Gerald Hughes Obituary

I was honored to be a next door neighbor to Mary and Jerry for 11 years. Those two were the sweetest couple to grace the earth. I shall never forget the kindness and thoughtfulness they always showed to everyone. Jerry's work ethic was ever present as he always found some project to do in their yard, but could always spare a few moments to chat 'over the fence'. Always ready to give a helping hand to other neighbors, or give a smile and wave as you passed by. His faith was ever present, as was the love of his family. He will be missed by family and friends to be sure, but loving memories of this fine man, will fill our hearts.

To read these memories is such a joy for me as Jerry's son. Many of your memories are mine also, memories of a man I will miss every day and with great intensity. My greatest solace is the joy of 54 years of life with him and all the wonderful memories and lessons, as well as the confidence of his presence with the Lord.

He was my hero, and always will be. My grandfather died when my dad was 12...and had been sick for years prior to that as a result of being gassed in the trenches of northern Europe during WWI. At one time my dad apologized to me for not really knowing how to be a dad since he really didn't have one to model what it looked like. I told him then, and I repeat today, if I can be half the dad for my kids that he was to me I will count myself an amazing success.

What a privilege it was and will always be to be called his son. May God bless each of you as you honor my dad by living as he modeled, something I aim to do also.

Words can never heal the pain that death brings. Many say that time heals all wounds. I have found in my experience with loss that time most defintely helps, but the seperation from someone you love is life changing.May our merciful Heavenly Father watch over you and keep you. May He spread His wings of protection over you. Mr. Hughes meant the world to my late husband, Jesse Simpson. He entered Jesse's life at a difficult time and in many ways became a father figure to him. Mr Hughes had a great deal to do with the man Jesse would become.Jesse often spoke of the treasured time he spent in the Hughes home. He spoke of the kindess that was so often given to him. As a young man at a crossroad in his life Jerry Hughes was someone Jesse looked up to and admired.As his wife, I would like to thenk you because I am the voice for Jesse Simpson. He went home to be with the Lord seven years ago. Thank you Mr.and Mrs. Hughes for your kindness. Thank you for givng guidance to the man I would marry and still love even today. You have touched my life in a very tangible way, and I am thanful for you. You are in my prayers,Patricia Simpson

This world has lost a role model for humanity. We could not have asked for more caring and considerate neighbors as the Hughes family, and we have missed you everyday since you moved from your T Gap home. Mary and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you and may the beautiful memories you have gathered give you the strength to move forward.

My condolences to the Hughes family. He was a great man. I met him at North Jr. HS in the late fifties and he was my basketball coach briefly at Palmer. I remember Mr. Hughes as a no-nonsense and caring person. My late brother-in-law, Jesse Simpson, a basketball charge, had complete respect for his mentor. The last time I saw coach, we shook hands,and he offered me condolences after my father's funeral. My father had retired as a custodian at Palmer HS 20 years earlier. It will be my honor to join coach in the C-Springs Hall of Fame this coming Fall. Thanks, coach, for a job well done.

Mr. Hughes is a great person and has had such a positive effect on many, many young people. He served as a role model for me when I taught and coached at Palmer and Mitchell High Schools and worked for him at the Racquet Club. Mr. Hughes was a caring, giving, and supportive person who truly cared for the people around him. I thank Mr. Hughes for his guidance and thoughtfulness. God Bless Mr. Hughes and the Hughes family!

Mr. Hughes was a wonderful teacher and coach, I remember that he would tell me many stories of the times when he played ball and always told me to work hard that I could go far. This was in 1966-1969 when young black men needed a source to point them in the right direcion and he was one that always there for me. My mother loved him to because she could always call him to make sure that I was doing the right thing.

To the Hughes Family,
It was an honor to be a part of your father's healthcare team here at Memorial. It was sad for me to learn of his passing when I arrive at work. May God bless him and you, his wonderful family. Thanks for the great late night conversations.

Gerald was a great person, teacher, and coach. I remember him as my basketball coach in Rocky Ford; he was the inspiration for me to also become a coach. I'll miss him. I send my condolences to his family.

When God decided to create a truly good man, he had Jerry Hughes in mind and made him the model.

June 26, 2009

Mrs. Hughes, Chuck, Steve, Kevin, & Karen,
You and I lost a great man, husband, father, friend, and coach on Monday but his deeds and memories will remain with us all.
Whoever crossed his path in life, wheither as a student, as a player, or as a friend was impacted in some positive way by his presence.
His Life has been a sterling example of the goodness, the inspiration, and the leadership that always
shined as a 'white-hot' beacon of the possibilities and honorable life for us all!

Farewell my coach, my inpiration, my friend....til we meet again!

Steve Rusk
Palmer High School, 1965

To the Hughes Family,

We were so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. He was such a huge inspiration and mentor for all of the young men and women that grew up spending countless summer days at the Racquet Club. For those of us that actually worked our first real jobs for Jerry, the experience was priceless. The circle of friends that was created through responsibility, hard work, and team effort all via Jerry's direction continues 30+ years later. He will be missed greatly.

Wonderful Hughes family,
My heart was truly saddened to hear of Gerald's passing and my prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Although it has been many years, I will not forget the love and kindness you always extended to me and my family! May the God of all peace and comfort be with you all in a mighty and powerful way.

To the Hughes family,
I would like to express my sincere condolences to the Hughes family, upon Gerald’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I hope you find comfort during this difficult time of loss. He was a great coach and teacher and gave me the opportunity to attend Denver University.

Sincerely,
Jim Romero
CSHS, Class of 1957

Kevin and family -- At a time when I needed plenty of direction, Jerry was a wonderful model of a man, husband, father and Christian. He taught me the meaning of hard work and the things that matter in life. All who had the honor of knowing him are far better people for it. Blessings to all of you.

To the Hughes Family,

When someone of Jerry's quality leaves this earth, the loss is nearly too much to bear. Jerry was the epitome of what a Christian husband, father, friend, teacher, and coach should be. All of us who knew him already miss his easy laugh, his kindness, and his comforting hugs for whomever might need one. That kind of presence stays with each heart and I know your comfort will be that Jerry's spirit will be there when you need to be reminded that Love always remains. We wish you strength as you confront a world without Jerry and also know you will see a whole newwork of friends who will be there for you. We send our love and condolences to each of you. We share your tears.

Hughes Family,
I was very sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing from my good friend Kent Hill. I spent 28 years in District 11 admiring Jerry Hughes for the quality of his character and the depth of his service to the community. Like many others in the district, I learned a great deal about teaching, learning and living from Jerry. Vía Candíos Amigo!

To the Hughes family, I'm so sorry about the loss of your dear Gerald. I will keep you in my prayers. May God hold you close and give you comfort at this difficult time.

Hughes Family,
I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. I grew up a Racquet Club kid like so many others. Jerry was amazing at his ability to know all of us. I ran into him several times over the years, he always came right up to me grabbed my hand asked about me and the family. Even thirty years later he always remebered my name. You always walked away from an encounter with Jerry feeling better than you did before. He was a huge inspiration to me and many others.

It's hard to express our feeling about Jerry--he was such a special person and will be missed terribly by everyone who knew him. Our years of knowing him go back as far as high school in Rocky Ford, CO. Ron knew him as a coach and Peggy as a teacher. We attended the same church for years, in Colorado Springs, and then knew him as principal of Coronado High School, where our children were students. That created some interesting situations!! We also traveled together on several occasions. We all loved him and we cherish our memories of times spent with him and Mary. Godspeed, dear friend, we'll meet again one day!

Kevin and family please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during these hard times. I have so many good memories of your dad from High School and college through the time working for him at Coronado. He was always so positive with me. He was the role model for all that is right in education. I can not tell you how many times I have thought "What would Mr. Hughes think of this decision" and used him as a yardstick to measure what is right. He really has made a difference for me and I believe to the many people that worked and played with him.

Chuck, Steve, Kevin, Karen, and Family, I arrived at work tonight and immediately went to your father's room and found it empty. After some investigation I learned of his passing. It was a pleasure and privledge to meet all of you and care for your father. He was clearly quite a man!

Eric Miller

Jerry gave me my first job in 1974. He was a mentor, teaching the importance of responsibility and a hard days work. Later he became a friend. I will never forget the day he asked me to play as his doubles partner. It was honor to stand on the same side of the net with Jerry Hughes. I have thought of Jerry many times over the past 30 years and our thoughts and prayers are with Mary and family today. Keep making those trick shots in heaven!

Karen,

We are so sorry for your loss. We know how much your dad meant to you. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Cord & Lizzie, Woodland Park

Jerry was such remarkable person. He was the "poster boy" for work ethic and leadership by example. Everyone who worked with him at the Racquet Club truly respected and admired him. It was such a treat when he played basketball with us behind the lifeguard office. He will be missed by everyone who knew him (even a little bit).

On behalf of the Memorial Health System Foundation Board of Directors and Staff, I would like to express our sincere condolences to the Hughes family, upon Gerald’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we hope you find comfort during this difficult time of loss. Sincerely, Memorial Health System

I am so sorry to hear of Jerry's death, what a great guy. We were neighbors for a decade and I always admired Mary and Jerrys energy and devotion to each other, their passion for life with tennis and travel. A good man has been lost, condolences to the family, have strength in your memories.

Mary and family, I am so sorry to hear about Jerry. He was always an inspiration to me when I worked for him on the grounds crew of the racquet club. He was a great man and will be missed.

I'm sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. He's always in my memory as a coach considerate of a young writer reporting on one of Colorado Springs' outstanding championship teams composed of outstanding young men.