Biography:

Dr. Arthur Stuart Huffman was born in Harwich Twp (Chatham-Kent), Ontario on the 12th of July, 1909.  Dr. Huffman was the youngest of 6 children born to Ai Huffman and the former Margaret McMillan.  His parents were farmers and his siblings were; Annie Huffman, Hazel Kasiah Huffman, John Angus Huffman, Malcolm “Mac” Huffman and Edward Blake Huffman. Dr. Huffman was raised and educated at “Huffman Corners” in Harwich Township.

Dr. Huffman graduated from the Blenheim Continuation School (now called Blenheim District High School) before attending The University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine.  He graduated on the 10th of June, 1933 and interned for 2 years at Grace Hospital in Toronto.  Following his internship, Dr. Huffman practiced medicine at Lambton Mills (near Toronto) for 6 months before setting up his medical office in Blenheim.

He married Mary Isabell Winrow on the 17th of November, 1934 in Toronto, Ontario.  Mrs. Huffman was born in Toronto on the 8th of March, 1910.  She was the daughter of Charles Norman Winrow and the former Isabell Ridpath.  Her father was an electrician and she had a younger brother named Charles Gordon Winrow.  According to the 1921 census, the Winrow family resided at 429 Marion Street in Toronto.

Dr. Huffman enlisted in the R.C.A.F. on the 29th of January, 1943.  Dr. Huffman did his initial training at Lachine, Quebec and Esterel Quebec and he attended The University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine taking specialized courses in aviation medicine. Dr. Huffman’s theatre of service during World War II was spent in Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.  He was discharged as a Flight Lieutenant on the 14th of December, 1945.  After his service to Canada he returned to his medical practice in Blenheim.

Dr. and Mrs. Huffman raised their family at 287 Talbot Street.  Mrs. Huffman loved to play golf and she had many friends.  She enjoyed entertaining and she was active in community organizations.

Dr. and Mrs. Huffman had three children; Mary Annabelle Huffman, Charles Arthur Bruce Huffman and Margaret Doris Huffman.

Mrs. Mary Huffman died on the 15th of September 1953.  She was buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Blenheim.

Dr. Huffman married Ervine Scherle in 1954.  Mrs. Huffman was born on the 7th of October, 1920 in Isisesti, Romania.  She was the eldest of 7 children born to Johann and Louise Scherle.  Mrs. Huffman immigrated to Canada with her family in 1928.  Her siblings were; Adele, Elvera, Edna, John, Erna and Frank.   Mrs. Huffman had been previously married to Raymond Thomas Vaughan.  Mr. Vaughan died of a heart attack in Erieau on the 18th of March, 1953.  He was 37 years old at the time of his death and they had no children.

Dr. and Mrs. Ervine Huffman had two sons, Joseph Huffman and Arthur Huffman.

Dr. Huffman had a family medical practice at the corner of Parr St. and Talbot St. in Blenheim until his retirement in 1985.

Dr. Huffman had many interests, including hockey and baseball. He was the President of the Erieau Athletic Association and enjoyed hunting small game. Dr. Huffman belonged to the Masonic Lodge of Blenheim, the Blenheim Rotary Club and the Sertoma Club of Erieau. Dr. and Mrs. Huffman resided in Erieau.

Dr. Huffman died on September 6th, 1991.  Mrs. Ervine Huffman died on the 27th of May, 2019.  Dr. and Mrs. Huffman were buried at the Evergreen Cemetery.

*For his service during WWII, Dr. Huffman is featured on the Gathering Our Heroes website.

**Dr. Huffman’s siblings, Nursing Sister Annie Huffman and Gunner Malcom Huffman served overseas with the Canadian Armed Services during WWI.  They are also featured on the Gathering Our Heroes website.

***Dr. Huffman’s sister Hazel Huffman became a nurse and married Dr. James A. Foote.  Dr. Foote practiced medicine in Michigan.  

****Dr. Huffman’s brother, Edward Blake Huffman served in the House of Commons of Canada from 1949 until 1958.  He died on the 14th of July, 1985.