With family by his side, David Campbell Hughes, a true gentleman, passed away on Monday, Oct. 15, 2018 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Dave was born on Sept. 17, 1929 in Barwick, Ont. to Dave and Annie Hughes. He attended Shenston #5 Elementary Public School in Chapple and later graduated from Fort Frances High School (1948) after his family moved to Fort Frances.
After graduating from high school, Dave worked at McLean’s Wholesale as a country salesman for nearly 20 years. Following his employment at McLean’s, he became a partner with Busch’s Auto until his retirement.
Dave was married in 1952 to Helen MacDonald and together they raised their sons, Bradley, Hal, and David Jr. Many of their years together were spent at the lake home on Off Lake.
Dave loved to create many fine pieces of woodwork in his shop at the cabin and there are 35 people who have one of his bookcase boats.
Dave also was an avid curling enthusiast. He spent many years serving in executive capacities for the Fort Frances and Northwestern Ontario Curling Association, becoming a life member of NWOCA.
Dave served on the Board of Management, which directed the construction of the present Fort Frances Curling Club. Even after Dave lost his eyesight, he continued to curl by using a special flashlight to deliver his curling rocks with precision.
Being very community-mined, he also served as a member of the Granite Masonic Lodge (50 years) and the Border Shrine Club (40 years).
Dave was an elder of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and, after its closing, became an adherent member of the Knox United Church in Fort Frances.
In 1991, Dave married Darlene McKinnon and became stepdad to Rob and Michelle.
Dave will be greatly missed by his wife, Darlene; sons, Brad, Hal (Marie), and David (Marie) and their children, Savannah Hughes (Dylan) and great-grandson, Emmett, and Elyssa Hughes.
Also mourning Dave’s passing is stepson, Rob McKinnon and stepdaughter, Michelle Gartzke (Jason) and grandchildren, Alex, Jaxon, and Bo; step-grandchildren, Ariane Lahaie and her children, Anabelle, Jayden, and Alexane, and Rachel Lahaie and her son, Nathan; sister, Annette Franceschini (Rino); and sisters-in-law, Donna Day, Phyllis Spillers, Joan Van-Dam (Keith) and Gertie Bujold.
He was predeceased by his parents, David and Annie; first wife, Helen (1989); and sisters, Martha Whitley and Mary Reid.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Knox United Church in Fort Frances, with Pastor Ralph Fluit officiating.
The honourary pallbearers will be Glen Witherspoon, Jim Jackson, Paul Ryan, Dennis Busch, Al Robertson, and Sam Arbuckle.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Fort Frances Curling Club, P.O. Box 27, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M5.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
DAVID CAMPBELL HUGHES
