I am honored and humbled to have called Karl Huntsman my friend. This dedication is different than
ones I’ve been a part of before. Karl touched many lives throughout his years of life. He was truly a
giver to his community, not only his time, but most of all his heart.
Karl had a huge heart for the children in this community. He expressed his heart by volunteering
many years to the Moffat County Fair Board. Karl made things happen. He lived for fair time every
year. He worked tirelessly to promote the fair for the entire community, yet his true motivation is doing
what he does “for the kids.”
What made Karl an integral part of the fair was his connections. He knew all the stock contractors for
the rodeo. He ran the Ride n Tie Rodeo for many years in Craig during the 4th of July. He was well
connected with distributors. Not many people know this, but Karl year after year would bring in the most
sponsors to fair because of his many deep rooted connections he had in the community. All the light
towers, the tents, the sponsor banners, the UTV’s were all because of Karl. He single handedly raised
well over $100,000 all by himself during his 25 plus years being on the Fair Board.
Karl would always come to the Extension Office to meet with Jackie at least once a week to give
updates on what he was doing and what needed to be done. She said, and I will agree with this, his laugh
was the most unique and recognizable laugh. He was always upbeat and positive. She could always
count on Karl to get the job done when she needed help.
Karl Huntsman is the true definition of a volunteer. He volunteered with the Craig Rural Fire
Department back in the 80’s. Karl was also a member of the Moffat County Sheriff’s Posse. Karl helped
to get the Yampa Valley Safari Club started in Craig where he served as chapter president.
Karl was born in La Plata County, and then moved to Craig from Durango in 1965. He has two
daughters, Tammy Standifred who lives in Grand Junction, CO and Brenda Reynolds who resides in
Steamboat Springs, CO. He has two grandchildren, who he is very proud of.
Karl is the youngest of 13 and has 3 surviving siblings. Over the years, he has worked at Midway
Distributing, as a beer distributor, Yampa Valley Creamery, Moffat Liquor as a stock clerk, National
Lead Industries, where he dispatched trucks, as well as working in oilfields. He then opened his own
business, B&K Fire Equipment, which he sold 20 years ago. Karl also worked in a correctional facility
for five years, retiring in 2006. Karl has selflessly volunteered his time to the Fire Safety Advisory
Board, for 10 years. He also helped with the annual ‘Cast’ n ‘Blast’ fishing event sponsored by CPW
every July.
His desire to serve on the Fair Board originated from his commitment and passion for the young
people of the community. In the 25 plus years that he served on the Fair Board, he never missed a single
fair, sometimes even traveling to Hayden for the Routt County Fair.
After fair was over, Karl would go and work at AGP processing for the hunting seasons. Karl never
missed a hunting season. Karl started as a butcher then as he got older Karl moved to the front office to
help with customers’ orders.
The biggest takeaways with Karl, he always wanted to give back to his community. The children in
this community were his number one priority. He would do anything to help the children in this
community to succeed. He was selfless in his service. There will be no other like Karl. It is with great
honor to write this dedication for my friend, Karl Huntsman. You will be missed. God speed my friend!
Written by Doug Winters, friend and past fair board member. Contributors to this dedication are from his many
family and friends in the community.
