Ronald J. Hughes

COLEBROOK – Ronald J. Hughes, 78, of Colebrook, passed away at the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital early on Thursday morning, Feb. 25, 2016, surrounded by his loving family and after a long battle with failing health. He was born Dec. 28, 1937 in West Stewartstown the son of the late Homer J and Florence (Blais) Hughes. He attended local schools and was a 1955 graduate of Colebrook Academy. Ron was drafted into the Army and served with honor from 1961-63. Upon returning to the north country, Ron held various jobs. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for Audley Construction until going to work for the Prudential Insurance Company, where he was awarded for being a top agent multiple times, but was forced to retire due to his failing health. He later refused to retire and worked various jobs to include driving truck for the Lewis Oil Company. Ron was a well-known figure in the local community as well as in the state. He served 38 years on the Colebrook Fire Department in every position to include 11 years as chief. He also served for 24 years as a NH forest fire warden and 23 years as a director for the NH Fireman's Association. Ron was also recognized for the major role he played in establishing the current New Hampshire Fire Academy in Concord. Ron also served on the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Citizens Committee, making sure the land stayed open for future generations. Ron was a lover of music and was an accomplished drummer. He loved to march in parades, to dance, and to play in local bands. In addition to his love of music, he enjoyed his camp on Whipple Ridge and was considered by most to be obsessed with his blue 1978 International Scout II. He is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Helen (Fraser) Hughes, of Colebrook; his three children, Stephanie (Hughes) Cross and husband Bradley Cross of Fort Hood TX., E.J. Hughes of Singapore, and Christopher Hughes and wife Melissa of Deland, FL; five step-children, Kimberly Martin and husband Sean, Jason Fayta and wife Leiah, Lori Merrill and husband Michael, Suzanne Merrill ,and Robbie Merrill;. three brothers, Dean Hughes of Colebrook, Alan Hughes and wife Cathie of Charlotte VT, Robert Hughes and wife Lucille of Harvard, MA. Ron was a proud grandfather of Ashlie Cross and fiancée Travis Lynch, Nathan Cross, Michael, Audrey, Elizabeth, Colin, and Isabella Hughes, as well as 8 step-grandchildren and a young lady who held a special place in his heart, Chelsea Tillinghast. Calling hours will be on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, from 2-4 and 5-8 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook, NH. A graveside committal service with military honors will be held later in the spring in the Colebrook Village Cemetery of which notice will be given. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Colebrook Fire Dept., P.O. Box 273, Colebrook, NH 03576; or the Colebrook School District Music Dept., 21 Academy St., Colebrook, NH 03576; or to the North Country Band, ℅ Cecil Hikel, P.O. Box 16, Canaan, VT 05903. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements in NH are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook. Car 1, … all clear.

Ronald J. Hughes

December 28, 1937 - February 25, 2016