Ronald Mark Hughes

Born on January 24, 1934 in Casper, Wyoming, Ron grew up with a strong sense of family, determination, independence, and pride in his Irish heritage. Following the death of his father (Leo Patrick Hughes) when Ron was just 14, he moved with his mother (Elizabeth Kathleen Quinn Hughes), and his two brothers, Laurence (Larry) and William (Bill), to Fort Collins, Colorado.

Ron excelled academically and as a student leader at Fort Collins High School, where he served as class president and president of the Latin Club. He was also a member of the Chemistry Club and the Rifle Team, where he distinguished himself as a top marksman. An Eagle Scout, Ron developed an early love of the outdoors that would remain with him throughout his life. He graduated in 1952.

His first job was as a soda jerk at his uncle's drugstore, a humble beginning for a young man who would eventually travel the world and lead thousands of employees. He attended Colorado A&M (now known as Colorado State University) on a General Electric scholarship, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. During his college summers, he worked as a surveyor in Yellowstone National Park, combining his technical abilities with his passion for the wilderness.

Following college, Ron served as a lieutenant in the United States Air Force, where he became a jet pilot. During his military service, he married Agatha Gloria Fediuk, affectionately known as Effie, a beautiful young woman from Hamtramck, Michigan. Their courtship was not without its memorable moments. On one occasion, Ron flew in a helicopter over Effie's house, causing quite a stir in the neighborhood. Ron and Effie shared a life together until her passing in 1993.

Ron went on to enjoy a distinguished career as an electrical engineer with General Electric. He rose through the company's ranks from engineer to general manager of operations in Asia, overseeing approximately 20,000 employees. His career took him around the world and reflected both his intellectual curiosity and his ability to take on extraordinary challenges.

Together, Ron and Effie raised a large family. Ron was the father of six children: Mark Patrick (Penny) Hughes, Michael Kevin (Dawn) Hughes, Patrick Leo (Mary) Hughes, Mary Therese Hughes, James Timothy Hughes, who preceded him in death in 2021, and Louiza D'Souza, who joined the family through adoption. He had nine grandchildren: Christian Hughes, Therese Hughes, Alysha Singh, Sean Hughes, Jimmy Hogan, Ben Hogan, Shagan Overman, Sean Overman, and Megan Harvey. And 6 great grandchildren: Sammy, Joseph, John, Mia, James, and Cissinie.

Retirement did little to slow Ron down. He enjoyed a vibrant social life in Thailand and the Portland, Oregon area, cultivating friendships and pursuing the many interests that brought him joy. Blessed with a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor, Ron had a gift for clever observations and bringing laughter to those around him. His sharp mind, lively personality, and love of good company made him a memorable presence wherever he went.

Ron was a passionate music lover and a familiar presence in the local music scene wherever he lived. He was a devoted supporter of many musicians whose performances he loved, finding great joy in live music and the friendships that came with it.

Ron was also a serious and knowledgeable philatelist, having begun collecting stamps after the death of his father with the encouragement of his uncle. Over the course of his lifetime, he assembled an extraordinary collection of rare and beautiful stamps, including near complete collections of postage stamps from Japan and Malaysia.

An avid tennis player, birdwatcher, hiker, photographer, and world traveler, Ron never lost his enthusiasm for discovery. An accomplished mountaineer, he once summited three Colorado peaks over 14,000 feet in a single day. He also regularly attended the Reno Air Races, reflecting his lifelong fascination with aviation. He appreciated the beauty of nature, the excitement of new places, the pleasure of good music, and the company of interesting people. A seasoned international traveler, he could order a beer in many languages – a practical skill he undoubtedly put to good use.

Ron lived a life rich in experiences, from the mountains of Colorado to the skies as a military pilot, from engineering and leadership in Asia to music-filled evenings with friends. He was a man of many interests, considerable accomplishments, quick wit, kind heart, and an enduring spirit of adventure.

He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, cherished memories, and a family who will carry his legacy forward. His was a life well lived, and he will be deeply missed.

The family will hold a memorial service at a later date in Syracuse, New York, where Ron will be laid to rest beside his wife, Effie, and son, James. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Ron's memory with a donation to a charity supporting those affected by cancer or diabetes, or another cause close to your heart.