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 grand-children, 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. sportcentral.org/donate/
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de George S Hughes of Edmonton
Jun 5 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Edmonton, Province: Alberta
