Hugh Walter Pace

Surrounded by his family and favorite hymn, “Amazing Grace”, Hugh Walter Pace, 77, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed peacefully at 8:01 PM on Thursday, September 21, 2023. Born March 31, 1946 in Everett, Washington, he was the eldest son of four children by Hugh James Pace and Margaret Frances Pace (nee Dunnigan).

Affectionately known as Russ, a nickname rooted in his Irish heritage and youthful red hair, Hugh followed in his father’s footsteps as an athlete, graduating from Cascade High School in 1964. Also like his father, he was an IBEW Journeyman, then earned an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Washington in 1970. As a man who highly valued education, in 1997, Hugh received a master's degree with distinction in Project Management from Keller Graduate School of Management and in 2000, he was awarded a second master's degree in Telecommunications.

Hugh possessed a sharp technical acumen, an unwavering commitment to precision, and a highly logical and efficient mind. These qualities rendered him a gifted and esteemed engineer. He was a Licensed Professional Electrical Engineer for 50 years and retired from Brown and Caldwell Engineers in July 2023, after 27 years of service.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Hugh was a lifelong outdoor enthusiast. He embraced skiing, tennis and camping. He had a deep affinity for literature, favoring westerns, history, and science fiction. He loved Elvis and The Beach Boys. A cherished memory was the dance he shared with his daughter to Bob Seger's "You Will Accompany Me" at her recent wedding.

Russ, a contemplative man of brevity, made every word he spoke matter. One of his favorite phrases is a family hand-me-down about responsibility and propriety: “housework, homework, fun” in that order. He faithfully served as a Eucharistic Minister at St Francis Xavier Parish.

Hugh is survived by his wife of 51 years, Linda; their daughter, Brooke (Matthew) Bennett of Phoenix, AZ; their son, Tyler James (Kristin Suzanne) Pace, CPA ; granddaughters,Juliette Avalon and Jacqueline Adelaide; grandson Tyler James II, of Chandler, AZ; sister Sally of Surprise, Arizona and his sister Susan, of Concord, California. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Michael.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Greenwood Memory Lawn Mortuary, 719 N 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85009, an event to which all are welcome to attend. Hugh will be laid to rest in an interment ceremony in Everett, Washington July 2024 at the Pace family site in Cypress Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to St Francis Xavier Catholic Church at 4715 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012. Please notify the family, as you're able, if you do so. The family is also requesting kind words and visits to his widow, Linda.