I admired Paul for his dedication, his indomitable spirit, his ability to encourage others, and his cheerful disposition. His passing is a big loss for many.

Mrs. Hughes and family: I did not know Paul personally, only through Daryl Spencer. He spoke very highly of him and respected him for his work ethics and contributions to the environment. I know what it means to lose a spouse; 2008 my husband passed. My condolences to you and your loved ones.

Our family moved to the Mantua neighborhood in 2004 and became next door neighbors of Paul and Linda.  We will terribly miss Paul as a great friend and neighbor.  He had an uncompromised concern for the environment and social justice.  He was also a gentleman who was always ready to help out neighbors in need.  One time my wife had an accident on the driveway and he was the one who called the ambulance.  One day after the June 29 derecho storm that led to tremendous damage to the entire Washington DC region, he came to knock on our door offering to share the generator that he just got.  We were immensely thankful to that gesture.  Paul, you didn't live this life in vain as you had left permanent footprints on your family, friends, and neighbors.

I met Paul in 2009 as a member of the Sustainable Reston group.  Paul opened my eyes to the world of buying local, new economies, sustainability, and social justice.  Paul changed the way I viewed mainstream media and what was the right way to build our economy.  He was truely a caring person and his actions showed it.  We only encounter a few people in life that change the way we view the world and Paul (and the rest of the Sustainable Reston group)  were one of these people for me.  The world will miss such as inspirational man.

Paul gave so much to our community.  I will never forget the countless trips he made out to Reston to help us get Sustainable Reston off the ground. Meetings with Paul were learning experiences, made enjoyable by his keen sense of humor.  He was truly an amazing person and will be greatly missed by so many.

Dad,
Words can not express the way I feel. I am still in shock. We had way too many things to do, hikes, canoeing and just being together and enjoying each other. I am so very thankful you came to love and cherish my wife Tina, as your own daughter and Megan as your own grand daughter.  Thank you so very much for loving all of us unconditionally each and everyday.  You will be greatly missed Big Daddy-O by me and everybody that you tuoched.  Love you Dad!!!  See you on the flip side!!!

Mr. Hughes, known to me during high school as my best friends Dad.   He knew the many antics that high school kids could get in trouble, and spent great effort to keep us busy on environmental projects and Sierra club meetings. He was very influential to my young teenage mind,  and to keep our youthful idealism.  He taught that in order to keep fighting for what your believe in, you had to find a way to make your dream a sustainable business model (the perfect blend of an idealistic entrepreneur).  So I am not surprised, after many years since high school to read about his multiple start-up companies focused on environmental solutions.  I  appreciate the civic responsibility that Mr. Hughes taught his family and friends, especially during my high school.  Those many discussions while cleaning up debris from creek beds did rub off, and helped inspire me to chase my idealistic dreams as sustainable business models.       My deepest condolences to Mrs. Hughes,  and Greg and Troy.     
John Powderly II, MD

I did not know Paul personally, but do know his son Troy and daughter-in-law Tina.  My prayers go out to the entire Hughes Family during this very difficult time.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Paul, but know his son Troy and daughter-in-law Tina.  My prayers go out to the entire Hughes family during this very difficult time!

Papaw,
Thank you for being such a wonderful Father-in-law, grandfather, friend and boss. Words can not express the emptiness I feel.  I will miss your passion for the environment, love for your family, and the courage to fight for what you believe in.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for loving my children and teaching them to treat others with compassion and to empower them to be all that they can be.  I loved you like a dad and will miss you terribly.
Love,
Amy

Paul was a truly inspirational citizen. He was always concerned with the future of our country and its people. He always looked at the most effective and meaningful way of taking action in support of social justice. In the 10 months that I've worked with and planned with Paul, he always looked at the best and efficient way to get the job done. I will truly miss you, Paul. God Bless You and your family.

I am so sorry, as well as stunned, since I was with Paul no more than a week earlier.  It was Paul who started me in my activism, and I will always have  tremendous respect for his passionate defense of humanitarian principals.

A man of courage, integrity, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the environment, Paul was rare in his vision and ability to see a greater good.  Many found him to be an inspiration as he was to me as well.  He was a joy to know and work with and it was a privilege to call him my friend.  I will miss you, my friend, and my heart aches for the ones closest to you, Linda, Greg & Amy, Troy & Tina and your grandchildren.  But in time, you will all come to know he will always be with you, his energy will never die, and the seeds of goodness he has planted will live on.

It was with great shock and sadness that I heard about Paul's passing. It was my privilege to work with him in his drive to make Fairfax County a better place to live. He helped teach me the value of continuing to reach out to others, and never giving up, no matter how challenging the goal may seem. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Dad,  You will be missed beyond all words.  The void in my heart will live on, but I promise you that I will take care of this family just as you would have wanted.  My heart breaks for our loss..you are gone too soon.  You are loved beyond all the word my broken heart has to offer.  Until we meet again.

Your loving daughter,

Tina

OBITUARY

Paul Sans Hughes

11 October, 1943 – 15 September, 2012

Demaine Funeral Home

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