David Hughes

Dave was born on September 17, 1929 in Barwick, Ontario to Dave and Annie Hughes. He attended Shenston #5 Elementary Public School in Chapple, and later graduated from Fort Frances High School (1948) after his family moved to Fort Frances.

After graduating from High School, Dave worked at McLean’s Wholesale as a country salesman for nearly 20 years. Following his employment at McLean’s he became a partner with Busch’s Auto until his retirement.

Dave was married in 1952 to Helen MacDonald and together they raised their sons Bradley, Hal and David Jr. Many of their years together were spent at the lake home on Off Lake. Dave loved to create many fine pieces of woodwork in his shop at the cabin and there are thirty-five people that have one of his bookcase boats. Dave was also an avid curling enthusiast. He spent many years serving in executive capacities for the Fort Frances and Northwestern Ontario Curling Association, becoming a life member of NWOCA. Dave served on the Board of Management which directed the construction of the present Fort Frances Curling Club. Even after Dave lost his eyesight, he continued to curl by using a special flashlight to deliver his curling rocks with precision.

Being very community-mined, he also served as a member of the Granite Masonic Lodge (50 years) and the Border Shrine Club (40 years).

Dave was an elder of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and after its closing, became an adherent member of the Knox United Church in Fort Frances.

In 1991 Dave married Darlene McKinnon and became step-dad to Rob and Michelle.

Dave will be greatly missed by his wife Darlene; sons Brad, Hal (Marie) and David (Marie) and their children Savannah Hughes (Dylan) and great grandson Emmett, and Elyssa Hughes. Also mourning Dave’s passing is step-son Rob McKinnon and step-daughter Michelle Gartzke (Jason) and grandchildren Alex, Jaxon and Bo; step grandchildren Ariane Lahaie and her children Anabelle, Jayden and Alexane and Rachel Lahaie and her son Nathan; sister Annette Franceschini (Rino); sisters-in-law Donna Day, Phyllis Spillers, Joan Van-Dam (Keith) and Gertie Bujold.

He was predeceased by his parents David and Annie; first wife Helen (1989) and sisters Martha Whitley and Mary Reid.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Knox United Church in Fort Frances, ON with Pastor Ralph Fluit officiating.

The honourary pallbearers will be Glen Witherspoon, Jim Jackson, Paul Ryan, Dennis Busch, Al Robertson and Sam Arbuckle.

If friends so desire in memoriam donations may be made to the Fort Frances Curling Club, P.O. Box 27, Fort Frances, Ontario, P9A 3M5.

Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.