Arthur Stephen Wynn Hughes-Games

HUGHES-Games: ARTHUR STEPHEN WYNN . Arthur passed away November 25th with family at his side. He was born March 11, 1921 near Tunbridge Wells, England to Margaret and William Hughes-Games. In 1926 the family immigrated to Kelowna. He is survived by his children Gwen Steele, Elaine, Stephen (Joany) and Geoff (Sue) and grandchildren Fiona (Jessica) and great granddaughter Viviana, Duncan (Tara), Daniel (Shawna), Joshua, and Colleen (Devin). He is also survived by his second wife, Norma Brooks, her children Diane (Jim), Linda (Nick), David (Melody) and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife of 52 years Violet (Vitie) in 1998, his parents, siblings Norman (during World War II), Helen, Ernest, and Leslie. He is survived by his sisters Eileen and Mary. After high school, he went to Aero Industries Technical Institute in Los Angeles and then worked in aircraft manufacture in Montreal. He enlisted in the RCAF, eventually being posted to Currie Barracks in Calgary where he met Vitie on a blind date. His overseas posting was at Linton-on-Ouse with 426 Thunderbird Squadron. After the war, he returned to Calgary and then Kelowna as a newlywed. He and Vitie built their own home and raised their four children, sharing their love of gardening and the outdoors. He loved to hike, fish, camp & swim as well as cross country ski. Art worked at George A. Meikle Limited until the store closed in the late 1960’s. He went on to his last “career job”, working for Chutter Hydraulics and Machinery, and then happily retired at age 65. Besides work and family, Dad was devoted to his church and community. He was an active member of the congregation at St. Michael and All Angels including choir, lay ministry and building renovations. Community service included the Kelowna Jaycees and the Downtown Rotary Club (life member). In 1963 he co-founded the Ogopogo Air Cadet Squadron. In 1993 he was awarded Kelowna’s Man of the Year Award for his community service, particularly, for co-founding the Kelowna Drop-In and Information Centre. He worked tirelessly to fund raise to acquire the building and make it a successful outreach for people in need. In 1995 Art and childhood friend, John Woodworth got approval from City Council to restore the wetland that is now known as Rotary Marshes at Brandt Creek. He was hands-on from start to completion. Dad got a lot of joy from his participation in the Central Okanagan Naturalist Club, Theatre Kelowna, Kelowna Men’s Choir and Ogopogo Barbershop Chorus. Some of his bucket list achievements in his retirement included hiking the West Coast Trail, canoeing the Bowron Lake Chain and the Yukon River and at age 78, hiking the Chilkoot Trail with son Geoff. Art travelled extensively with Vitie. After Vitie died in 1998, Art continued travelling with small groups, including trips to India, Peru, Machu Picchu, the Galapagos Islands, Mexico, and Eastern Europe. On his trip to Eastern Europe, Art met Norma Brooks from Sicamous. They kept in touch and began to cross country ski, travel and go to concerts together. In June 2007, they were married. They had a very happy life together, both enjoying the same things, especially the outdoors and travelling at home and abroad. They continued to do a lot of fishing and exploring in their motor home as well as overseas travel to Mexico, New Zealand, Britain, and Antarctica. Dad had a very full, productive and happy life. We will miss him very much. A celebration of his life will be held next spring. In lieu of flowers those wishing to donate in Art’s memory can do so to Central Okanagan Land Trust www.coltrust.ca or the Central Okanagan Foundation www.centralokanaganfoundation.org. A celebration of Art’s life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com. Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299