On Friday, February 10th, 2012 at approximately 2:45PM Duke Hughes died after a brief illness. A fighter who never quit at anything that he did, lost the fight that we all shall lose one day: the fight for life.
For those of you lucky enough to have had him as the Caretaker of Residence A at the Maritime Forest Ranger School, I am sure you can remember how many times he helped you and your classmates make it to class on time with his famous bellow “UP BOYS! UP!”
Or if you were stupid enough to sass him, he would show you two clinched fists saying “One is hospital and one is death. Which one do you want?”
- Dukes Hughes 1929 – 2012
While MFRS can tell anyone how many people graduated from their program year-by-year, the statistic of how many asses Duke kicked and saved, so they could receive their diploma, was not tracked. I have a feeling it was a lot, for he continued to kick ass right up until his death.
A father, a husband, a grandfather, a great grandfather, an uncle, a cousin, a friend. He loved his family deeply. There was no other like Duke Hughes. The essence of the human fighting spirit!
Duke was surrounded by family and loved ones at the time of his death. Please check back here for visitation and funeral arrangements.
I miss you and love you Uncle Duke.
Your nephew;
Todd
UPDATE:
Hyulett Manzer “Duke” Hughes
1929-2012
Hughes, Hyulett Manzer “Duke”
The death of Duke Hughes of Waasis, NB occurred at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital on Friday, February 10th, 2012. Born in South Devon, NB on February 16th, 1929, he was the son of the late John and Mabel (Howland) Hughes and husband of the late Geraldine (Howland) Hughes.
Duke had a passion for farming and enjoyed working on the farm as much as possible. He was employed his whole life as a laborer but there was no other job he loved more than being a janitor at the Maritime Forest Ranger School. He was more like a house father to the young men who attended school there and they will remember him for his “up boys up!” statement. Duke was also an avid sports fan who kept up on the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Blue Jays.
Duke is survived by his daughters, Marian Tibbits (Delbert) of Waasis, NB and Shirley Hughes of Gagetown, NB; brother, Clyde Hughes (Patricia) of Moncton, NB; sister, Jacqueline MacPherson of Fredericton, NB; six grandchildren as well as four great-granddaughters.
He is predeceased by his wife, Geraldine; his parents; twin brother, Ewart; brother, Mark and sisters, Phyllis and Pauline.
Visitation will take place at Oromocto Funeral Home, 108 Winnebago St. on Monday, February 13, 2012 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The funeral service will be held at the Oromocto Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 2:00 pm. His son-in-law, Rev. Delbert Tibbits will officiate. Interment will be in the Waasis Cemetery at a later date. Memorial tributes in Duke’s honor may be made to the Sunset Church Building Fund. Online condolences can be made at www.oromoctofh.com.
Duke is part of the legend of our school.
He’d be there so early in the morning it was probably still yesterday.
Duke to me personally, is a part of the Ranger School experience.
He also must have protected us from George’s Grandmother….
You’re a ranger too Duke,
Sandy
I have been missing Duke’s “way” since Ranger School’s 92nd edition. I respected him for his kindness and sage advice on the inner workings of the school. During my residence I honoured him by making sure my bed was “made” and my study desk and floor were clear so that he may go about his mornings’ work. I instructed my roommate to do the same and he totally agreed to the task.
I always had a bottle of cognac tucked to one side of my study desk, the contents of which I would often have an evening snifter. I had told Duke that he was welcomed to it at any time he wished and he thanked me sporting his infectious trademark smile. I had noticed that while he was “on duty”, Duke did not partake in my offer, such an offer that even Napoleon Bonaparte himself could not have resisted. It was not until a few days before our graduation ceremonies and towards the remains of the day that he finally sat with me in my room to enjoy a libation or two of Napoleon’s finest. This was his way, I supposed, of returning the respect I gave to him each morning and any time I would have the privilege of his presence. Yes, all these years I have certainly been missing Duke. I will always keep him in a safe and warm place in my heart. He was by far the best “instructor” of them all! Happy trails Duke, my good, good friend.
“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.” – Flavia Weedn
-Tom Walker M.F.R.S. Class of 1992
PS: one day, during a class on surveying, Dr. John Torunski came into the classroom interrupting the lesson and announced “Would the two names I am about to call please stand up. I would like the remainder of the students to turn and look at these two people.” Oh no! WTF is this (I can image everyone was thinking the same)? Then the good doctor called out “Tom Walker and Derek Gilby”. This is not good I thought…this is not good at all. Derek and I exchanged solemn glances and, rather unsteadily, stood up to meet our fate. Then Dr. Torunski’s voice bellowed: “Duke would like to thank Tom and Derek for making his work easier by keeping their rooms tidy. Life would be good if you all followed their example.”
That was it. No firing squad or water boarding, no pack your bags and hit the road. It was just a simple but beautiful “thank you” from Duke. And it was a thank you that I shall never, ever forget.
During my time as an Instructor at MFRS I was proud to be among Duke’s friends and confidants. I treasure a wealth of memories of him, both good and sad. The most important lesson I learned from Duke; “enjoy it while it lasts.” Spread the laughter, share the cheer, let’s be happy while we’re here. God bless and keep an olde friend.
I am so very sad to hear this news…my heart hurts emensely. It was not only the boys that Duke helped, seems I remember a few times that good Ol’ Duke hammered on my door…I certainly owe my diploma to him. Take care of the good lords woodlot Dukey…we’ll all be up there soon to lend you a hand. I will always love you…friend, teacher, brother.