Huell Howser: An amazing man with an amazing impact
January 7th, 2013 by Arya, Communications Director
We are sad to relay the news that longtime supporter and friend to Mono Lake, Huell Howser has passed away. Huell introduced countless people to Mono Lake through his first visit with “California’s Gold” in 1992 and then again in 2008 when he returned to film another episode, “Mono Lake Today,” about the exciting restoration progress.
Huell Howser paddling at South Tufa with Mono Lake Committee Executive Director Geoffrey McQuilkin in 2008. Photo by Arya Degenhardt.
It’s not uncommon for us to hear visitors say, “I first learned about Mono Lake from Huell Howser on California’s Gold.” With his signature enthusiasm he had some classic moments out at Mono Lake … chasing windrows of alkali flies with the microphone, chatting with awestruck fans and Park Rangers at South Tufa, and paddling a canoe many feet above the places he had walked 15 years before.
Thank you Huell. We were lucky to know you, and Mono Lake was too.
Here are some links for more information on Huell Howser’s connection to Mono Lake.
January 8th, 2013 at 4:21 pm
I had the good fortune to meet Huell while we were both working on the SCE Big Creek Projects. The thing I remember most was the excitement he exhibited on camera was exactly the same off camera. He told me that he truly loved California because of “California’s Gold”. For those of us who want to protect California’s natural resources, we have lost a kindred spirit!
January 9th, 2013 at 1:58 pm
It has been really nice to hear people’s stories about Huell … he was involved in so many things and his enthusiasm touched so many people on a personal level. Thank you for sharing this Jim!