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John Huchra Obituary

HUCHRA, John Peter Of Lexington, Oct. 8, 2010. Husband of Rebecca M. Henderson. John is also survived by his parents, Mieccyslaw Huchra and Helen (Lewicki), by a son, Harry, and by a sister, Christine. Professor of Astronomy at Harvard University; Member of the National Academy. Visiting Hours will be held Monday Oct. 11 at the Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Rd., LEXINGTON, from 4pm to 8pm. A Funeral Service will be held Tuesday Oct. 12 in Story Chapel at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge at 11am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Donations in his memory may be made to MIT, 77 Mass. Ave. Cambridge, MA 02139. Interment Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. In lieu of flowers gifts may be made to MIT for the John P. Huchra Memorial Fund. Checks should be payable to MIT, 600 Memorial Dr., W98-500, Cambridge MA 02139. On line gifts can be made at: https://giving.mit.edu/givenow/GiftStart.dyn Douglass Funeral Home Lexington 781-862-1800 www.douglassfh.com

Published by Boston Globe from Oct. 9 to Oct. 10, 2010.
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It's 2024, well over ten years since John Huchra passed away. I work in Perth Australia and have not been travelling much in the past few years so have not stayed closely in touch with the American astronomical community, hence I just found out about his death. I came to John's past work because I have been researching the origin of the concept of a RATE of star formation in galaxies. In so doing, I came across the early work of John in the 1970s. In some of those papers he noted the need to include very high rates of production of the most massive stars to account for some of the bluest galaxies then being found. I believe this work contributed to understand the stellar populations in galaxies, especially those that we now call starburst galaxies.

Gerhardt Meurer

March 1, 2024

I often think of John, and it always brings a smile. One memory I have is sitting in a crowded restaurant in Boston with John, talking the Hubble constant and other cosmology - our experiences with some of the great cosmologists and their unique personalities. He had begun to use a low voice then, and we had to lean over to hear each other, making the conversation feel like spies reporting on the circle of power. He told me that he had seen the z-machine recently at the Smithsonian, and wondered if they were going to put him in a display of astronomy past.

Nicholas Suntzeff

Friend

October 3, 2023

Still thinking of him

David

Work

October 3, 2022

Thank you John! We all miss you as a colleague and friend.

Jaan Einasto

Friend

October 8, 2019

I first met John in kindergarten,Grant School Ridgefield Park N.J.and we went to school together through high school. His name came up in the RPHS alumni newsletter as being one of the most sucessful students in our school. Little did I know how sucessful he had become. I feel so sad to find out of his death and not being able to contact him to tell him what an amazing contribution he has made to this world.We all drift apart over the years. It's so sad that this is the way things go. When I look up I will think of you as one of the shining stars upon us. I love you John, rest in peace.

Joanne Smith-Baertschi

November 11, 2012

NOO

Bill Johnson

September 8, 2012

My sympathy for you & ur family.
[email protected]

Katrina Martin

April 17, 2012

Buz

May 12, 2011

opal mosley

April 25, 2011

My sympathies to you, Rebecca, and to Harry. I am shocked and very saddened by this news of John's death.
John and I attended school together from 8th Grade through High School. I would read of his successes and occassionally see him on television science programs.
A decade ago we both attended one of our RPHS Class Reunions where I had the pleasure of meeting you and visiting with you both. I was glad to see he was happy and so successful in his chosen field.
John was always challenging our teachers and always asking questions. Astronomy has lost one of it's greatest.
Sincerely,

June Forest (Thompson)

March 26, 2011

I attended school with John. So sorry to hear of his passing. My prayers to his family.

Elaine Smith-Ricci

February 1, 2011

herschel miller

January 28, 2011

I knew John in grammar school and high school. He was the nicest boy. I knew he was very intelligent and would go far. I am so happy to read he loved what he did and did it so very well.My condolences to all of his family. God has a very special man next to him.

Peggy Knapp(Lutz)

January 23, 2011

Wyrazy współczucia z powodu śmierci Janka sklada rodzina z Ząbkowic Śl z Polski kuzyn Janek z rodziną.
Wenn You will, please contact us at [email protected], or by phon 0048748152156.
Regards
Janek Ragan
Jaracza 4
57-200 ZÄ…bkowice Åšl

Jan Ragan

December 5, 2010

John's generosity was legendary, and I feel blessed to have had him as a friend, and for a while a long time ago, a colleague. To his son, his wife, and his family, my condolences.

Jim Gettys

November 30, 2010

What a painful sorrow to say "goodbye" to John Huchra. Yet with what thankfulness and joy I think of him. As a graduate student at Harvard, I remember him as a professor filled with enthusiasm, who didn't take himself too seriously and instead bounced with joy and a sense of humor. He tried to bolster our confidence by saying that he had been "the worst graduate student" (I doubt that), and gave us all encouragement and a sense of excitement about astronomical discovery.
He remembered students too. Years after my time in graduate school, he would still ask me how I was doing, and even expressed pride and gratitude for my own subsequent career path, something every student longs to hear! And in more recent years I have worked with John in American Astronomical Society leadership roles, ever grateful for his whole-hearted commitment to the field and the positive atmosphere he created by his outstanding leadership.
Most recently he expressed to me his deep gratefulness, concern and love for his family, including parents, wife, son, and all. May you constantly feel his ongoing love, and may God bless and comfort you. The world is a better place because of John!
Psalm 46:1

Jennifer Wiseman

November 20, 2010

I first met John when while he was doing a senior research project at MIT with my PhD advisor Icko Iben. Our paths crossed many times since. He was a person of such energy and enthusiasm it's hard to imagine him gone. I have some more pictures of him at http://www.astro.virginia.edu/~rtr/photos/master.html

Bob Rood

November 15, 2010

I was so deeply saddened when I learned of Professor Huchra’s passing. He was one of the finest and first faculty members I met as an entering freshman at Harvard last year. I took his wonderful freshman seminar in Cosmology, and he quickly became a very important advisor and mentor to me. I benefited greatly and in many ways from his sage advice and guidance. He was always warm hearted, very humorous at times, and ever responsive and willing to help his students. In the last email I got from him, he closed with his usual sign off: “let me know if I can help in any other way.” I will miss him greatly and remember him as an extraordinary person, mentor, and professor. My deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Derek Robins

November 11, 2010

I had only just thought of John as I began an MA in Cultural Astronomy/Cosmology at University of Wales. He had been a classmate at MIT with my husband, Dave; we had casually conversed on cosmological and personal ideas at holiday events which gathered together those from his old alma mater. What, I suddenly wondered, might he impart to me now, if only by chance, if only I were perceptive enough? What might I learn from him now, in a new context? In shy, eager hope, feeling foolishly sophomoric, even eager to be humbled, I Googled his name. To learn that my chance to learn from him directly is gone, forever.

To those of you who had the good fortune to learn from him directly; to those of you who to whom he came home each evening; to those who reveled in his comradeship and accompanied him in his endvevors; you are blessed. My heart goes out to you all.

Marcia Butchart

November 10, 2010

I am deeply saddened to hear of John's untimely passing. He was the only kid I knew who would relax by sitting on the steps of Ridgefield Park High School reading physics and astronomy texts 'just for fun'. It remains one of my clearest and most fond memories of that time. We also shared a hearty dislike of our chemistry professor, who seemed bent on destroying any interest we might have in the subject. Although we lost touch over the years, I always delighted in his many academic successes. My deepest condolences to his wife Rebecca, his son Harry, and his parents.

Dorothy Darrow (Spalt)

November 8, 2010

I am saddened to hear this news. Rebecca, my deepest condolences to you and your family. May John's soul rest in peace.

popsi narasimhan

November 6, 2010

Rebecca,
I was deeply saddend to hear of John's passing. My sincerest condolences to you and the rest of the family. John was a dear friend and colleague. Over the years he set a benchmark for professionalism, collegiality and outright friendship that we all should aspire to. His advice and council will be sorely missed by all of us in astronomy. His place in our profession will never be filled by anyone else. It was a privilege to have been a small part of John's life.

You are in all our prayers.

Terry Oswalt

November 4, 2010

Rebecca,
I was so sorry to see the very sad news. My deepest condolences. John, Harry and you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Christopher Ainsley

November 3, 2010

Deepest condolences are extended to Rebecca from the Corning Incorporated R&D family on the passing of John Peter. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rebecca.


Charlie Craig, Corning, NY

November 1, 2010

I can't remember when I first met John - sometime in the early 1980's I think - but from that first meeting onwards I always appreciated his friendliness and thought of John as an excellent role model for how an astronomer should be.

Martin Gaskell

October 29, 2010

I interacted with John in many venues, starting with cloudy nights at the Palomar Monastery in the 1970's. I always found him to be a stimulating companion and a true gentleman. He was a unique person, and I feel the loss which others have expressed.

Michael Werner

October 27, 2010

I was working in the Smithsonian Observatory travel office in 1976 when I met John. He loved going to observe in Tucson and had lots of funny stories - and made it a point of pride to spend as little money has possible on himself so that he could save up for another trip. He was a truly dedicated scientist and a wonderful man.

Susan Roudebush

October 26, 2010

I knew John for only a single day, when we served together last year on a fellowship committee, interviewing Harvard seniors all day long. I liked him so much--his patience, kindness, sense of humor, and tie with stars on it. I was looking forward to seeing him again at this year's committee meeting.

Catherine McKenna

October 25, 2010

John and I seem to have practically grown up together, meeting our first week at MIT in 1966, living and working together in Burton/Connor, then going off to Caltech together. We finished in Pasadena and returned East, remaining steadfast friends through turbulent times. John was always entirely dependable, honest, and forthright. So good to so many people, in so many ways. My family and I will miss him deeply.

David Hall

October 22, 2010

John had a stronger influence on my career than just about anyone with whom I haven't actually done research. His freshman seminar gave me my first exposure to extragalactic astronomy and served as a model for the course I now teach myself. He provided crucial feedback on an early, embarrassingly bad draft of my graduate school application, which probably saved me from a flurry of rejections. I'm most grateful, however, for his example as a good scientist who was also a good (and exceptionally good-humored) human being. My condolences to his family.

Andrew Baker

October 19, 2010

I took his freshman seminar 3 years ago. He brought us apple cider and cookies every week, and I remember (incorrectly) expecting all other courses to be this way. He was calm, friendly, down to earth, and so enthusiastic about class and the topic -- it feels like this was yesterday. May he Rest In Peace.

Mashael Fakhro

October 18, 2010

I was one of the first people to meet John at the CfA. I was the administrator in his group when he arrived in OIR in September 1976 as a CfA fellow. In addition to our being friends, he was my boss for 10 years of our tenure at the CfA. We even joined the CfA bowling league together back in 1977. This is a very difficult loss. Unfortunately I was out of town for the funeral. My sincerest sympathy to Rebecca and Harry. Leslie Feldman, Cambridge, MA

October 18, 2010

I just heard the sad news and was totally shocked. John was in the committee of my
research exam and I had taken one course
he taught. John is one of the nicest guys in the Astronomy department. He was always an
upbeat person with a lot of energy. I still
remember the Thanksgiving dinner at his
home, the department party at his home, the
department baseball games we played, the pic
of us in the commencement and a brief conversion we had 3 years ago in Hawaii.
My deepest sympathies to his family.
Rest In Peace.

Ming Sun

October 17, 2010

I worked with John on the Astro 2010 committee and have been too sad to write something until now. In our short time working together I came to realize that John was a great human being who just happened to also be a great astronomer. We are all richer for knowing him and poorer for losing him.

Steve Battel

October 16, 2010

I can't say I knew John; I met him only because Rebecca and I had been fellow doctoral students and periodically met at the home of a close mutual friend. Yet he touched my life, that of my wife Sanghamitra, and most of all, that of my son Eric.

John met Eric, then an 8th grader, hugging a corner of the room at a party where Eric didn't want to be. Ignoring other adults, John struck up a long conversation. Later, he told my wife that while Eric wanted to go to CalTech, he would love have the opportunity to teach him at Harvard. A year later, he took on Eric as an intern for a week (a high school requirement). Where others might have stuck such an "intern" into a closet, John engaged him for hours in conversations about about science - and life. Last year, he instantly agreed to write a letter of recommendation to CalTech and after Eric was admitted, equally enthusiastically agreed to be his mentor. On his first day at CalTech, Eric found an email from John, who had truly embraced his role.

Indeed, the little I know of John I learnt by observing this relationship from the sidelines.

I can think of no greater tribute to pay to him: in a world in which the word "guru" has long lost its power, John Huchra was a guru in the original, Sanskrit sense of the word. Our world would be a much better place if more of us did what he clearly relished doing. His passing at so early an age has left us all poorer.

Rebecca, Harry: we are truly sorry for your loss.

Amit Mukherjee

October 16, 2010

I knew John not as an astronomer but as an always interesting person of curiosity and commitment, an enthusiastic mentor, a generous chef and host, a lover of bad movies, good hikes, and wide ranging chats. Above all I knew him as the husband/companion/father/mate and "maker of a life" to and with Rebecca Henderson and Harry. A role from which he is now sadly gone and which I am grateful to have witnessed.

Gina Felicetti

October 16, 2010

John was always supportive, questioning, funny, straightforward, and helpful to me and a great many other astronomers. Just a few days before his passing, he joined a nearly two hour Pan-STARRS telecon and was full of enthusiasm and ideas for projects on galaxies and quasars.

Ken Chambers

October 15, 2010

John was a great person who had a real zest for life and considerable interests outside of astronomy. I did not know him very well, but I will miss him.

Tom Greene

October 15, 2010

I was super excited when John agreed to take me on as the equivalent of an REU student in the summer of 2005, and more so when he told me that we would go observing in Arizona in 3 days as soon as I showed up at CfA. Since then, John had been an enthusiastic and inspirational mentor and friend for all these years. He continued to extend his kindness to me whenever we interacted at random meetings or through occasional emails. I still have trouble believing that he's gone. Condolences to his family...

Vivian U

October 15, 2010

My wonderful memories of John commence in 1972, when I played left field on the Caltech softball team and John played center. I ran into him - literally - when we both went to catch the same fly ball. (I'm sure I called "mine..." I'm sure he did too.) The next thing I knew we were both on the ground, seeing the kinds of stars that aren't really there. That's the kind of enthusiasm John brought to everything he did in life.
Much later John provided constant, thoughtful, and cheerful support for our expanding efforts to improve astronomy teaching and communication with the public. He always took time out of his busy schedule to help.
People like John make the profession so much more enjoyable and rewarding for all of us. I was and will always be proud when his face is the face people think of when they think "astronomer."

Doug Duncan

October 15, 2010

I remember well how I met John in 1987 when I was a PhD student and visited CfA to look for jobs. He immediately made time available to chat about science and about coming to CfA. When I did indeed come to CfA it was great to talk to him, and he was always accessible and open for discussions. His support was invaluable. It was a pleasure to keep in touch over the years when we were visiting in summer months. He did not seem to slow down significantly. We'll miss his enthousiastic presence. My condolences to Rebecca and Harry and family.

Marijn Franx

October 15, 2010

I am shocked and saddened by John's sudden passing. I knew him when he was at MIT so many years ago. I remember the parties at Burton house John,even then, was a smart but lovely and sweet young man.my condolences to all of his friends and family

Laura Logue Rood

October 15, 2010

I've known John since 1977 when he stayed with Todd Boroson and me during an extended visit to Tucson. In the years since then, I don't know how many committees I served on with John, most recently the AURA Board and the Space Telescope Institute Council, but it's at least in double digits. We were also co-authors on 15 papers, a tiny little piece of his massive bibliography. It was truly a privilege to work with him.

John was a person of strong character: he was a clear thinker, extraordinarily generous with his time and energy, and was always helpful. And I think Rob put it best in saying that "John squeezed every last drop out of the life he was given". We will all miss him. I join everyone in expressing my sincere condolences to Rebecca and Harry.

Brad Peterson

October 14, 2010

I had the privilege of knowing John when I was a grad student. He was on my research exam committee, and while I changed fields for my thesis and didn't interact scientifically with him much, he continued to keep tabs on my progress and always had thoughtful words of advice for me. I've written more about him here:
http://youngstellarobjects.blogspot.com/2010/10/john-huchra.html
Rest in peace, John.

Hannah Jang-Condell

October 14, 2010

For several years, despite the distance between our fields, John and I found ourselves on committees together in Washington. I learned a great deal from these encounters - about the universe, about the workings of the science establishment, and about John himself. His sense of humor and playfulness was always a delight.

I wish his family the strength that they will need in the coming months.

William Bialek

October 14, 2010

John was an immensely successful and influential astronomer, with a huge heart and generosity of spirit that made him so special to so many of us. For me he was everything you could ask of a colleague and a friend, always there to help, advise and encourage. I will cherish the memories of our long chats on mountaintops and in hotel lounges over 30 years, and witnessing the joy and fulfillment that Rebecca and Harry brought into his life. Although I am deeply saddened by this loss, I am also comforted in knowing that John squeezed every last drop out of the life he was given. His is a life dearly missed but also one to be celebrated.

Rob Kennicutt

October 14, 2010

I first met John as a PhD student working on the Tully-Fisher relation and Ho. This work was rather controversial at the time in that it suggested the possibility of Dark Energy and thus attracted quite a lot of criticism. However, John was extremely supportive of my efforts and I will always remember his energy and enthusiasm when we would discuss the latest issues of the controversy. I will miss John and my sympathies are with his family and friends.

Michael Pierce

October 14, 2010

My condolences to his family and everyone else who knew him. I was his graduate student - apparently, and sadly, his last - and he was very patient and helpful to me from beginning to end. I was excited about the chance to work with him, and very lucky I got it. Thanks for everything, John!

Julie Nantais

October 14, 2010

Professor Huchra was a fantastic departmental advisor when I was an undergrad. He suggested the grad program that I ended up in, and made me feel at ease with great stories of trucking and Teamster glory.

I'm so sorry I never got a chance to tell him that. My condolences to his family.

Chanda Prescod-Weinstein

October 14, 2010

I'm just an amateur cosmologist, but I've read about John's work for many years. He was a revolutionary, and always seemed to find time to explain his work in a way that those of us in the public could understand. My sympathies to his family and friends

bob puharic

October 14, 2010

John was one of my teachers and part of the committee for my research project and my thesis at the CfA. I didn't get to know him closely, but he was energetic, cheerful, helpful and had a unique way of expressing himself. I could tell that he cared deeply about science and students - not so much about tidy offices. He was also an integral part of the CfA and I'm sure he will be sorely missed by his colleagues there and elsewhere. To his family, my deepest sympathies.

Gregory Ball

October 13, 2010

John was always positive: about being an astronomer, a mentor to students and a colleague in research and on committees. He was thrilled with life and his part in it, especially with being a husband to Rebecca and a father to Harry. For his good nature and his infectious enthusiasm as well as his scientific insight and professional wisdom, we will miss John.

Martha Haynes

October 13, 2010

I had the pleasure of having dinner with John at the Pasadena AAS meeting. A colleague and I were walking by an outdoor patio when John called over his friend, my colleague, and invited both of us to share his table. John treated me, a complete stranger, a much younger, complete stranger, like a friend and colleague. We talked astronomy and baseball. His genuine interest in what his friends, old and new, were doing is a model of collegiality we should all strive to mimic.

Peter Newbury

October 13, 2010

My husband Lee and I will miss seeing him and taking his photo at the American Astronomcial Society meetings. His humor, smile and wicked cool dance moves will be truly missed.

Kelley Knight Heins

October 13, 2010

I met John years ago when I worked with him at the MMT. He was a fine man.

David Iadevaia

October 13, 2010

This is a very sad news. I met John in late 1970s and we became good friends. We studied the distribution of galaxies, and worked sometimes together, sometimes in parallel. Our Tartu group used galaxy data collected by John, and we thank John for his efforts to make all data available for the whole astronomy community. We miss John and his enthusiasm!

Jaan Einasto

October 13, 2010

This is very sad news. John was a sensitive and wise member of MIT's Physics Visiting Committee. Over the 8 years he served with us, we came to rely on his calm judgment and perspective - and his commitment to physics and education. We already miss him!
~Bob Johnson

Bob Johnson

October 13, 2010

I am so sad to hear this news. I met John Huchra as an undergraduate student when I was at Vassar. He and Bob Kirschner hosted several undergrads at Mt. Hopkins. They taught us a crazy card game from their MIT days and we took spectra of distant galaxies when it was clear enough to do so. He was a very nice guy and we did keep in touch, although infrequently, over the years. I feel honored to have known someone as thoughtful and intelligent as he was. He will be missed by many, I am sure.

Lauren Monowar-Jones

October 12, 2010

I never knew John Huchra, but as a classmate of Harry's I want to express my sympathy to him and the whole family, and to make sure that he knows that now especially, he can count on us all to do anything to possibly help.

October 12, 2010

I didn't know John personally, but I do attend school with his son. I consider myself to be his friend, and I hope it's mutual. But regardless, I couldn't help but feel extreme sorrow and empathy for Harry and the family's loss when I heard the news. I can't imagine how insurmountably hard it must be, and though nothing can be done right now to heal the pain, I do wish the absolute best for my friend, and for the family of John Huchra during these times.

Colin M.

October 12, 2010

Having served with John on an MIT Visiting Committee, I was always impressed by his wonderful combination of wisdom and humanity. Indeed, he will be much missed.
George Elbaum (San Francisco, CA)

October 12, 2010

I met John only briefly at a meeting I was at in Kingston, Ontario a little over a year ago. I had several interesting conversations with him ranging in topic from the American draft during the Vietnam War, his health, his childhood, his time running in college, and mutual friends. As a grad student, I was very surprised to learn soon after we spoke that he was the president of the AAS, a senior professor at Harvard, and a well-known, well-respected researcher who had made many important discoveries, because I can vouch for the fact that many astronomers in senior positions will not take the time to chat at length to a lowly grad student. He made a very strong impression on me and I don't doubt that his family and friends will miss him dearly. Please accept my deepest condolences.

Lisa Glass

October 12, 2010

I was shocked and saddened by the news. The last time I met John was at Marc Davis´Fest and he was looking great and very happy. At this sad moment, our thoughts, Rosario and mine, go out to Rebecca and Harry who unfortunately we never met.

Luiz da Costa

October 12, 2010

My heartfelt sympathy to John's family. I met John through AAS meetings, his friendliness, vibrancy, and warmth made it a pleasure to speak to him and to see him live life to the fullest. He is one of the great astronomers!
Martin Ratcliffe

Martin Ratcliffe

October 12, 2010

My heartfelt condolences to John's wife and son. I met John in Tucson during his observing days at Kitt Peak, and here in Pasadena as a visitor at Caltech's IPAC. I will always remember the sparkle in his eye and the smile on his face when he talked about his little son, Harry. He was a scholar....and indeed, a gentle man.

Pat Patterson

October 12, 2010

I am truly saddened to learn of John’s death. He was one of the kindest and most sincere people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I worked with him for a brief period of time and had the honor of getting to know this great man. He spoke often of his wife and son. He took pride in their accomplishments. It was clear that he loved them deeply. He also served as a mentor to many students and always made himself available to help others who called upon him for guidance. He truly lived life to the fullest. He will be missed, but the impact that he made on others lives will go on forever.

October 12, 2010

My sympathy goes out to Harry and the whole family. Our whole school community is saddened by this news.
- Susan Thompson, Theater Program, Commonwealth School

Susan Thompson

October 12, 2010

I want you to know what a great honor and privilege it has been to know John for these past 20 years, and especially these last few years when we worked more closely together with the summer students . John was the kindest, most generous person I have known. His door was always open to students. I loved to hear him recount each summer the wonderful story of observational cosmology that his discoveries contributed so much to. How we would all laugh together at coffee as he would tell stories about his many travels, always with that gleam in his eye and marvelous smile, and in spite of his incredibly busy schedule, he always had that ten minutes for me to come to his office to talk about science or plan an observation. As he was to so many of us here, John was my teacher, my mentor, my colleague on the mountain, and my friend. Words can't express how deeply he will be missed.
With deepest sympathy,

Marie Machacek

October 12, 2010

What a great privilege and inspiration it has been for me, and for so many of us, to have witnessed John's great wisdom, warmth and talent. His contributions live forever.

October 12, 2010

I will remember John with joy, both as a colleague and a friend. His wisdom and good humor will be deeply missed by all in our community. Our last few chats at AAS meetings were mostly about kids, with a little astronomy on the side. John was so happy being a father, and recounted parenting escapades with his usual upbeat attitude. Sincerest condolences to his family.

Heidi Hammel

October 12, 2010

What a great privilege and inspiration it has been for me, and for so many of us, to have witnessed John's great wisdom, warmth and talent. His contributions live forever.

Paul Green

October 12, 2010

John was a great astronomer, and a very nice human being as well. I remember him from a Thanksgiving in 1989, to which he invited me together with several other young people. For me, a postdoc from the Netherlands, this helped a lot to understand and get used to the American life.

Reynier Peletier

October 12, 2010

I feel very lucky and honoured to have worked with John. He was always so supportive and encouraging.

With deepest condolences to his family and many friends.

Pirin Erdogdu

October 12, 2010

I remember that as a graduate student, John's first few nights of observing were clouded out. He sure made up for it later! I don't know of anyone who spent more nights at the telescope, and he discovered wonderful things, like the Einstein Cross gravitational lens and the Geller-Huchra Great Wall of galaxies. It changed our view of large-scale structure and was very influential for me and my students. He will be missed by our entire community.

J Richard Gott

October 12, 2010

This is a terrible loss. Although I never had the opportunity to take a course from John, I knew him as a professor devoted to ensuring that our needs as graduate students, from courses to career development, were being met. In my two most recent conversations with him, John spoke with equal (and great) enthusiasm about the 2010 Astronomy Decadal Survey and about his love of sci-fi movies. What a wonderful man. My prayers are with his family in this sad time.

Joey Neilsen

October 12, 2010

I went to the donor's meeting at the recent past AAS meeting in Washington DC. I met John and was shocked to learn that he remembered my paper with Beatrice Tensley in the AJ. Now there is a man who studies and remembers the literature! I as also impressed by his confidence in dealing with his employer.

John is one of several successful astronomers I have met and outlived, and it does not seem fair. I would like to think people can earn years when they are bright and work hard. That does not seem to be the case. I hope their hard work does not shorten their lives. And I hope that they were able to play along with their work.

I have lost an astronomer who knew my thoughts before I knew his. I am glad he had people in his life who knew he was a good man.

Stan Brown

October 12, 2010

Many have mentioned the fact that John was a brilliant scientist and superb mentor. He was, above all, a Good Man who'd always find the time for people who needed his help or advice. We will miss him greatly.

Alberto Accomazzi

October 11, 2010

What a shock! So many wonderful memories and shared experiences over the years in AURA, AAS and many other areas. But an even greater loss to astronomy: his contributions and devotion to astronomy and astronomers were unparalleled. His was always a voice of reason no matter what the issue. It was a privilege and an honor to have known him.

Len Kuhi

October 11, 2010

I am a new friend of John's, having met him for the first time at the Nelson, NH,
community forum less than a month ago. He was a valued contributor to the forum and I looked forward to getting to know him and his family as they integrated into our community. He will be sorely missed by those who have so recently gotten to know him

Kathy Schillemat

October 11, 2010

He was the best Dad that anyone could have had.

Harry Huchra

October 11, 2010

My favorite memories of John are when he was "off the record", either at a bar or cooking a meal where the conversation meandered through astronomy, astropolitics, and whatever else was the topic of the day. He was always encouraging, even while providing some criticism, and he played a significant role in helping my career even though I was neither his student nor a student at his home institution. While I am deeply saddened not to be able to have more occasions to chat with him, I am thankful to have had the opportunity at all.

Dennis Zaritsky

October 11, 2010

It was quite a shock when I received a call from John’s sister informing me of his passing. We first met in 1965 at an NSF summer program for high school students. Then we ran into each other a year later during rush week as we both started MIT. We quickly dropped out of rush and set out to explore the campus, Cambridge, and Boston before classes started. It was the beginning of a long, close friendship. After MIT, I was at UCLA while John was at Cal Tech. Then back to the East Coast. John was best man at my wedding and godfather to my oldest daughter. Visits became limited when I moved to Oregon in 1980. I last saw him two years ago in Washington, DC for a catching up dinner. He told me of his close call, but seemed as healthy and energetic as ever. He was one of the nicest people I have ever met, and I will miss him greatly.

Tony Rufolo

October 11, 2010

What a shock -- John was far too young. Among all the other things he did was to help get NED off the ground in its early days; he remained a constant supporter not just during his time as its user committee chairman, but every time we called on him for aid, no matter how small. Personally, I've known him since the 1970's and was pleased to make small contributions to the redshift surveys that he helped create and guide so successfully. But his joy when he married and when his son was born are the memories of John that mean the most to me. My sincere condolences to his wife and son, and to the rest of his family.

Harold Corwin

October 11, 2010

I was shocked and saddened to learn last night of the unexpected and all too premature passing of John Huchra. No words can adequately describe the depth of this loss for John’s family and for the astronomical community. John was a brilliant astronomer; his service to the field of American astronomy was second to none. He was a terrific colleague and friend. As I write this I find my thoughts turning to a few of the memorable experiences I shared with him over the past 30 years: going to the Boston opening of Star Wars, hiking the depths of the Grand Canyon and most recently a visit to the Vatican. I will miss him and his sage counsel. I extend my most sincere condolences to his family.

Charlie Lada

October 11, 2010

John has been a dear friend and cherished collaborator for almost 30 years. I know that we all share a profound sadness and sense of loss at this terrible time. I take comfort from the realization that having John in my life enriched it more than I can adequately express. Our profession benefited enormously from his leadership. I will always remember his wisdom, kindness and generosity, the depth and breadth of his knowledge, and his unerring integrity.

Jean Brodie

October 11, 2010

I haven't seen John in awhile, but I sure miss him. When I was a freshman he was a kind and learned upperclassman I could always talk to. Then he was a friend to play poker/softball/etc with. Now and always he is a fond memory ... but I don't understand ...

Phil Herman

October 11, 2010

I will miss John, at the CfA, on the softball field, and even at the karate school in Lexington, where we'd occasionally see one another. I grieve with you all.

Dale Graessle

October 11, 2010

I go way back to Caltech days with John. He was a crazy guy who drove us across Palomar backwards one night because he did not want to turn around. Gone too soon.

Doug McElroy

October 11, 2010

I am much saddened by the news, but thankful to have known John during short and longer visits to the CfA in the '90s as a graduate student. I much enjoyed the stories that others have commented on here as well. My sympathies go out to his family.

Rolf Jansen

October 11, 2010

Rebecca,

Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

Bonnie DuPont Jansen

October 11, 2010

Astronomy has lost a great scientist. John was a great advisor, he was a kind but rigorous guide, always encouraging, so good at the telescope. His passion for astronomy was admirable. My deepest condolences to his family. I will miss you John. Con mucho cariño, descansa en paz.

Irene Cruz-Gonzalez

October 11, 2010

John was an inspiration - not only in his passion for astronomy, but also in the values he lived by and shared with others. He was a great friend and mentor, and I know he will live on through the encouragement, values and knowledge he has given to those who had the pleasure of spending time with him. I am honored to have been a part of his life.

Aidan Crook

October 11, 2010

I first met John when visiting Caltech around 1975 and I worked with him on binary galaxies in the early 1980's. In addition to deep insights into observational issues and healthy scepticism about high-falutin theory, he unfailingly brought good humour and common-sense to all aspects of our collaboration. These qualities, together with remarkable integrity and dedication, remained his hallmark over the years as he gradually moved from concentrating on his own science to enabling that of others. Recently, we saw each other less frequently but always with pleasure. It was clear to me not only that he derived deep satisfaction from his exemplary work for our community, but also that his greatest happiness came from the arrival first of Rebecca, then of Harry. This is a sad and premature loss for all of us, but our hearts must go out to them.

Simon White

October 11, 2010

I was John's assistant at the CfA for almost six years. He was an incredibly kind man and a real character. I will always remember his stories, his enthusiasm, and his incredible piles of papers and journals. My deepest sympathy to Rebecca and Harry and the rest of the family.

K Lynn

October 11, 2010

John, thank you so much for taking me under your wing and for never letting me go. I will always remember the little things you did that made such a big difference. Heidi, Cassie and I think fondly of you and your family every time we walk by the little red school house on the Big Sur coast that you loved so much. I suspect I will never stop hoping when I am there that your floppy hat and your toothy grin might appear just beyond the next dune.

Ron Marzke

October 11, 2010

I first met John as a graduate student. He was a kind and generous person. I had the pleasure to work with him as a postdoc, I will always admire him, he was a great professional, bright, intelligent, a person who was also aware of the people and community that surrounded him. He will be misssed.

Carmen Pantoja

October 11, 2010

A nice, warm, funny person. A great scientist. We will miss you, John.

Anna Wolter

October 11, 2010

Very saddened and shocked to hear of this news today. My very sincere condoleances to Rebecca and her family.
Nicole Lawson (Saint-Gobain)

nicole lawson

October 11, 2010

I will miss John. He was a giant and guide in the field for me. Learning observational astronomy from John was one of my best memories in graduate school. He was always warm and encouraging whether at the telescope or in the classroom. He was a true mensch.

John always said to treat the night like it was your last on the telescope. Those are words I think he lived his life by too.

Adam Riess

October 11, 2010

My deepest condolences to John's family - John took me under his wing some years ago when I was an undergraduate and his warm demeanor combined with his passion for astronomy were among key reasons I ended up in the field myself. Thank you, John, for steering me on this path.

Rok Roskar

October 11, 2010

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