Hugh Hayden Connelly

Hugh Hayden Connelly, 84, died peacefully in his home in Fairbanks, April 2, 2012, after a short but courageous battle against cancer.
He was born in Sacramento, Calif., Oct. 22, 1927.
He graduated high school mid-term at age 17 and joined the U.S. Navy. He was stationed at Guam and was assigned to the SS New Orleans, "the Ghost ship of the Pacific." On the way to Philadelphia, for decommissioning, the ship's crew celebrated the first Mardi Gras after World War II in New Orleans. On his return to California, he attended Saint Mary's College in Moraga.
He came to Anchorage in 1949, to earn money for law school working for the Alaska Railroad as a fireman and engineer.
He met the love of his life, Sandra MacKenzie, an RN from British Columbia, in Anchorage in 1951. They were married at Immaculate Conception Church in Fairbanks on May 25, 1952.
Hugh began reading law under the tutorage Robert J. McNealy in 1954. He was elected as municipal magistrate and was later appointed U.S. Commissioner. After Alaska earned statehood, he was appointed magistrate by Gov. William Egan. He served as a district court judge for 29 years and was an active member of the Alaska Bar Association. He received an honorary doctorate from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in May 1988.
Hugh began his community service in 1952, working to raise funds for the building of Monroe High School. Over the years, he was actively involved with numerous community groups including Hillcrest Home for Boys, Knights of Columbus, Jaycees, Kiwanis, American Heart Association, Winter Carnival, Alanon and helping AA, Catholic School Association (CSA), Love Inc., the Fairbanks Community Museum, Immaculate Conception Parish Council and the ICS weekend Soup Kitchen.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Tom and grandson Darby.
Hugh will be greatly missed by his wife of 59 years, Sandra; and daughters, Trish (Greg) Yocum, Colleen (Bob) Clarke, Beth (Roger) Boles, Kathy Connelly and Margaret Ariss.
He will also be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren; Shelly (Andy) Goeldner and children, Cory and Zoe, Megan (Mel) Weeks and children, Maurina, Mason, and Mia; Daniel (Kris) Rex, Justin and Brian Clarke, Michael and Breanna Boles, Desiree (Jesse) Gauges and children, Kira, Wylie and Wesley, Ashliegh Ariss and daughter, Charla, and Sabrina Ariss; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
A rosary will be said at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 12, at Immaculate Conception Church. A Mass of the Resurrection and a celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, April 13, 2012, at Holy Family Chapel (ICS and Monroe High School) with a reception to follow at 6 p.m. at the Elks Club Antler Room.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his honor to one of the following: Immaculate Conception Church Soup Kitchen, Monroe Foundation or the Fairbanks Community Museum. Arrangements were entrusted to Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.