Lyn Thacker Tye
I just heard of the passing of “Mr. Huff”, he was a favorite teacher of mine when he began teaching in Russell, Manitoba many many years ago. My condolences to his family and friends, I am sure he will be greatly missed.
Hyder Bos-Jabbar
He was my principal all through highschool. His smile and “mornin'” never failed to put me in a better mood. My condolences to his family, he was a wonderful man.
Trena Irving
Best principal I ever had. Truly committed to making people’s lives better especially students and teachers. Super fair and worked in education for all the right reasons. A big hole and the heart of many students teachers, colleagues and friends will be due to his passing. I’m so sorry.
Brittany Cross
Mr. Huff was an icon. He cared deeply, was compassionate, patient, and humble, but wasn’t afraid to be ridiculous and didn’t worry about looking foolish.
Speak to any PCSS alum, and I’m sure they’ll have a story about how he helped them in some way. We were lucky to have a principal who cared so much. I was lucky. ❤️🖤🤍
Deb Edzerza
I was sorry to hear this news, sending my deepest condolences to Jill and family .
Mikelah Miller
He truly was the best principal. When I graduated I remember him asking if my younger sister would carry on my tradition of carving a pumpkin for the office. I still talk about my memories of high school every now and then and he’s mentioned every time. My condolences to his family.
Rose Heisz
Condolences to Mr Huffs family!
He made a difference in the lives of so many and was an educator for all the right reasons! You set the bar high! RIP
Celia
He was also one of thirty two names most outstanding principals in Canada. He was an amazing, kind, humble and generous person. He shaped me into who I am today with his silly quirks and willingness to stand out for a laugh. He really was the best principal ever.
Erin G.
The world has lost one of its brightest stars. I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Huff as my principal for all 4 years of my PCSS days. Unfailingly cheerful, with his strident “Mornin’” ringing out through the halls- it was like having your favourite uncle be your principal. Not just the liquorice; but the huge assortment of ties; cutting his hair into a Mohawk and dying it the school colours; to getting duct- taped onto the gym wall and cheering on the rams to victory from his sticky prison of tape! Kerry was the type of guy who’d quietly pay for students to go on school trips and school sport trips if they were unable to afford to go. Knew every kids name who’d come through those doors and made each of us feel like, just maybe, we mattered and had a choice in our future. Truly he put the ‘prince’ in principle. Gone but never forgotten.
Rhona Stalker
Jill, I am so sorry to hear about Kerry. He was always so positive and helpful to me in his role as President of the YTA. Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Sukh Sandhu
Kerry made a positive impact on so many kids and families and he will be greatly missed. Kerry hired me for my first full time teaching position at PC in early 2005. It was a privilege to receive his mentorship and support over 7 years. I’ll always remember Kerry wearing his red PC Rams jacket at our senior volleyball home and away games. The student-athletes appreciated the support from their principal on evenings and weekends, when the school day was over but school teams were competing in league games. Kerry always made sure each student felt acknowledged and appreciated at school. Always available for a conversation or a laugh. Kerry will be missed, but his contributions and legacy will live on. I am thinking about all of his family and close friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kerry. You are in our hearts and minds.
Barry Witzke
Kerry was a colleague and good friend of mine during the time we spent together in Russell,Mb. He was a very popular teacher especially with his students and we both shared that crazy sense of humour that sometimes got us into a bit of hot water. Even though I haven’t seen Kerry in a few years, I already miss him and will always remember him. My sincere condolences to his family and many friends.
Linda Johnson
Forever grateful to Kerry Huff for his compassion, leadership, fun and fine example of human-ness…such a generous gift to all students and families of PC students over many years.
Lori Miller
Oh Mr Huff! His classes were challenging, fun, frustrating, engaging…he was a great teacher. I will always remember our debate that you can’t be very isolated; he said you were either isolated or not. I replied that there was a huge difference in being pregnant (2 months) or very pregnant (9 months). We had a good laugh! He is fondly remembered by so many students from Russell. The world needs more Mr. Huffs. Thinking of his family and wishing I could be at the Celebration of Life because he knew how to celebrate life.
Vernna Johanson
Jill:
I am so sorry for your loss. You had a special, loving relationship for many years. My thoughts are with you at this sad time. May memories of Kerry bring you peace at this time.
Jill Mason
Thank you, Verna…going through all of the pictures definitely brings some peace…and laughter. That man was Awesome!