Philip I. McHugh

Phil McHugh passed away peacefully Dec. 15, 2015 at home surrounded by love and caring. He was, among many things, a devoted son, an adoring little brother, a loving husband and father, a respected and trusted businessman, a generous friend and an adored grandfather. Our father was a role model of, integrity, honesty, generosity, work ethic, fairness and how to love with your whole being.

Phil was born in Portland, OR to Bernard & Helen McHugh the youngest of six siblings. He attended St. Agatha’s Catholic Grade School in the Sellwood neighborhood before attending Central Catholic High School (1949 – 1953). He was a stand-out athlete at CCHS playing both basketball and football and was inducted into the CCHS Sports Hall of Fame in 1996. It was also during his high school years that he met his first wife Patricia Creasy, a student at St. Mary’s Catholic High School.

Phil pursued his college education at the University of Oregon where he earned a BS in History. While at the U of O he became a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity where he made amazing life-long friends who are truly “brothers”. He also served in the Army Reserves obtaining the rank of Second Lieutenant.

Phil brought his love of basketball and football to the U of O and would be an ”official” Duck for the next 15 years – four years as a two sport athlete, and from 1958-68 as an assistant football coach under Len Casanova and Jerry Frei and assistant basketball coach to Steve Belko. In football (1954-56), he led the Ducks in receiving and was named All-Pacific Coast Conference as a senior. He won the Higdon Trophy in 1955, the Hoffman (MVP) Award in 1956, and the Emerald Trophy in 1957. In basketball he was a three year starter and team captain his senior year. After his playing years he was awarded the Leo Harris Award in 1976 and was inducted into the U of O Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.

In the midst of his years at the University of Oregon Phil married Patricia Creasy August 10, 1957. Together they had three children: Michael (’58), Suzanne (’59) and Stephen (’62). Phil and Pat had 41 years of love and laughter until Pat passed away suddenly in 1998.

After Phil’s career as an “official” Duck he and the family moved to Portland where he began work as a superintendent for the Robert Randall Construction Company. He quickly moved up the ranks and ended his career with the Randall Co. as the VP of Construction in 1985. In addition to learning the construction trade from the bottom up, Phil formed many lasting relationships with those he worked with enjoying travels to Italy, Spain, England, Austria, Turkey and Hawaii with the Randall gang.

Upon retiring from the Randall Co. Phil set out on his own to form the MCH Construction Co. and RT & T Properties where he continued in the construction and management of small commercial properties, single family homes and multi-family complexes. His son Steve McHugh joined him in the business in 1992 and continues his legacy of integrity, reliability and quality.

Phil enjoyed the game of golf. Golf enabled Phil to stay connected to and socialize with many friends and family: Phi Delt fraternity brothers, Gofub2 U of O coaching colleagues, Columbia Edgewater Golf Club buddies, his brothers, sons and son-in-law and anyone who was willing to go for “a long walk spoiled”.

Phil also discovered the sport of running in the early 1980s. He ran many local races and some that no longer exist today: Cascade Run Off, Columbia Crossing (1983 opening of the Glenn Jackson Bridge), Cannon Beach Race the Rock. For his 50th birthday he set out to train for the Portland Marathon and also to quit smoking – he accomplished both! He continued to run for years until his health prohibited it.

Cannon Beach was Phil’s favorite place to get away and relax. He enjoyed many years walking the beach, exploring the tide pools at Haystack Rock, watching many a football game and simply sitting on the deck enjoying the view – no matter the weather. Family and friends were always welcome at the beach.

Phil began dating Claudia Eperjesi after reconnecting at a St. Agatha grade school reunion in 1998. They were married July 31, 2010. Together Phil and Claudia enjoyed 16 years of travel, attending Duck games at “home” and away at numerous bowl games, enjoying the beach house, entertaining friends, golfing and so much more. We are grateful for Claudia’s presence in Phil’s life as she brought back laughter and life to our father’s world.

Phil is survived by his wife Claudia Eperjesi-McHugh, children Michael McHugh (Ann), Suzanne Sommer (Doug) and Stephen McHugh (Kelley): grandchildren Patrick, Caitlin, Christopher and Kelley McHugh; Daniel, Grant and Lauren Sommer; Allison and Megan McHugh. Claudia’s children John Eperjesi and Laura McLaughlin (Greg): Claudia’s grandchildren Kelsey and Kayla McLaughlin.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held Saturday January 9, 2016 at St. Pius X Catholic Church @ 11:00 AM. A luncheon reception to follow. Address: 1260 NW Saltzman Rd, Portland, OR 97229.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to:

Central Catholic Class of 1953 Endowment Fund, St Vincent Hospice or charity of your choice.