Hugo Henry Soll

Hugo Henry Soll, a devoted father, educator, and lifelong lover of the outdoors, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2026 at Friendship Village Rehabilitation Center. He was born in Denver Colorado on February 11, 1933, to Fernelle Estelle Marx Soll and Hugo Louis Soll.

Hugo was a humble, easygoing, and hardworking man. He pursued his education with vigor, graduating from East High School in Denver, Colorado, earning a degree in business administration from the University of Denver, and then serving his country in the United States Army. He went on to earn a PhD in economics from the University of Colorado and was honored with an invitation to participate in a Fulbright Fellowship, leading him to live and teach economics at the University Autonoma of Guadalajara in Mexico in connection with his doctoral thesis.

Hugo shared his knowledge as a professor of economics, teaching at the University of North Dakota and at the American Graduate School of International Management in Glendale. He spent the majority of his career, however, working at the Arizona Department of Economic Security. He was the executive director and coordinator of the Arizona State Occupational Information Coordinating Committee. While there, he pioneered the development and rollout of the occupational information system in Arizona, leaving a lasting mark on the state he called home.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Hugo was a man who embraced life with enthusiasm, warmth, and curiosity. He devoted a substantial amount of time to his rental business which included Villa Arsita Apartments and he handled a majority of the maintenance and repair work himself. He loved reading, chess, and intellectual pursuits. He treasured the outdoors and found joy in camping, fishing, skiing, sailing, and snorkeling. He loved travel and exploring and has seen a great deal of this world. He especially loved tennis and remained active until recent years.

Hugo was a very social man and delighted in the company of others. He was known for hosting large parties at his beloved home where guests would socialize, many times gathering around the piano to sing or watch slides of his most recent travels. Fond memories were created with his grandchildren Zachary, Brianne, and Alexander when he held the annual Easter egg hunt, carved the Thanksgiving turkey, and gave See’s Candy each Christmas. His home was a place of music, laughter, and shared stories, a reflection of the generous and spirited man he was.

Hugo was preceded in death by his sister Carola Soll Harris. Hugo is survived by his three sons and their wives, Hugo (Deanna), James (Christine), and Eric (Mangala), who carry forward his love of life and learning.

A memorial service will be held at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, Arizona 85018, on Saturday, October 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with Chaplain Dirk Duhlstine officiating. A catered reception including prime rib and drinks will be held immediately following the service at Hugo's home, 2501 N. 57th Place, Scottsdale, Arizona 85257. Please RSVP for the reception at e_soll@hotmail.com or at 480-235-1403.

Those who knew him will remember his favorite old Russian saying, which he was fond of repeating: "Today is worse than yesterday but better than tomorrow." Also, he often reminded us that “Every day is a gift.” May his memory be a blessing to all who loved him.