Douglas Joseph Hughes

On Monday December 16, 2013, a beautiful Southern California day in Ventura, our sweet Doug peacefully passed away at 62 years of age. He was surrounded by family and friends as he had been throughout his life. For the past three years he battled many health difficulties due to cancer. He faced those challenges with quiet resolve, determination and dignity. Doug persisted in continuing to participate in life as fully as possible.

Doug was born October 30th, 1951 in New York City. His family lived in the Bronx, and then moved to Ossining, NY where Doug and his 8 brothers and sisters spent most of their youth. His family moved to Ventura when Doug was 15, he graduated from Buena High School and attended Ventura college and went on to work as a licensed psychiatric technician at Camarillo State Hospital. In 1976, Doug went to work in construction and developed a successful career as a general building contractor. His company, D. Hughes Construction, Inc., completed many beautiful custom home projects throughout Ventura County. He developed many lasting friendships through his business contacts. Doug truly loved his work.

As his family grew, Doug became involved with AYSO, Foothill Little League, and VYBA. Doug served as the player agent for Foothill Little League for three years, as well as donating his construction services to the ball fields. Again he developed life-long friendships through these activities. He joined a friend in forming “Water Girls” surfing club, helping their daughters and other young girls learn how to surf. He was a member of, and served as a Noble Grand of the Ventura I.O.O.F. lodge.

Doug greatly enjoyed almost daily surfing, Ventura’s C Street, and breakfast with “the boys” whenever work would allow. Doug’s interest in Harley Davidsons stemmed from his father’s duty as an NYPD motorcycle Sergeant. Doug loved the outdoors and besides surfing, enjoyed water and snow skiing, diving, underwater photography, and fishing. Many good times were had with friends and family enjoying these activities. As his health deteriorated, he took up woodturning, was mentored by a dear friend, and developed a passion for the craft.

Doug was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Patricia Sullivan, father John Edward Hughes, and brother Timothy Hughes. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Carol; son Neil and daughter Christine all of Ventura. He is also survived by brothers and sisters, John Hughes (Teresa) of Salt Lake City, Darthe Hughes of Carlsbad, Brian Hughes (Mia) of Minneapolis, MN, Colin Hughes (Pat) of Ventura, Denis Hughes (Shari) of Ventura, Kathleen Hughes (Jack) of Ventura, Sheilagh Collins (Todd) of Belle Fourche, SD, and his special cousin Thomas McMahon (Helen) of City Island, NY. Doug is additionally survived by loving members of Carol’s family, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Carlisle and Dorothy Kinyon of St. Louis, MO; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Christine and Kent Viles of Gunnison, CO, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

Doug will be remembered for his generosity, wit, craftsmanship, and love of family.

A funeral mass will be held at the San Buenaventura Mission on Saturday, December 21, 2013, 8:30am. A celebration of life will follow immediately after.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.