Date of Service:
July 15, 2022
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Richard Craig “Rick” Hughes, beloved husband, son, brother, “Peepaw,” and friend, age 64, of Altamonte Springs, formerly of Vero Beach, passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
Rick was born on May 19, 1958, in Willowdale, Ontario, Canada, to Carl Franklin and Ruth Elizabeth Hughes.
Like many Canadian kids, he grew up loving the game of ice hockey. His childhood was not unlike that of the average northerner; skating, tobogganing, and building snowmen all winter long and spending summers at the lake. Rick’s dream was to play for the Toronto Maple Leaf’s, but his hockey career was cut short when his family moved to South Florida, Vero Beach, at age 8.
Rick found many passions in life, motocross racing, running, surfing, mountain biking, inventing, and even becoming a published author of 7 books.
Rick met the love of his life and married Kelly in February of 2005. They moved to Altamonte Springs and created a beautiful life together, sharing the love of Jesus as well as three children, five grandchildren, and one “really awesome” dog, Nala.
Rick devoted most of his entire 30-year career to working in the hospital Central Service Dept., AdventHealth Altamonte Springs, and Indian River Medical Center. Other careers included landscape and golf course maintenance, and a brief time as a diesel mechanic.
Just like his father, Carl, there was not much Rick couldn’t accomplish. Perhaps the most unusual aspect of Rick’s life, however, is the return to his original roots as an ice hockey player, goalie, in none other than his adopted home of Central Florida. Rick earned MVP for his amazing goalie skills and has passed his skating skills and legacy to his grandsons, who adored their “Peepaw.”
Rick and Kelly are members of King’s Chapel, Longwood, Florida.
Rick graduated from IRCC with an Associate’s in Arts and with a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Central Florida.
Rick is survived by his wife, Kelly Hughes; mother, Ruth Moore; brother, Garry (Carol) Hughes; sister, Donna Hughes; daughter, Laura Hughes and granddaughter, Erica Christman with grandson, Bruce Armitage; stepdaughter, Becky (Rick) Stone with grandsons, Remy & Ricky Stone; stepson, Eric (Miranda) Veale with grandsons, Trent & Trevor Veale; nieces, Jennell Harkins and Heidi Hughes; sisters-in-law, Bobbie, Polly, and Terri; brother-in-law, John; cousins, Keith, Joyce, Miccah, and Robin; and Rick’s best friend, John Gillespie.
He was predeceased by his father, Carl Franklin Hughes.
Rick specifically wanted to say he was proud of Tommy and the “Vero Boys.”
Please join us in the Celebration of Rick’s Amazing Life at 1:30 on Friday, July 15th, 2022 at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory. In memory of one of Rick’s favorite pastimes, an ariel scattering at sea near his favorite surfing spot, Monster Hole at Sebastian Inlet will be held at 4 p.m. the same afternoon, weather permitting.
In Loving Memory of Rick, donations may be made to his niece Heidi Hughes’ charity: Cystinosis Research Network, Inc., P.O. Box 702, Lake Forest, IL 60045 or https://cystinosis.org/howtohelp-donate/
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Teresa Creech - Step Sister
June 28, 2022, 8:37 pm
Be free and rest, Rick!! You will be missed!! I wish I could be there but you are in my thoughts!! I love you with the love of Christ!! Love Your Step Sister, Teresa Creech
Kelly Hughes - Wife
June 28, 2022, 8:52 pm
Rick, (Honweys, Spouse) you were the great love of my life, my very best friend and my Christian partner in this life. You enriched my life abundantly as well as all who knew and loved you. You were always there for me in my challenging times in life and I did the best to be there for you too. There is no doubt in my mind that God is the one who brought us together and kept us together in good times and in bad. We went through a lot together some hard and some sad. But mostly God blessed us with a wonderful marriage overflowing with love, joy, happiness and fun. I have so many wonderful memories of our life together that will continue to bring a smile to my face and joy in my heart to last for the rest of my earthly days as long as that may be. I KNOW the very moment you took your last earthly breath, that you took a new heavenly breath in Heaven and were greeted face to face with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Please watch down over me and our loved ones if you can from time to time. It was an honor and a blessing to be your wife. I will carry you in my heart, mind, soul and spirit all the days of my life. My eternal love, your wife, Kelly
Jessica Hecker - Family Friend
June 28, 2022, 9:00 pm
Sending all the love and hugs during this incredibly difficult time .
Terri Jordan - Sister-In-Law
June 28, 2022, 9:06 pm
My dear sweet brother-in-law, you were a gem of a human being and I have no doubt that you will be greatly missed by anyone that had the privilege of knowing you! You were an awesome addition to our family and we will hold you in our hearts forever! You ran a good clean race BTL, love you always, your STL ( Terri, TJ )
Donna Rogers - Family friend
June 28, 2022, 10:13 pm
Kelly and Family, My family’s deepest condolences and sympathy
Peggy Walker - Friend
June 28, 2022, 10:24 pm
Thinking of you Donna and family during this difficult time. May God give you peace and comfort. Sending love hugs and prayers. Love Peggy
Mark Biron - Neighbor
June 28, 2022, 10:41 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. We grew up together on 28th Ave. He was inspiring and 3yrs.older. I envied him and John Gillespie riding motor cross. They were crazy wild. The worst part is I haven’t seen him in 30yrs. Its a new life beginning. Sincere Condolences
Marcia Nelson - Friend
June 28, 2022, 11:14 pm
Oh my Goodness – Such sadness has wrapped around my heart when I read this – no, I never met you, however, sister Donna has remained a beacon in my life and in my heart because of her stories, memories, pictures and laughter thru so many dark days in CO – Your family stories still light up my life of fortitude, smiles and laughter – WOW – he was loved by so many and left such an imprint on so many people’s hearts. Rest in peace and your kindness and laughter will continue forever!
Shelley Snow
June 28, 2022, 11:42 pm
Donna and family – I am so sorry for your loss. May you find some comfort and peace in all your memories and know that Rick isn’t in pain anymore.
Tara Cudney - Niece
June 29, 2022, 12:05 am
Uncle Rick.. you were such an amazing man. You always went above and beyond for our family during our time of need. The memories we have from 28th Ave I will hold dear in my heart. I still remember when I use to go with you to help you mow lawns, you taught me so much about that and also initially teaching me to drive. I also remember the days we use to all hangout in your shed out back while you worked on your motorcycle, playing football , and many other memories. My mom always talks about the surfboard you made for her and how much it meant to her. You will always have a special place in our hearts. I’m glad you are finally out of pain and in the hands of our God.. RIP Uncle Rick❤️ #gonebutneverforgtten
Sue Billman - Family friend
June 29, 2022, 12:40 am
Sending my deepest condolences to the Hughes family. Rick will be remembered fondly by anyone who had the pleasure to meet him and experience his welcoming smile and warm heart. He will be missed. – Sue Billman
Walter Leach - Friend
June 29, 2022, 2:38 am
My sincere condolences to Kelly and family as well as Friends during this difficult time. Rick was an amazing man.
Josh Miller - Nephew
June 29, 2022, 2:34 pm
My condolences Kelly. We have not met before, but Uncle Rick had an impact in my life when I first moved to Florida in 1985. He sold me a kawasaki 440 street bike when mine was in the shop. It was his only bike at the time, but was willing to sell it to me for my primary transportation. He was always willing to help when he can. Jesus got a good one!
Jill Kenworthy - Close Friend
June 29, 2022, 3:51 pm
Donna, Gar, and Family……..Joy comes in the morning! Rick went home to be with our Awesome God and no more suffering! Riding this storm with you for over a month has been so emotional for all. What a beautiful Obituary for a man with a great smile, a wonderful heart, and a strong Faith. I know as a family, a piece of your heart is missing now, may you appreciate all the memories as you cry and laugh together. I will always remember his smile whenever I saw him at the hospital (IRMC) or with Donna and Gar. You are like family to me. ❤ He was a very special man! Love Always, “Sis Jill”
Howie DeCristofaro - Friend
June 29, 2022, 11:36 pm
Rick I have not seen you in a long time but I did get to correspond with in the last few weeks. I know your pain is gone and you are smiling down on all of us. I wish I could’ve connected with you in person and I am very saddened by your passing. The world is a lesser place without you.
Todd Biron - Life long friend
June 30, 2022, 1:54 am
Thoughts and prayers to Rick’s family and fellow friends. I was lucky enough to grow up next door to Rick. Garry. Donna and Mr Hughes. I had countless memories with Rick he was a great childhood friend he gave me the nickname Woodo that has stuck with me to today. I owe Rick for the passion I have for dirt bikes. Surfing. And chevelle’s. It was his chevelle I first remembered and told myself I will own one, one day. We spent many hours in his backyard shed working on dirt bikes and listening to rock &roll music and if we weren’t doing that we would be surfing sea horse or Sebastian. As the years passed I always followed Rick on Facebook and was amazed of his accomplishments and his love for Jesus and his wife and family. God gained a good man. I will always cherish the memories until we meet again in the lords presence. Godspeed brother!
Laura Hughes - Daughter
July 3, 2022, 6:42 pm
Richard Hughes was my father. I have to say that he was the best dad a kid could have had. I have always looked at him like my hero because he was just so strong and so funny. Dad you will always be in my heart and mind. I hope you are happy in heaven with mom. Love you always.