John Huddlestone, M.D.
August 16, 1944 - July 26, 2022
Tacoma, Washington - John passed peacefully at his home on July 26th, 2022, at the age of 77 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, and to his last moments brought dedication and humor to life. He spent his last moments giving advice, telling jokes, and singing his granddaughter their song.
John was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 16, 1944. He graduated from Kalamazoo College in 1966, went on to the University of Michigan Medical School, then completed his Neurology residency at the University of Colorado, Denver in 1975. He began his career serving as a neurologist and Lieutenant Commander at the US Navy Hospital in San Diego. He then spent four years in multiple sclerosis research at the world-renowned Scripps Research Center in La Jolla, California. In 1981, he chose to move to Tacoma, Washington and spent the next 40 years as a dedicated physician, neurologist, and MS researcher, leaving behind a legacy of community research and practice, and significant scientific contributions to MS medications and treatments.
John is survived by his loving wife, Dr. Sandra Reilley, daughters Sarah Saffer (Chris) and Laura Huddlestone (Margaret), granddaughter Elizabeth Saffer, brother Paul Dugliss (Sandra), father Malcolm Dugliss, sister-in law Gwen Dugliss, and nephew Phillip Dugliss. He was preceded in death by his mother Marjorie Dugliss and brother William Dugliss.
John cared deeply for the community that he served. He applied his dedication and passion for excellence to everything he did in life. He was an avid tennis player, a loving husband, father and grandfather; a great friend; a mentor; and a mathematician. He started the family tradition of making his grandmother's ravioli at the holidays, which was shared with friends throughout the year. Oh, and what a comedian (he wanted a simple obituary--"Huddlestone dead, Porsche for sale!"). He was a man who prioritized those he cared for and lived his life to its fullest. His legacy will be felt for years to come by all those who knew him.
At John's request, no service will be held. In celebration of his life, please consider a donation to either the MultiCare MS Research Fund or MultiCare Cancer Care Fund.
Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.

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Published by & & from Jul. 30 to Aug. 3, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for John Huddlestone

Sponsored by Gaffney Funeral Home.

14 Entries

Caroline Paul

April 17, 2024

Dr. Huddlestone was a blessing to me and my family. He was my daughter Melissa Pitkanen Dr for many years starting at the age of 23 years old. He gave us answers when no one else could. He took very good care of her and got us answers very quickly. For that I will forever be thankful. RIP Dr. Huddlestone.

Melissa Pitkanen

April 16, 2024

John was my doctor for my MS from the time I got diagnosed in 2012. He was an amazing person and is deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Mary Hove

April 8, 2023

Dr Huddlestone was my Neurologist and I respected him for his faithful care for me. He ministered to me faithfully for 13 years. I moved to Idaho three years ago and had to sadly say goodbye. On our last day, I gave him a big hug, told him I loved him and thanked him for his continued and attentive care.
I will never forget his wry sense of humor and our ability to connect on a personal level.
I remember him as a wonderful Doctor and a gentle caring man.
Bless you, Dr Huddlestone.

Krisy hanson

March 9, 2023

Dr.Huddlestone diagnosed me with MS in 1989, he was also my grandmothers doctor. He treated me for 30 years. Watched me go from being paralyzed to slipping down the hallway. My husband and I will forever be great full for all he did for me. The last few years a I always brought him halibut that I caught in Alaska. He was an amazing man. Our deepest sympathies.
Krisy Hanson

June Hamilton

December 20, 2022

Dr Huddlestone was an amazing MS doctor. He showed compassion along with true interest in his patients. This is a major loss to the MS community as well as to his friends and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for Dr Riley and his whole family.

Jennifer Jackson

August 26, 2022

I was a patient of Dr huddleston's for 30 years he was a wonderful man with a kind heart and a spirit that made you feel like everything was going to be okay. I was so impressed with his research and dedication to helping people I just can't imagine him being gone but he will always be with us God bless his family

Mary Church

August 23, 2022

I was referred to Dr. Huddleston and met with him only twice. But just that brief contact made me a fan. Aside from the diagnostic stuff, the most memorable thing he shared with me was that he had a much loved young granddaughter who he brought to his office in an effort to influence her career choice! I knew at that point l I had met an amazing man. Bless him for the legacy he left so many, especially his very fortunate granddaughter.

Ereisha Addo

August 18, 2022

Someone just told me he died and I didn't believe them so I googled it and here I found his photo and obituary.
He diagnosed me with MS about 8 years ago. Not even 3 months after my mom died of MS. He was my rock even battling cancer. When COVID happened and he retired I understood very well what that meant. I just pray that his family knows how much he meant to not only them, his friends and his coworkers but also his patients. I will miss his smile, his passion, and his knowledge amongst other things. They just don't make people, let alone doctors, like him anymore.

I pray that he is resting in peace with the creator and saving a place to eat at the table for us, when it is our time!

Chris Pollard

August 5, 2022

I am honored to have spent time on the tennis courts of TLTC hitting with John. I always felt enriched and encouraged during our conversations. Rest easy now my friend.

Chris

LInda Kaye and Mary Lynn

Planted Trees

Dawn Benson, RN

July 31, 2022

One of my favorite doctor who worked well with staff at TG. Always friendly toward staff, patients and taking time to acknowledge and greet people. He had
Compassion, caring, and genuine interest in helping toward healing and education. I am so grateful of knowing him. His contribution in Neurology is well received. He is also excellent educator and always willing to answer questions and welcoming. May peace, love and comfort of family and friends be with you all. My prayer and love of positive memory will last forever.

Tina Bielka

July 31, 2022

As an RN and a patient of his I had the pleasure of working and being treated by him. My condolences to his family that he loved so much.

Bernita Sorensen

July 30, 2022

Dear Sandy,

We were so sad to hear about John´s serious illness. What a blessing he was able to keep his sense of humor.

John cared for our son Karl through his brain aneurysm and back surgery. He spent countless hours trying to diagnose my miserable illness. He had it correct from the beginning. Brilliant and kind.

We´re sad for you and his children and send our love.

Bernita and Jim Sorensen ok

Maiken Burden

July 29, 2022

Dearest Sandy
My deepest condolences to you and the family. I will miss your husband who was the most amazingly kind, brilliant and sweet man. He was so generous with his intellect and heart.
Much love
Maiken

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