SOUTH PARIS – Ellery L. Huff, 91, of 19 Greenleaf Ave., Lot #10, Norway, died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, April 6, at Market Square Health Care Center.

He was born in Norridgewock on July 30, 1915.

He was in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He married Louise Nash of Camden on June 25, 1939.

Mr. Huff graduated from high school in his hometown of Norridgewock. He completed the industrial arts program at Gorham Normal School in 1935 and began a 37-year career in that profession. He obtained his B.S. degree in education in 1957 at Gorham State Teachers College.

After teaching in his hometown, he relocated to Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield, then to Traip Academy in Kittery, arriving at South Paris High School in 1947.

Don Gouin was “just a kid” when he came to South Paris in 1953 as Phys. Ed. and Driver Ed. teacher. “Mr. Huff was especially attentive to students whose lives were difficult for whatever reason,” recalls Mr. Gouin.

Principal Keith Cunningham felt Mr. Huff was a “most valuable member of the high school faculty, always ready to resolve issues, academic and personal. A true mentor for students.”

Dave MacGregor was first a student teacher with Mr. Huff, then returned that fall with a new wife, to teach with the man who had been recommended by Gorham State Teachers College. He recollects that Mr. Huff started an informal “night school” with a “half-dozen men and women who worked on their hobbies in the shop – everything from welding and auto mechanics to woodworking.” They taught together for many years and became very close friends.

Mr. Huff subsequently taught at Oxford Hills High School, Mechanic Falls High School and Edward Little High School in Auburn. His manner of teaching was appreciated by hundreds of students over the years and he will be remembered, as well, for having a level head in a crisis and for his ability to get people to work together.

Mr. Huff was a member of the Gorham State Teacher’s College Alumni Association, past president of the Oxford County Teacher’s Association and past president of the area Industrial Arts Association. He was Past Noble Grand at Mt. Mica Lodge IOOF No. 17 and was very active in the Maine Road Runners (formerly Serro Scottie Club) enjoying the camaraderie of that group for many years.

His son, Alvin, and wife, Sally, live in Pocasset, Mass.; his daughter, Diane and husband, Larry Wilson, live in Norway; his granddaughter, Suzy D. Brooks and husband, Kevin, live in Sagamore Beach, Mass., with his great-grandchildren, Kendyl Ellery Brooks and Carson Albert Brooks; his grandson, Eric S. Huff and wife, Jocelyn, live in Douglas, Mass., with their daughter, Katie; and his granddaughter, Robyn and her husband, Tom Bongiorno, live in Chelmsford, Mass., with Anthony James “AJ,” and their new baby, due this month.

He loved his nieces, Mary McEnroe of Southwest Harbor, Linda Dabrio of Rockport and Janice Morong of Camden, and a cousin, Geneva Padham, of Waterville.

Mr. Huff was predeceased by his twin sister, Edrie; and their sister, Eleanor.