Name: Beardsley-Mitchell Funeral Home
Address: San Diego, CA

Here is Brian in Santa Rosalía BCS México, en-route to his beloved Mission in San Marcos Island.  . In this photo, his smile reflects the deep joy and passion he had for serving The Lord. He will be greatly missed.

Brian was a cherished friend and a meaningful part of our lives in the community of Santa Rosalía, BCS, Mexico. He left an enduring legacy and profound lessons of faith, perseverance, love of learning, righteous values, and true friendship. We deeply feel his absence and miss him dearly. I trust and hope that one day I may be reunited with him, and together we will rejoice in the presence of our Lord and Savior.   We loved you Brian!, you were more than a friend: a brother.

Muy buenos recuerdos Brian, que Dios te tenga en su gloria.

Brian Chapman Hughes was born June 20, 1961 in San Diego, CA to Frank and Sybil Hughes. He was the youngest of three children and grew up in the Point Loma neighborhood, where he made his home on and off throughout his life. From an early age, Brian demonstrated an extraordinary intellect, excelling in language and musical skills. He was a voracious reader and well versed in many subjects, particularly history and religion. After graduating from USDHS in 1979, Brian joined the Coast Guard. Upon completing his service, he moved to Santa Rosalia in Baja California, Mexico. 

Brian’s mastery of Spanish and his generous spirit soon made him a welcomed fixture in Santa Rosalia, where he played the trumpet in local bands. He became well known throughout the town and made many lifelong friendships there. A few years later, he moved to nearby San Marcos Island, where he served as a lay minister at the local Catholic church. While Brian immensely enjoyed this work, he also began to provide translation services to a mining company on the island. After 20 years in Baja, his superior skills as a linguist eventually brought him back to the United States, where he served as a translator for government contractors throughout the country for another two decades. 

Despite his time in Mexico and his travels across the U.S., Point Loma always remained Brian’s home base, where he enjoyed long walks, bike rides, and attending mass at St. Agnes Catholic Church. Once retired, Brian perhaps most enjoyed the time he was able to spend with his mother, while maintaining close relationships with his many friends in Mexico.

Brian passed away in San Diego on May 11, 2024. He was predeceased by his father, Frank, and sister, Sylvia McArdle. He is survived by his mother Sybil, brother Michael (Mary), brother-in-law Tom McArdle, nephew Damien Hughes, nieces Charlotte McArdle Monfort (Charlie) and Priscilla McArdle Gunderson (Levi), great-nephew Thomas Gunderson, and great-niece Rose Gunderson.

Fue todo un honor trabajar contigo, Brian. Y también conocerte como persona y escuchar todas tus historias. Eras muy chistoso y alumbrabas cualquier lugar que fueras con tu gran corazón. El mundo te va extrañar.

OBITUARY

Brian Chapman Hughes

June 20, 1961 – May 11, 2024

Beardsley-Mitchell Funeral Home

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