Donald E. Hughes

Donald Hughes Obituary

Donald E. Hughes Passed away on September 22nd, 2009 at the age of 82. Don left high school to join the Merchant Marine, starting his life long passion for ships and the sea. Returning from sea, Donald returned to his family in Dearborn, Michigan, and attended Michigan Sate University. He would later attend the Police Academy and become a police officer in Dearborn. Don was well known for his sharp sense of humor and sometimes colorful language. Donald served his country, earning a purple heart during the Korean War. Don served aboard tugboats on San Francisco Bay with the Inland Boatman's Union. Later, in 1977, Donald became a ship pilot. He worked for Matson Navigation, Bakke Steamship, Fritz Maritime, Fesco Line, Norton Lilly and other shipping lines. He also owned the tug "Armstrong", which in it's day was the largest tugboat on San Francisco Bay. This vessel was instrumental in barging rock to the delta for needed levee repairs. Don worked as a San Francisco Bar Pilot from 1985 until his retirement in 2003. He will be deeply missed by his many friends and loved ones. Donald is survived by wife Marija Hughes, son Donald Luis Hughes, and granddaughter Virginia Hughes. He was preceded in death by his son Dale Hughes. A celebration of Donald's life will be at on Saturday, October 3rd at Trinity Lutheran Church, 333 Woodland Ave., San Rafael 94901 at 10:00 AM.

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

Published by Marin Independent Journal from Sep. 24 to Sep. 28, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Hughes

8 Entries

Jeanne Pinto

September 18, 2021

Larger than life, with a great sense of humor - I still get a chuckle from it - big hugs to the family! Marija, I still remember that Christmas Party, what fun!!

Tessie

September 18, 2021

You are still remembered as
"A Hemingway type individual"
and very much loved by
Marija, wife and Donald, Jr., son.

Jeff Sutton

October 2, 2009

Dear Marija,

I am so very sorry to hear of Don's passing.
The first time I met him was at Al Engel's clubhouse during one of early Jokers Bay Area meetings in 1998. We hit it off immediately over a game of pool and became good friends from there on out.
I was always entertained with his sense of humor to which I could relate working in the marine industry. He was my favorite " Salty Dog Joker" with his caring nature and big heart.
I remember calling him up for the next meeting when I was running the roster for the North Bay and he wouldn't miss a beat... give me the "doubletalk" ...which always had me in stiches!!
We talked many times about marine industry at the Joker meetings over the years ...ordered up a club jacket for him... along with how to get that Chrysler Hemi in his 40 coupe to run better.
The fondest memory I recall was when you and Don cordially invited me up to your house after the Joker Christmas party in 2007. I enjoyed your hospitality and kindness in opening up your home making me feel at home. We drank a few bottles of Donald's best wines and some of his fantastic Port and I really didn't want to leave.
I will cherish the bottle of his Port that he gave me and will raise a glass of it in memory of him on my birthday...the day he passed.

Much love To you and family in this hard time and I can say that from all the Jokers that knew him well...he will be missed and I am so sorry that I could not be at his Memorial as I had a previous engagement.
I, along with a couple of the guy's in the club that knew him want to organize a HotRod Memorial cruise/run and a picnic in the near future in his honor.

My Best Wishes,

Jeff Sutton
Jokers Bay Area

September 28, 2009

Dear Marija, Janet and I are very sorry to hear of Don's passing. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Love
Janet and Roger

September 28, 2009

Aunt Marija,

I am so glad Roger and I had a chance to visit you and Uncle Don while he was his robust, funny, charismatic self. He was always special to me. As a little girl, I remember him as being able to get down to my level and always being as mischievious as I was. I felt especially close to him because we both had red hair and freckles, and to put it politely, the fiery Hughes temperment. He loved you completely, Marija, and he was very proud of his son Don and his accomplishments. Its eery that he and my dad, his brother who loved and idolized him, died 20 days apart. I'm comforted to think they are laughing and horsing around in the hereafter right now, young, healthy, and knowing they will see the rest of us one day.

I love you and wish you calm in the eye of this storm,

Janet

September 26, 2009

Dear Marija and Donald,
Our family will truly miss the presence of "the captain" in the neighborhood, taking his walks, riding in his cars and watching over the neighborhood. When we would see him, he would always ask about the family, always concerned for others. We will truly miss him.
Our loving thoughts and prayers to both of you.
The Holbrook Family
Lynn, John, Chris and Jonathan

September 26, 2009

You'll be missed big guy! You made us all laugh, that's a great deed.

Tessie Cordero

September 26, 2009

Dearest Marija and Donald, Jr.,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss.
Donald was a colorful, yet lovable character. Once you met Donald, it was difficult to forget him. It was his personality. His temperament resembled much of Ernest Hemingway’s way of life. He had an enormous respect and love for the sea.
He exhibited good will to all and had an open heart. Donald often expressed how blessed he was to have met and marry his wife, Majia. This was his biggest pride. He adored you.
Don is now meeting with family, friends and our maker. He is without physical pain. He will remain in our hearts and thoughts as Don, a colorful yet lovable character; “A Hemingway type of individual”.
God Bless.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results