Richard Evans Hughes

Richard Evans Hughes, 73, of Tenino Washington, passed away on August 21, 2023. He had been surrounded, at his home, by many of his closest friends and family the prior day and knew how loved and cherished he was. His body finally gave in to his battle to breathe as he suffered from the symptoms of long covid over the past 22 months.

Rick was born on August 25, 1949, to Kenneth and Helen Hughes in Portland, Oregon, and was the youngest of 5 children. After graduating from North Thurston High School in 1968, he went on to serve a short stint in the United States Air Force, took some college courses, tried his hand at sales, then ultimately chose a career in the construction industry. He was a member of the Carpenters Union of Washington for about 12 years, before eventually heading out on his own. He discovered his talent and passion for home building and whether it was building his own personal homes, those for his family, or for the general public through the companies he helped lead, he was a wealth of knowledge, well trusted and a mentor to many. He retired in 2020, yet continued to consult, and was always there to help his family with any of their construction projects.

Rick had many pastimes over the years such as bird hunting, bowling, blackjack, road trips and camping, but one of his most notable may have been running rock festivals at Dinosaur Valley. It was a true grassroots movement during the hippie era, and when he met the love of his life, Tamara, in 1976. Free spirits that they were, they committed their lives to each other in a private commitment ceremony that year amongst friends, before officially renewing their vows in 1988.

Rick and Tamara went on to raise 3 children together who were the highlight of his life. He worked hard to support his family, yet always found time for making memories with them through many camping adventures and treasured family vacations. As his children transitioned to adults, he loved nothing more than spending time with them, and his precious grandchildren. He was always up for a sporting event, a graduation, a birthday party, time around the campfire, or just hanging out and offering his advice, support, and encouragement. He was also a magnificent storyteller as many of us can attest to. Rick is survived by his wife Tamara Hughes, along with their children Kameron Wagar and son in law Scott Wagar, Bryce Hughes, and Airelle Vanwey; his grandchildren, Kylie, Kellen, Lorelle, Hayden, Brielle, Brody, and Pierce; siblings Tannis Ventura and Judy Holmes. He was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Helen, his brother Kenny and his sister Sharon. He was not only a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle, but a very best friend to so many and a kind soul who was taken from us far too soon.

Something remarkable to note about him is that even in the midst of his medical struggle he had the most positive outlook on life and was an inspiration to many. He took a genuine interest in others and did not dwell on himself. His mind remained sharp, even when his body was broken. Our sincere and heartfelt thank you goes out to the medical community that loved and cared for Rick over the last 2 years. Especially those within the University of Washington Post Covid Program, and the Providence system. We are forever grateful.

A private celebration of life will be held by the family at the end of September.