Reginald Hughes

Son of the late Peter Martin & Blanche (Noonan) Hughes passed away suddenly at home in Toronto on July 20, 2013. Born in Charlottetown, PEI on Jan 1,1928, Reg was predeceased by all his siblings, brothers Ambrose John Hughes “Amby”, Peter Clifford Hughes “Kip” and sister Doris (Hughes) Macdonald. He will be missed by Hughes sisters/nieces Elaine (Ken Boothe), Blanche (John McGill), Rita (Edward Needham) & families. He will also be missed by his multitude of friends in both Canada & USA.

Young Reggie was the last at home, after older brothers Amby & Kip had gone off to join the Navy and were WWII Veterans. After marrying Frank Macdonald, in Halifax NS, Doris moved to Toronto. Since their father had already passed away in 1944 teenage Reg and his mother made the bold move to Toronto where her only sister had also relocated. Both Reg’s brothers eventually moved there too. So Toronto became home to all the Hughes family. Reg never left his adored mother who passed in 1975 after taking her on many vacations, a highlight being a trip to Hawaii, with a couple of other family members and some friends.

Reg had a long career with 3M Canada Co. and retired 22 years ago. He had fallen in love with Florida over the years, making many American and Canadians friends in the Sunshine state. He became a full-fledged Snowbird and spent a full six months of many years in Dunedin, Florida. He often said he would make it his permanent, year-round home but for immigration laws. In keeping with his wishes, half of his remains will remain forever in Florida. There will be a gathering of friends in Dunedin, in November, honouring this wish and a much beloved man. Friends at Heather Lake, in Dunedin, will also be celebrating Reg’s life with a Mass in February 2014, when all the Snowbirds are together again. The other half of Reg’s ashes will be with his mother and all his other Hughes family members who made Toronto home all those years ago.

Reg was most loved for his positive outlook on life. He was devoted to his Catholic faith, energetic, fun loving, and a generous man with a wonderful sense of humour. His enthusiasm for all things, love of life and friends, made him seem many years younger than his 85 years, even after a fall in Feb. 2011, requiring surgery for his broken hip that did not set him back. Determined to retain good health and independence, he recovered from this set back in record time, retaining the spring in his step to the end. This was a man whose energy, vitality and loyalty to friends knew no bounds. In his humility, he probably had no idea of just how many friends he had and did not realize his popularity. It is only in his sudden passing that is it being recognized there is a hole he has left in the lives of so many. He will never be forgotten. Reg’s was a life well lived and his legacy is the inspiration he has left for all who loved him to do the same.

Cremation has taken place and the August 7th Toronto services are as follows:

• Visitation: 9 – 10 a.m. Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home

• Mass: 10:30 a.m. St John’s Chapel of St. Michael’s Cathedral

• Burial to follow: Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Thornhill ON

Please visit: www.rosar-morrison.com for further details, directions and condolences.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Michael’s Hospital Angel Care Fund would be greatly appreciated. www.stmichaelsfoundation.com or (416) 864-5000.