Obituary of Richard Lynn Hughes
It is with sadness the family of Richard L Hughes, loving husband of 51 years to M Kathleen Hughes (Karen Logan), announces his passing on Monday, February 26th, 2024 at the Saint John Regional Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Richard was born June 12th, 1943 in Saint John, the son of the late Murray and Ruth (Pye) Hughes. Besides his loving wife Karen, he is survived by his children Eleanor (Danny) Crowley, Laurier (Kristine) Hughes and Stephanie Hughes (Preston Sarazin), grandchildren Alyssa (Anthony) Pascon, Olivia and Noah Crowley, Aidan and Sarah Hughes, Arwen and Landon Hughes-Sarazin, great grandchildren Thomas and James Pascon, a sister, Joanne O’Connor (late Paul), sister in laws Martha Hughes and Elizabeth Darling as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother Paul.
Richard’s career spanned the years 1961 to 2007 as a chartered account in public practice, industry, government, and finally as a financial advisor until health led his to retirement.
Outside of work, he took great joy within the community as a volunteer working in the scouting movement and coaching in the Federation Baseball Program for a period of 15 years. He saw his role more as a teacher versus a coach and spent countless hours at the ball field weekly working with any child that wanted to improve their fundamentals and skills. He was honored with the Canada Volunteer Award for the former community of Gondola Point.
After having open heart surgery in 1988 in Halifax, he helped in fundraising efforts to ensure the provincial government would commit to a New Brunswick Heart Surgery Unit in Saint John. His good friend and fellow open heart surgery survivor Paul Merzetti realized those having the procedure needed access to others who previously underwent open heart surgery. Together they worked over the next four year period culminating with the opening of the Heart Surgery Unit at the Saint John Regional Hospital. They raised funds, worked with the hospital management and Dr. Jim Parrott and formed the New Brunswick Heart Surgery Support Group. They were invited to give tours to the public of the facility prior to the official opening in April 1992 for operations. They addressed many groups locally, in Fredericton and were invited to address the 1992 Nursing Graduating class.
Richard walked marathons for worthy causes having walked the Boston marathon to raise funds for the Treatment of Cancer in Children and in 3 marathons in Fredericton for the New Brunswick Heart and Stroke Foundation. Countless training walks were made in preparation and he consistently completed the marathon walks in 6 hours and 15 minutes with Karen always close by in support.
After retirement, he and Karen travelled principally in Europe. When not travelling, he enjoyed lawn bowling and family time at the cottage on the Kingston Peninsula. Known as Pappy, Richard took great pride and joy supporting his grandchildren in all their extracurricular activities, whether it be sports or dance, attending as many events as possible to support and cheer them on. He also took to baking cookies, for his grandchildren in particular, but also delivered an assortment of his baking to several households at Christmas.
An avid sports fan, he enjoyed 10 pin bowling for many years, was a lifelong fan of the Canadians Jean Beliveau and the Red Sox, sharing that love with his family making many trips to Boston to take in games. He curled in his earlier years and later found enjoyment teaching the game of curling to three of his grandchildren, which started from a young age.
Richard was passionate about photography and has many photos on display in homes across Eastern Canada. It was not uncommon for him to give a framed, matted 8x10 to anyone that kept returning to a particular photo. He was voracious reader and took to writing of the love he had for Ireland authoring several short pieces and two novels, that he shared with a small group of people.
Those who knew Richard understood that he was a quiet man who loved to help others, he believed in giving people a leg up not a hand out. He lived a private life with a unique sense of humor and the ability to spin the most improbable story with a straight face, watching for their reaction.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, (506)634-7424. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 29th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Mass will be held at Stella Maris Catholic Church (201 Bayside Drive) on Friday, March 1st at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate remembrances be made to the New Brunswick Heart and Stroke Foundation, Bobby’s Hospice, IWK or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com
