RICHARD HOWARD HUGHES

HUGHES, RICHARD HOWARD
Richard Howard Hughes, of Gainesville Florida, died February 23, 2018 at Haven Hospice after a brave fight with pancreatic cancer and surrounded by his family.
Richard was born in Toledo, Ohio on December 9, 1941 to Howard John and Maxine Anita (Williams) Hughes.
Richard graduated from Whitmer Senior High School in Toledo, Ohio in 1959. He is also a graduate of the University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Education in 1965, a Master of Education in 1970, and a Specialist degree in Media in 1975.
Richard worked as a school teacher in 1965 at Imlay City Michigan Community Schools teaching 6th and 7th graders Science and Economics. In 1966 Richard moved to Winter Haven, Florida to teach 8th and 9th graders Physical and Earth Sciences at Denison Junior High School. In 1968, Richard moved to Monroe County Michigan to be the Director of the Media Center at the county library.
In 1970, he was hired as the Media Specialist at the University of Toledo's Community and Technical College.
On February 19, 1972 he married Barbara, the love of his life, in Toledo, Ohio.
Between 1970 and 1987 he was promoted to a number of positions including Director of the University of Toledo Technology Media Center, and Professor of Library Administration.
In 1987, Richard returned to Florida, accepting a position as the Director of the Media Center at the Warrington College of Business at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. Richard was promoted to the Director of Instructional Support and retired from the University in 2004.
Richard was a kind and gentle man, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time traveling, being with his family, fishing, and he loved chocolate. He was a lifelong educator and served as an active volunteer and board member of Kids Count in Alachua County. He also served as a mentor for two young men. He was an active member, past president, and board member of the Kiwanis Club of Gainesville.
Richard attended First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida. He and his wife Barbara were active in forming B.A.S.I.C. Nicaragua, making 21 trips from 2005 to 2015 volunteering at the Santa Patricia refugee camp in Chinandega, Nicaragua. What started with a vision clinic in 2005 has since served over 14,000 patients at the vision clinic, built over 75 houses, and sent many children to school.
Richard joined Boy Scouts at age 12 and was active in many capacities for over 30 years. Among the positions held was Tiger Cub Leader, Cub Master, Assistant Scoutmaster, and District Chairman. In 1987, he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award which is the highest award given to volunteers by the Boy Scouts.
He also served as a member and President of the Star Lake Homeowners Association and as a member of the Blues Creek Master Homeowners Association.
Richard Hughes was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Shirley. He leaves behind his loving wife Barbara of 46 years, sons Robert Hughes (Cherrie), Rod Hughes (Lourdes), and Christopher Hughes (Erica), daughter Andrea Corwine (George), and his grandchildren Rory, Harper, Seth, Taylor, Alexander, Elizabeth, Samantha, Alexandria, Abbie, and Ashley.
A celebration of life service will be held on March 4th at 3:00 pm at First Lutheran Church (1801 NW 5th Ave, Gainesville). Visitation will be from 2:00 - 3:00 pm prior to the service. Reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Kids Count (www.kidscountalachuacounty.org) or B.A.S.I.C.
Nicaragua (www.basicnicaragua.com).