Hugh was  a wonderful friend and fellow piper. I spent a good part of my youth San Luis Obispo  and spent many a night practicing in gigging with Hughie.  Recently came back to the Central Coast and rejoined the remnant pipe band here  that Hugh helped form back in 1979-80. 
 He had a crazy funny sense of humor. 
 There are 1000 stories I could think of writing about  most inappropriate for a public forum because of his wicked sense of humor. 
 He did make me lose my mind laughing by pulling out his false teeth and putting them in my hand before he needed to play at one of our 1st band practices!   I was one surprised lad. He continued to drop his teeth in my pocket for years just to make me laugh if I was stressed ou he continued to drop his teeth  in my pocket  or leave them on top of my bag pipes for years just for a laugh. 
I lost contact with Hugh  nearly 20 years ago and was saddened  as I have been searching for many members of that band to find that he had passed so recently. 
God Bless you Hughie!!!! 
 I can still hear you singing Scotland the Brave ! 

Scott Lawrence Field

I'm so glad Dad was so special to you and your family...he was one of a kind. Kaydell Stewart ( daughter & Highland Snare Drummer)

I miss you Dad, more than I can say in mere words. Daily, I feel the void but, I also feel your love & support from above. Rest easy Dad...we got this...you didn't raise a bunch of "" split assed mechanics"" as you were so fond of saying. We will continue to carry on with what you started here in Colorado Dad, and make sure your dream remains intact. I love you with all my heart and I am so proud to be your daughter.

Lit a candle in memory of Hugh Thackaberry

Hugh was my Cousin and I still recall when he left Scotland with my Father to live in the USA. We have communicated over the years & I will miss keeping track of him on the Internet. Sadly another date has to be added to the genealogy of the family tree. R I P Shuggie. Cousin Irene nee Thackaberry.

My son, Paul has always been interested in our rich Scottish heritage and bought his first McGregor tartan when he was 17 years old.  He spent the ensuing 4 years purchasing the rest of his Scottish accessories. So I thought it fitting to hire Hugh and his pipes for Paul's 21st birthday.  Hugh arrived early and I asked Paul to answer the door.  There stood the Scotsman in full-dress Black Watch...and I though Paul was going to pass out on the spot.   Half-dressed in his McGregor kilt and a t-shirt, and rudely leaving Hugh on the front porch, Paul ran to me, freaking out, and said, ""Mom there's a real Scotsman at the front door!""

Hugh regaled us with pipes, songs, stories and very colorful jokes well into the night.  He and his bagpipes are unforgettable to us and we are so glad that he graced our lives and the lives of our 20+ guests if even for one evening.

Rest in Peace, Hugh.  The pipes, the pipes are calling you home.

Nanci Quintana

OBITUARY

Hugh Thackaberry

7 April, 1932 – 9 November, 2014

Callahan-Edfast Mortuary & Crematory

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