Trumansburg, N.Y., farrier Stephen van Pelt Huber passed away Monday, May 17, 2021. He was 88.

As a young man, Huber became interested in horses, learning to ride and eventually becoming an accomplished horseman in ridden and carriage driving competitions. He also enjoyed foxhunting. Once bitten by the horse bug, he developed a fascination with horseshoeing and enrolled in the farrier program at Michigan State University to begin a successful career as a farrier. In 1976, he and his family moved from Cokesbury, N.J., to Trumansburg where they purchased the land that became Poppycock Farm, and he realized his dream of becoming a farmer. Huber pursued both professions for the remainder of his life. His retirement from horseshoeing at age 81 and from farming at age 86 is evidence of his incredible energy and work ethic.

Huber was well-known around town for having a sparkle in his eye, a huge smile, a booming voice and for his boundless kindness and generosity. Throughout his life, Huber maintained a deep curiosity about all subjects and an endless interest in learning. He was a voracious reader and was always eager to talk to others about what they were up to or what their interests were.

Huber enjoyed a deep connection to his church community at the Trumansburg United Methodist Church. He believed that life should be lived in service to those in need and in service to his community. He also loved attending virtual services at the Kirkwood United Church of Christ in Atlanta.

In keeping with Huber’s wishes, there will be no services.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks those who would like to make a contribution in Huber’s memory to kindly consider the Trumansburg United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 628, Trumansburg, NY 14886. Additionally, the family would encourage others to follow his example and commit to helping a person in need.

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