The Oro Valley Historical Society (OVHS) Board members are saddened to announce the passing of our friend and President Henry K. Zipf. Henry was the great-grandson of George and Mathilda (nee Feldman) Pusch, grandson of Gertrude (nee Pusch) and Henry W. Zipf, and son of Henry (Hank) G. and Ann (nee Lourie) Zipf. Henry is survived by sons Nolan and Stephen and his partner, Debra. Henry is also survived by a sister, Laurie and brother, Donald. The Pusch/Zipf family has long historical roots in both the Greater Tucson and Oro Valley areas.
Henry was an active member and board member of the Society for many years. He dedicated much time and many resources to the organization. He had a great deal of local knowledge of Oro Valley’s early years. Henry was full of entertaining stories that included ranch life and his lifetime in the Tucson area. Henry could “spin a good yarn” and his chuckle was infectious!
OVHS is grateful for Henry’s dedication to our mission. Henry generously donated many Pusch family heirlooms and archival material to the OVHS for its collections. He was intent on preserving the Pusch family history at Steam Pump Ranch somewhat as a personal legacy but more so, for the benefit of Oro Valley history and the community. The Oro Valley Historical Society will do its best to continue to carry out Henry’s wishes in that effort. We will miss him!
A Celebration of Life Service with be held on Saturday, June 3 at 10:00 a.m. at:
Corpus Christi Catholic Church
300 N. Tanque Verde Loop
Tucson, AZ 85748
Memorial donations at the family’s behest can be made in Henry’s name to:
Oro Valley Historical Society
P.O. Box 69754
Oro Valley, AZ 85737-0021