Edward C. Hughes

Edward "Ed" C. Hughes passed away on Monday, August 10, 2020, at his home with his wife and son by his side. He spent his last days eating chocolate, listening to the blues, tanning in his beloved sun room that he built, and bantering with family and friends. Ed was born in Great Falls to Lloyd Meredith and Mary Ann Violet (Pfluger) Hughes on May 31, 1948, and raised on the Fairfield Bench. He attended Crow School and graduated from Fairfield High School in 1966, where he was a standout cross country runner. He went on to attend DeVry Electronics School in Chicago, however that attempt was limited due to him being drafted 1968. Ed served two years in the 4th U.S. Army as a sharpshooter E-5 Sargent, 1st Armored Division, and received the National Defense Service Medal. After being honorably discharged, he moved to San Diego, CA during which he worked construction and attended SW College in the Finish Carpentry program. In 1973, Ed married Rosa Mack, and with this union they had 2 sons. They returned to the Big Sky Country in 1974. Lucky us! They later divorced. Ed married Pat Sundquist November 25, 2006, and lived, laughed, and loved together until his death. He started Hughes and Daniels Construction on the Fairfield Bench in 1975, and built a career as a field manager, project supervisor, working foreman, and damn good boss. From 1992-2002, Ed was crew chief at the State Fairgrounds and was the Zamboni driver. Then in 2002, Ed joined NeighborWorks Great Falls, and later became supervisor for the Mutual Self Help projects where he spent the next decade working alongside families to fulfill their dreams of building their own homes. Ed loved the cold splash of white water rafting, the quiet coals of a campfire, solitary hours woodworking in his garage, mowing his lush green lawn, and driving the country roads in his MG. He was a crafty woodworker, creative golfer, and hilarious friend. He kept his spirit up to the very end. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Pat; brother, Lynn Hughes; sisters, Loyann Kimmery and Marlene Flaharty; sons, Issac (Mesah) Hughes and Clifford (Raven) Hughes; stepdaughters, Deanna Hastings and Kristina Obrecht; grandchildren, Damon, Liam, Maddy, and Deagan Hughes; step-grandchildren, Preston, Maisie, and Tenley Hastings; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are both his parents, mother-in-law, Shirley Sundquist, step-nephew, Jacob Sundquist; and his brother-in-law, Gary "Curley" Sundquist. Ed will be cremated and a celebration of life is planned next summer when all family and friends can travel to be together. Donations in his memory may be made to NeighborWorks Great Falls. From dust you came and from dust you shall return.