- I miss his thirst for knowledge
- I miss his humility
- I miss the way he could be gentle and yet firm at the same time
- I miss him asking questions and really listening to the answer
- I miss his goofy grin when we did something we were not supposed to
- I miss his passion for improvement
- I miss his desire for fairness
- I miss never knowing what would make him laugh
- I miss how much he loved kids
- I miss watching him invest in people
- I miss our games of ping-pong
- I miss his commitment to being a better husband
- I miss how he learned to celebrate differences
- I miss his sincere interest in family and friends
- I miss his love of fruit and ice cream
- I miss his kindness and generosity
- I miss the importance he placed on forgiveness
- I miss his desire to always be growing in his faith
- I miss the games he would make up for us to play
- I miss his love of competition
- I miss him being excited to show me his latest workout
- I miss his stubbornness
- I miss the way his face would light up when he saw someone he knew
- I miss the opportunity to continue to get to know him better
- And last but not least, I will miss the role model he was (and will continue to be) for my life
Nana,
Remembering all the wonderful things about Taid is also a testament to you because from my limited experience, it seems that with so many amazing individuals, you find an amazing spouse there beside them, enriching them, supporting them, and helping them over the years become who God intended them to be - often in many little ways that are not seen or appreciated. While possessing so many of the same qualities as Taid, you also have many of your own unique attributes that came together with, and complemented, Taid’s to create one “Hall of Fame” worthy marriage team. For as long as I can remember I have watched you be an extraordinary wife and friend – and for 62 years of that, you should be congratulated. But not just congratulated ... you need to be thanked by all of us who love and miss Taid, because who he was and became is to your credit perhaps as much as his.
The conclusion I have come to is this - remembering and missing all the things about Taid is a way of celebrating everything that he was and everything he meant to so many people. So, family and friends, what do you miss? Please post/comment any stories, memories, or comments about Taid that you'd like to share...
29 comments:
Funny Katie should post this today, as I have spent the last few days looking through some of Nana and Taid's photo albums. I am so grateful they took so many pictures and captured so many memories! Thank you, Nana, for always having a camera handy and using it!
I feel very fortunate to have been able to spend a lot of quality time with Taid over the last fifteen years, but especially the last five. I was able to see him in his roles as husband, father, friend, mentor, grandfather, great-grandfather, Christian, student, teacher, caregiver, and patient. Seeing Taid as a whole man gave me a much deeper appreciation and admiration for him. He also provided a first-hand example for Colby of what a man should be.
Katie listed so perfectly many things that I, too, miss very much. It is funny though, how little things sneak up and catch you off guard. I am sure you have experienced it, too. When we visit Nana I find myself waiting for Taid to walk down the hall - he must be checking the Rockies score in his bedroom. When Nana calls, our pre-programmed caller ID says "Nana & Taid." I won't be changing that. I like it. Sometimes I catch a scent that smells just like him. I was in a garden store the other day and found the perfect gift for him. I almost bought it, excited that I found his Christmas present already. Whenever I would try to help with dishes Taid would insist on doing them. Good natured teasing would always follow. Taid would tell me how stubborn I am (gosh, wonder where I got that?) and I would tell him that I could take him, so bring it on! I think about that and miss him when I do dishes. I could fill pages with the little stuff!
So, I suppose we should take those little things we miss and turn them into good memories that we can share. We are bound to learn new things about Taid from each other. Between our memories and Nana's pictures we can make sure Colby knows Taid as well in twenty years as he does today.
Nana - Thank you for being you. Taid and I talked a lot about you in the last year. He loves you so much. As you miss the little things, please know that you can call any of us. Missing him is also remembering him and that is something we all want to do. I love you!
-Elizabeth
Katie,
I'm so sorry you lost your grandpa, but what a wonderful tribute to him. He sounds amazing...and I love his picture. Makes me want to hug him. ;)
Lesley
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.
~ Carol Roseen
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.
- Kevin Hughes
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
~ 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.
~ Vernon and Juanita Morrow and Family
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.
~ james miller
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!
~ Bump Elliott
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.
~ Al Mullins
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.
~ Kathi Blazek
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.
- Robert Plant
When God decided to create a truly good man, he had Jerry Hughes in mind and made him the model.
~ Lee Higgins
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.
~ Steve Nicholson
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.
~ Claudia Isley Daggett
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
~ Jim Romero
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.
~ Dennis Brown
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.
~ Jim and Raynette Eitel
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!
~ Carl Roberts
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.
~ Candy Manchester Witt
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.
~ Michael Waller
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!
~ Ron & Peggy Johnson
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.
~ Paul Angelico
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!
~ Mark Gendron
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).
~ Paul Reeder
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.
~ Linda Gordon (Schwendeman
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.
~ Rich Stratton
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.
~ Morris Fraser
It's hard for me to give words to my heart when I think of Jerry. He characterized what a real man is - kind, compassionate, sincere, tender, strong, generous, selfless, and humble. In my eyes, he set the standard for a grandfather and father-in-law. He loved Elizabeth and Katie with all his heart. I trusted him with my treasures because I knew he loved them more than he loved himself. He confided in me and I was honored. He has left a legacy and standard hard to match. Although we mourn his passing, the angels in heaven are rejoicing.
- Debby
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