Richard Walker McHugh

Known to his friends and colleagues as “Rick,” he was born on December 9, 1952, in Shelburn, Indiana. He spent his early years in Sullivan County, Indiana, where he graduated from North Central High School. He later attended Wabash College, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science, and went on to receive his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan.

Rick was an attorney and a passionate advocate, dedicating his professional life to seeking justice. Working for the United Auto Workers union, Rick became a nationally recognized expert on unemployment insurance and Trade Adjustment Assistance, a program that compensated workers displaced by increasing imports. He both lobbied the federal government in Washington for policy changes and sued the government when necessary. He was admitted to the Supreme Court bar and argued a case in 1987 challenging the denial of food stamps to striking workers.

For several years, Rick worked as a legal services attorney, representing people who could otherwise not afford a lawyer. At the end of his career he returned to policy work on unemployment insurance at a think tank, the National Employment Law Project. He was never afraid to challenge conventional thinking and valued deep conversations about how fairness and thoughtful policy can improve lives. Rick approached life with both curiosity and realism. In his final months, he showed courage and honesty that inspired those around him.

While at North Central High School, Rick met Marsha, his wife of 50 years. Together they shared a life journey that included Ann Arbor, Michigan; Louisville, Kentucky; Little Rock, Arkansas; and ultimately Dexter, Michigan, where they put down roots and raised their family. In addition to his wife, Marsha, brother David McHugh, and sister Lisa Goerner, Rick is survived by his son, Walker McHugh (wife Natalie); his daughter Cora McHugh-Morrison; (husband Devon) and his grandchildren Cecelia, Thomas, Leland, and Callahan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard “Dick” Harrison McHugh and Virginia “Jinnie” McHugh.

Also mourning his loss is his four-legged companion, Penny, who was his very faithful friend from their first meeting to his final days.

Outdoors, Rick loved fly fishing in the streams of Michigan and beyond, drawn to both the quiet contemplation of nature and the camaraderie of those alongside him. Indoors, Rick was a deadhead, but American Jazz was the song of his soul inspiring multiple trips to New Orleans and any venue where the music could be found.

A celebration of a life will be held on Saturday, January 17th at The Kitchen at Jolly Pumpkin, 2319 Bishop Circle East, Dexter Michigan from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Avalon Housing (avalonhousing.org) or the humane society of Sullivan County (thssc.org) in Rick’s memory.

Rick will be deeply missed, but the impact of his life will always be felt and forever held in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.