John Huyler, a longtime teacher and outdoorsman, died in Ojai, Calif., Jan. 2, 2014.
Jack was born and raised in Greenwich, Conn. He attended Kent School. At Princeton, Jack joined Colonial Club and was active in singing groups, including the Nassoons, of which he was a founder.
As the United States entered World War II, Jack prepared by marrying his sweetheart, Margaret Appenzeller, and learning Mandarin. His language skill resulted in a role as liaison officer with the Chinese army, which he served with distinction until the end of the conflict.
Back in America, Jack and Margaret headed west. Jack signed on as an English teacher at the Thatcher School in Ojai, while Margaret became the unofficial mother to 120 boys. At Thatcher each boy (and girl, when Thatcher went coed in 1977) was required to own a horse and to ride and care for it daily. In addition to teaching English, Jack instructed the students in horsemanship and led trail rides into the Los Padres National Forest behind Thatcher. Over time he became a beloved figure on campus, honored by generations of students.
Margaret died in 2005. Jack is survived by his children, John Jr. ’67, Ruth, and Stephen, and their spouses, and three grandchildren. To them all, the class sends condolences.