Obituary of HUGHES – William Paddon

June 23, 1924 – June 7, 2010 William Paddon Hughes, age 86, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family following a valiant battle with cancer. Bill was born at Cereal, Alberta June 23, 1924. He was second of five brothers. Bill is survived by his loving wife Jean Hughes, daughters Susan (Richard Oko), Joni (John Thompson), Jacqueline, Ginny (Paul Gladman); and grandchildren Megan, Robyn, Paddon, Allison, Shelley, Claire, Jackson, Jessica and Spencer, as well as brothers Brian, (June) and Neville (Joan). He was predeceased by his brother Arthur who was fatally wounded over the English Channel in WW II. Bill followed in his brother’s footsteps by joining the Airforce during the war at seventeen years of age. He was also predeceased by his brother John, mother Elsie and father Arthur Bertram Hughes. Bill endured many hardships during the depression and war years but overcame humble beginnings to develop a successful oil and gas business, The Paddon Hughes Development Co. Ltd., in the early 1950’s. Bill was a down to earth, friendly gentleman who enjoyed interacting with people from all walks of life. One of his favourite sayings was “There but for the Grace of God go I”. Bill was strong willed and disciplined. He taught his younger brothers and daughters the importance of hard work and perseverance. He gave up his time freely and was a sounding board for many friends and business associates. Bill had a wide range of interests from Opera, gardening and hiking to astronomy. He loved a good scotch in the winter and a gin and tonic in the summer. Bill was also a proud Canadian. He cared deeply about the environment and supported many related causes. He strongly supported the health care system in Calgary; two of his more notable contributions were the purchase of a Surgical Navigation System for the Foothills Hospital and The Alberta Children’s Hospital. He was the major donor for the Hughes Children’s Cancer Research Centre. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Sunday, June 13, 2010 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at Christ Church Elbow Park (3602 – 8 Street S.W.) on Monday , June 14, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, June 15 at 2:30 p.m. Please forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta in support of cancer research, Suite 302, 609 – 14 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 2A1, www.kidscancercare.ab.ca . In living memory of William Hughes, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.