Donald William Hughes went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, March 25, 2024. Lovingly surrounded by his family at Hospice House, Donald entered eternity one day after his 83rd birthday.
Donald was born in Barker's Point, New Brunswick on March 24, 1941, and was the youngest child of Robert and Edith Hughes. Having seven older siblings, (six sisters and one brother) made Donald a little pet even if he was a rascal at times.
One beautiful young lady caught Donald's eye when they were just 18 years old. Being the smart man he was, Donald asked Isabel to be his bride and they were married a year later. Their love and commitment to each other resulted in five children: Don Hughes of Fredericton, Heather Hughes of Fredericton, Michael Hughes of Woodstock, Bonnie Kincaid (Peter) of Fredericton, and Deborah McIntyre (John) of Alberta; eleven grandchildren: Erica McIntyre, Elena Enverga (Joseph), Sarah McIntyre, Julia Fraser (Mitchell), Nick Hughes, Riley Hughes,Kayleigh Kincaid, William Kincaid, Laura Kincaid, Megan Kincaid, Patricia Kincaid; and three great-grandchildren: Violet, Daphne, and Sebastian Fraser.
Donald was always a go-getter, and he knew the importance of a hard day's work. He started out picking strawberries and potatoes on farms in White's Cove when he was nine years old. He soon realized strawberries and potatoes wouldn't pay the bills so he studied hard; became a Master Plumber/Pipe Fitter; and had two businesses of his own. Donald later traveled back and forth to work at Point Lepreau when it was in its infancy. Finally, Donald ended his paid employment and retired from DECH as Maintenance Foreman in 1997 after an almost 20 year career. However, retirement never stopped Donald. He was always in motion. On any given day, you might have found Donald on the roof, under a car, in the garage, in the basement, or in the kitchen fixing, moving, or tinkering with something.
Donald and Isabel had a full life of adventures together traveling throughout New Brunswick and the US on their Honda Goldwing and in their motorhome; snowmobiling in winter; boating on Grand Lake; and bicycling on city trails. Many wonderful summers were spent at the lake where beautiful memories were made, and countless hamburgers were eaten. This spirit of adventure led him to work in Alberta and later move Isabel and their five children to Victoria, BC in 1974. They lived there for one year, preferring the East Coast to the West. The following years would see Donald build four new homes for his family in Fredericton, Durham, and Maugerville. For the last twenty years, Donald and Isabel came full-circle and spent their retirement years back in Barker's Point.
Donald was predeceased by his parents Robert and Edith Hughes as well as all his siblings: Marguerite Gautreau, Reta Derrah, Bernice McIntyre, Doris Estey, Robert Hughes, Shirley Koshowski, and Noreen Mullinger; nieces Joan Knight and Roxine Bailey. In addition to his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren, Donald leaves behind several cousins, nieces, and nephews, and one sister-in-law, Rose Marie Hughes. His faithful dog and walking companion, Walker will miss him dearly as well.
Donald was a living testimony to the power of the cross. His Christian life was an example to his children and to his grandchildren. Morning devotions, praying, and reading from his well-worn Bible was his daily habit. He would often say that the best decision he ever made was when he decided to follow Jesus. Even while briefly in the hospital, Donald shared his faith with others.
Many thanks to the Extra-Mural staff who came to the house to monitor Donald during his illness and to those at Hospice House who cared for him during the final hours of his life.
The family will receive visitors at Bishop’s Funeral Home, 540 Woodstock Road, Fredericton, NB on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at 11:00 am.
A service celebrating Donald's life will begin at 12:00 pm with Rev. Dr. Bob Dunlop officiating. Due to technical difficulties, the planned livestream will not be available but the Funeral Service will recorded and uploaded to the obituary as soon as possible after the service.
Reception to follow.
A committal service will take place later in the Spring.
Memorial donations in Donald’s honor can be made to Women’s Care Center, 562 Brunswick Street, Fredericton, NB E3B 1H5.