For Posterity's Sake         

A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project

In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

HUGHES, Donald Case - Peacefully at Sunnybrook Hospital Veterans Centre in Toronto on April 17th, 2015 in his 91st year. His easy-going manner and quick humour always made the world a lighter and brighter place. Don was born in Hamilton December 23, 1924, the only son of Thomas "Ernie" and Margaret (Diltz) Hughes. He was raised in Windsor and lived in St. Thomas prior to joining the Royal Canadian Navy. He proudly served in WWII, a survivor of the HMCS Clayaquot which was torpedoed and sank in the north Atlantic on December 24, 1944. Later on, his career with Bell Canada led him to Montreal where he raised his family. He then returned to St. Thomas upon retirement. Don was an active and energetic retiree with his love of power boating and horse racing, and his commitments to community and volunteer work. He was a member of Trinity Anglican church, Royal Canadian Naval Association, Royal Canadian Legion #410 The Last Post, Port Stanley, Mocha Temple - Shrine Club London, London Nobles, Mocha Temple Guard & Flag Unit, Hi-Ro Shrine Club of Elgin (St. Thomas), Masonic Temple (Talbot Lodge #546, Ninevah Council #3, Tylers of Solomon Council #212, Aylmer, London Lodge of Perfection, Meridian Royal Alexandra Lodge, Montreal). He was also the past Commodore of the Kanagio Yacht Club. For the past 10 years as a resident of Metcalfe Gardens, Don became known as the unofficial "Mayor of Metcalfe" and greeter for staff and visitors as he kept the front lobby chair occupied and folks entertained for much of the day. He held dear his weekly men's coffee group at Valleyview, and never turned down a chance for a Sunday drive to Shaw's Dairy for ice cream. He will be greatly missed by daughters Mary Hulbert (Ian), Toronto and Catherine Hewitt (Bill), Stratford, and grandchildren Alex, Spencer and Olivia Hewitt. Funeral service will be held at Trinity Anglican Church, 55 Southwick Street, St. Thomas on May 6, 2015 at 2pm. Visitation at Williams Funeral Home, 45 Elgin Street, St. Thomas on May 5, 2015 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm Cremation has taken place with interment of ashes to follow at Avondale cemetery, Stratford. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Trinity Anglican church or a charity of your choice. Special thanks to Metcalfe Gardens staff for a decade of loving care and memories. Grateful to family doctor Dr. Brian Hertwig as Don's longtime anchor. Thanks as well to Dr. David Shergold, nurses and staff at Sunnybrook for their thoughtful attention in Don's final days. Online condolences may be sent to Mary Hulbert at mmhulbert@gmail.com.