Patrick John McHugh

June 30, 1945 – January 28, 2019

As most of you probably know, my Dad, Patrick John McHugh, was a pretty avant-gard man of many words, deep thoughts and new revelations emerging from each and every conversation he had. He was deeply interesting and full of stories that would likely surprise you and oftentimes evoke disbelief, but as I have learned through the years, all VERY true.

Taking it from the top, my Dad was born in Detroit, Michigan to Joseph and Margaret McHugh, baby brother to Sharon and Michael. He went to the University of Detroit Jesuit high school, although a self-proclaimed un-studious pupil, he excelled in sports and was an enthusiastic dancer at the local sock-hops. Gaining admission to Marquette University, my dad attended as an engineering co-op student while also expanding his social skills through joining the Triangle Fraternity and becoming the lead guitarist for a popular Milwaukee band. After college he was granted a job with Ford Motor Company which kept him out of the draft for the Vietnam War, but quickly, and to his mother’s chagrin, decided that the fuddy-duddy job at Ford was not for him and went on to enlist, joining the US Air Force for what would end up being four years. He did not often talk about his time in the war, but what I do know is that he had many complex experiences, as most veterans do, and encountered many people who would change his life and his outlook forever.

Shortly after Vietnam, my dad ended up in California, a place he truly cherished and loved. He rode and raced his motorcycle, went fishing on the beach with the local fisherman, attended St. Mary’s College of California and UC Berkley earning his Masters of Business, and occasionally enjoyed breakfast with the Dustin Hoffman at a local hotel (if you spoke to my dad at all you probably heard this story once or twice). While there is much more to say about California, trying to fit it all here would not even come close to shedding light on all of his experiences there and so I will not try. After California, my Dad spent some time in New York and Connecticut and then finally ended up in Dallas, Texas joining Dr. Pepper as their Brand Manager eventually spearheading the ever-famous “I’m a Pepper” campaign. Sounds awfully farfetched, right? Totally true. From a career perspective, after spending time at Dr. Pepper, he went on to join Grandy’s, what was then a famous fast food franchise competing with the likes of KFC, and shortly thereafter joined Club Corporation of America as their Senior Vice President of Marketing. In 1990, my Dad joined forces with his lifelong business partner, Les Langberg, starting the marketing consulting company Langberg, McHugh and Company. Most people know that my dad’s career was a proud part of his life and he found much fulfillment in sharing his business experience and acumen with anyone that would listen.

As most of you know, Dallas was where I came into the picture. The role of father was one my Dad never quite expected, but numerous times told me that it was his most cherished. I have the utmost love and admiration for my Dad. He was always such a constant in my life, a sounding board, a shoulder to cry on or someone to drive my friends and I to Meijer at 11PM at night to pick up shrimp and chocolate pies while listening to the Eagles on max volume.

In 1995, my Dad moved to Pentwater, Michigan and shortly thereafter I followed. Because of my Dad and his ability to create an inviting and safe environment, our house quickly became a gathering place for all my friends. We spent many dinners with five to ten of my friends surrounding the table discussing whatever topic my Dad would identify that evening. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to learn that my Dad was more than just a friend’s Dad to many of my friends. He was oftentimes a second father or a peaceful refuge, providing helpful advice and comfort whenever needed. College was no different. My Dad was very proud of his tailgate setup at Michigan State University and multiple times taught the tailgate group how to make the perfect guacamole. This is also where he met my husband Jeff, the man my Dad would come to fondly call the son he never had.

Over the last 10 years, as a retired marketing expert and entrepreneur, my Dad pursued various passions that kept him very busy. “Not enough hours in the day,” he would say. Not all people find more to do in retirement than in their regular job, but my Dad did. His mind never stopped learning, growing and exploring every possible minutia of any topic. From writing novels, to learning the piano, to playing golf, to baking, if my Dad set his mind to learning something new he would quickly become the expert. I was ever so thankful for this trait of my Dad’s. I never worried that he wouldn’t have plenty to do or to think about, he was always discovering new activities to fill his time.

After becoming “Pops” to my daughter Reese, he reveled in awe at her. He would say, “I really can’t believe I’m a grandfather.” He loved her so dearly and loved seeing, me, his daughter, become a mother. We did bi-weekly sometimes weekly Friday morning breakfasts where we would catch up and get to spend quality time with “Pops.” These were cherished moments.

My Dad, Patrick John McHugh, passed peacefully in his sleep on January 28, 2019. He always said that was the way he would prefer to go – not tied up to monitors or in a hospital. He wanted to be in his own bed in the comfort of his own home. And, if you know my dad at all, he was a stickler to making things happen exactly the way he wanted them to.

Dad (“Pops”), you will forever be such an important part of our lives. It is so difficult picturing life without you, but there is so much you have left behind in the way of stories, written notes journaling and pictures, to keep us smiling and remembering you exactly as you are.

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Survived by sister, Sharon Walker, brother, Michael McHugh (Jacqueline McHugh), daughter, Jessie Stachowiak, son-in-law Jeff Stachowiak, granddaughter Reese Stachowiak and granddog, Remy Stachowiak.

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Saturday, February 2, 2019*

Muehlig Funeral Chapel,

403 S. 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan

11:00-1:00pm (2 hours) – Visitation

1:00-1:30pm (30 mins) – Words from the Family / Sharing Stories / Minister Remarks

Conor O’neill’s

318 S. Main Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan

1:30-4:00pm (2.5 hours) – Irish Luncheon / Celebration of Life

*Both events are open to anyone who would like to attend