Michael L. McHugh, Sr., from Nine Mile Falls, passed away early Tuesday February 27, 2018. After several days battling the effects of a stroke, he peacefully stopped his fighting, likely for the first time in his life, while lovingly surrounded by his immediate family. He was a dynamic man of principle who will be dearly missed by many.
Mike was born on August 31, 1944 to William and Mary (Carmody) McHugh, the second of their four sons. He was raised in Elmhurst, Illinois, where he met and married the love of his life, Retta (Ensfield). They spent 52 years as caring, dedicated partners in everything they did, moving frequently, starting in the Midwest and landing in Spokane, where they knew they’d found their home. They dedicated their lives to raising their three children, Michael Jr. (Michelle), Colleen, and Brian. Mike couldn’t be prouder of his wonderful grandsons, Logan (19) and Duncan (17). It gave him great joy to see their adventures and accomplishments. He rarely greeted them without some ice cream and cookies, and rarely left them without sneaking a $20 bill into a handshake.
As anyone who knew him can attest, Mike was an excellent athlete and passionate outdoorsman. He loved to fish, hunt, play golf, and generously spend time with friends and family. He was president of the Sundance golf course Men’s Club, where he organized many tournaments while managing skins games and his (deceptive) handicap. He was a world class community-builder, with a diverse group of friends from across the country who looked to him for leadership and camaraderie: golf buddies at Sundance, longtime friends who hunted elk and deer on frequent trips to Montana and other golf/fishing trips to Nevada and Canada - and many local trips to The Onion.
He was a lifelong, loyal friend who lifted others when they most needed it and often before they knew it themselves. Weekend dinners were rarely enjoyed without company, country music or a game on TV (or – most often – all of the above). He was a stubborn, smart, straight-talker who loved to laugh. He was also a charismatic, independent leader who showed us how to be a true friend, someone more than just a neighbor. He coached a variety of sports and contributed to the lives of countless young people and their families along the way in Minnesota, Montana and Utah.
Mike accepted several positions from Wisconsin to Washington successfully managing personnel and retail locations for Sears, where he worked for 35 years before retiring as manager of the Northtown store in 2000. He was so grateful to have 18 years of retirement to dedicate to his hobbies, friends, and family. He studied History at St. Norbert College near Green Bay, Wisconsin, and cherished his membership in the Alpha Delta Gamma Catholic fraternity. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother Bill. Mike is also survived by his brothers Gregory (JoEllen) and Timothy, and countless friends across the country.
Mike recently posted this quote on the fridge - a rare occurrence for him -which tells us it especially resonated with him:
“Miss me a little – But not too long.
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared.
Miss me – But let me go.”
A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held Saturday, March 3, 2018, 11:00am at the Ball & Dodd Funeral Home. The McHugh family would like to thank the many people at Sacred Heart Medical Center who cared for Mike and visited him in his final days with us. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Spokane VA Medical Center (https://www.spokane.va.gov/giving/index.asp), or the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (https://jrd.rmef.org/howtohelp/donate).
