John McHugh

1934 - 2010

John Cary McHugh, a desert resident for 13 years, passed away on October 30, 2010, after a four year struggle with leukemia. Born in Arkansas on July 17, 1934, he attended St. John's Military Academy in Los Angeles, Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, and the University of Southern California. He graduated from USC in 1956, obtaining his Master's Degree in 1962. He was a member of the Trojan Alumni Assoc., "Half Century" Trojans, and the Trojan Club of the Desert.
John married Lynn McGrath (McHugh), a Healthcare Professional at Eisenhower Medical Center's Lucy Curci Cancer Center, in 1966. They first met when she was working at Du-Pars Restaurant and Bakery in Studio City, over a "tin of cinnamon buns"!
After graduation he began his career in teaching, as a professor and counselor. He taught on both the high school and junior college levels, in the fields of political science, psychology, and sociology. He subsequently became self-employed as an insurance agent/broker, into retirement.
John and Lynn lived in a variety of beautiful, scenic locales, in Southern and Central Calif., including the beach, Marina Del Rey, Malibu, the Central Coast Wine Country, Templeton, in San Luis Obispo County, the mountains, Lake Arrowhead, and the lovely desert. They traveled extensively in the Caribbean, both on luxury cruise ships and to exciting resorts, enjoying swimming, jet-skiing, and boating in the summer. Snow-mobiling was a winter favorite. John was an avid, accomplished target shooter, enjoying week-ends in the High Desert. He was a devoted fan of USC Trojan football, and Chicago Cubs baseball, and was an active associate member of the Lake Arrowhead Communities Republican Women, Federated.
They were owners of several successful Thoroughbred racehorses in the early 1970's, experiencing thrilling racing at Santa Anita, Oak Tree, Del Mar, and Caliente Racetracks.
He is survived by his cherished wife, Lynn, of 44 years, and his sister, Sharon Pfeifer, of Santa Clarita. His parents, Robert and Annabeth McHugh, are both deceased. He had a profound love of animals, and was a devoted "father" to his several canine offspring, Crysta, Chelsea, and Cupid.
John was a brave, persevering warrior until the end…