Obituary of John Edward Hubbard

John Edward “Jack” Hubbard passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 29 in Tucson, Arizona. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Rhoda; children Ruth and Mark Allstadt (Endicott, NY), Jennifer and Greg Garner (Denver, CO), and Andy and Tani Hubbard (Tucson, AZ); eight grandchildren (Andy, Kate, Lizzy, Anne, Geoff, Selby, Taylor, and Colin), a great-granddaughter (Maren), and brother Don and sister-in-law Betty Hubbard, and sister-in-law Marsha Hubbard.

Born in 1933 in Binghamton, NY, Jack graduated from Union College (BA), Brown University (MAT), and Colorado State University (PhD), and served three years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Jack was a Professor at the State University of New York at Brockport where he taught Earth Sciences for more than 30 years. Each summer, he enjoyed summer research positions at leading scientific laboratories throughout the country and particularly loved teaching young scientists. Jack conducted numerous workshops to train young science professors in hydrology, and spent eleven summers high in the Rocky Mountains teaching students at Pingree Park, the Colorado State University Forestry Field Camp.

In retirement, Jack and Rhoda enjoyed many summers in the Adirondack Mountains and winters in Tucson. An avid hiker, tennis player, reader, and traveler, Jack loved to visit national parks and other beautiful natural places and share these adventures with his family and friends. Jack’s friendly smile, ever-present laugh, and joy for life will be greatly missed by his friends and family. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to commemorate Jack’s wonderful life are asked to donate to the Friends of Saguaro National Park.

There will be a celebration of his life on February 8th, 11am. St John of the Desert Presbyterian Church followed by a light lunch.