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George HUGHES Obituary

Published by Edmonton Journal from Jun. 8 to Jun. 9, 2018.


HUGHES, George Steven
1924 – 2018
On June 5, 2018, George passed away at the age of 93 after a wonderful life. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather to his family; an energetic community leader, colleague, and friend to many; and a proud Edmontonian and Albertan. We will miss him enormously, and know we were blessed to share our lives with him.
George was born in Vegreville, Alberta, in 1924, to parents Daniel Hughes, a farmer, and Dorothea (Whittaker) Hughes, a teacher. He had fond memories of a happy childhood with his sister, Mary, brother Hillard (who sadly passed away at age 4), and extended family and cousins on adjoining farms. Growing up, George loved juggling varied interests in sports, student politics, and community organizations, a trend that continued throughout his life. A child of the Great Depression, he valued family, community, and hard work, and understood the need to help others and pull together. George felt lucky to attend university, receiving his B.Sc (Agr) from the University of Alberta in 1950. He threw his energy into campus life, serving as a member of the Golden Bears Hockey Team, Phi Kappa Pi Fraternity, Gateway sports staff, University Athletic Board, and Golden Key Society. George loved the University, and wore his U of A ring all his life. He loved Edmonton too, and felt blessed to live in such a prosperous, community-minded, city.
In 1951, George married the girl of his dreams, Doreen Lincoln. For the next 61 years George and Doreen built a wonderful life together focused on family, friends, and community. From1951-53, George divided his time between the family farm and Olds Agricultural College where he taught. In 1956, he joined Hu Harries & Associates, and economic consulting and appraisal business, rising to Vice President. In 1968 George joined the City of Edmonton as the City Assessor, becoming Commissioner of Public Affairs in 1971, and Chief Commissioner of the City of Edmonton in 1974. He joined Edmonton Northlands as the General Manager in 1978, overseeing development of the Coliseum, Agricom, and the World Trade Centre. Throughout this career, George was excited to play a role in the development of Edmonton, and to work with so many fine people. In 1990, he and Doreen retired to enjoy time travelling, volunteering, and spending time at the cottage at Sylvan Lake, where their children, grandchildren and extended family visited regularly. George also developed a 'genealogy bug', researching his family tree, and organizing several huge, memorable, reunions of the Hughes clan.
Throughout his life, George held a deep belief in the value of community and volunteer service. He worked with many organizations, receiving over 40 awards recognizing his contributions. Highlights include: Edmonton Sports Hall of Fame; Hockey Alberta Hall of Fame; University of Alberta Distinguished Professional Achievement Award; University Sports Hall of Fame; Life Member of Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues, and Ottewell Community League; Life Member of Little League Baseball and Hockey Alberta. George was a founding member of the Old Strathcona Foundation, and Sport Central. In 2002, he was awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal for Distinguished Contributions to Canada. In 2008 the City of Edmonton honoured George by naming the George S. Hughes South Side Arena after him.
George is lovingly remembered by his children, Brent Hughes, Brian Hughes (Pamela), and Karen Hughes (Barry Scholnick); grandchildren Lynden Hughes (Tasha); Dallan Hughes (Beckie); Thea Hughes; Leah Pennell (James); and Sam Scholnick-Hughes; and great-grandchildren, Zack, Abby, Zoey, Anna, and Nash Pennell. He was predeceased by his wife, Doreen; sister, Mary Weir; brother Hillard; and parents, Daniel and Dorothea. George's love of family, community, and meaningful work will live on through all of us.
George's family extends heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all those who helped George in his final years, especially Dr. Marjan Abbasi and Dr. Henderson, and the many exceptional caregivers we came to know at Laurier House and Devonshire Village.
A celebration of George's life will be held on Friday, June 15, 1:00 p.m., at Connelly- McKinley Funeral Home – Edmonton South, (4820 Meridian Street Edmonton, Alberta T6P - 1R3).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sport Central, an organization close to George's heart, which ensures all children in Edmonton, central and northern Alberta, regardless of need, have the chance to play, enjoy, and love sports. https:/ /sportcentral.org/donate/
For directions and to send condolences, please visit:
www.connelly-mckinley.com


To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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8 Entries

October 11, 2018

Edward Antoniuk

I am saddened to learn about George's passing. I was privileged to work in the Commissioners office during the time that he was the Chief Commissioner. It was a great learning experience. I enjoyed his sense of humour. He was a calming influence in a pressure filled and at times a stressful working environment.

June 13, 2018

Sheldon Oleksyn

George was one of Sport Central's "Founding Fathers" setting our charity on a path to success and longevity. 26 years later, we can point to George's guidance and leadership as our cornerstone. Some specific things George did for Sport Central for which our charity owes a debt of gratitude are:

1. He was our Founding President and led the development of the structure and foundation building on which Sport Central has relied on since 1991.

2. George was a pillar in both the Baseball and Hockey Communities and helped attract many key volunteers and funds to Sport Central over his close to 20 years on the Board.

3. The other Founding Members of Sport Central knew recruiting George Hughes to the Board was critical to the success of our charity. We are grateful he agreed to join the team.

4. George was extremely articulate and professional in everything he did in his leadership at Sport Central, whether he was President or Secretary or simply a board member.

The entire Sport Central family sends condolences to the extended Hughes family and is eternally grateful for his gifts and influence. May an old friend rest in peace.

June 11, 2018

Alfie Phillips

I first met George in 1976 when Conklin Shows
acquired the Western A Fairs contract which
included Edmonton. George was the General
Manager at the time. We had a great
relationship over many years. He was a
character with an engaging sense of humour.
Best to his family & friends.

Alfie Phillips,
Past Pres. Conklin Shows

June 11, 2018

DON SROKA

Deepest sympathies to the Hughes family on the loss of Mr. Hughes. I had the privilege of working for him (directly and indirectly) for over 20 years and can honestly say that Mr. Hughes was the best mentor I have had in my career. A GREAT man who had a vision that he brought to fruition via Northlands and Albertan's far and wide enjoyed the great facilities he helped develop.
May God welcome you into his Kingdom with open arms Mr. Hughes
Love Don Sroka

June 10, 2018

Judy Chapman

I worked at Northlands for many years with Mr Hughes as our leader. His ability to see thru issues was legendary. Also had a great sense of humor. A great man and a great leader. I learnt a lot from him. Deepest sympathy to the Hughes family.

June 9, 2018

Linda Kay

Ray and I were sad to hear of George's passing. We have fond memories of the Tigner reunions your Mum and Dad hosted at Sylvan. We still have our trailer at Sylvan and we always think of them as we pass their' cottage. We are currently out of town and sorry we won't be back in Edmonton for the funeral. Our sincere sympathy to you all.

June 9, 2018

Gerry & Sharon Yuen

We have many fond memories of George, his love of family, community and spirit. George had a unique ability to listen, read, and comprehend while adding his knowledge and expertise to the situation ...all at the same time. The City of Edmonton, and our community is a much better place as a result of George's leadership and his many contributions. A life well lived and a wonderful friend to all.

June 8, 2018

Our deepest sympathy to the family of George Hughes...he was a great contributor to the city of Edmonton and Edmonton Northlands..we have many memories of our association with George and Doreen all those years on the Board at Northlands.
Sincerely Mike & Merle Marples

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