July 7, 1931 - September 4, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving Dad and Grampa, Michael Compton Hughes on September 4, 2020 in 100 Mile House.
Mike is survived by his daughter, Gillian Montgomery (Tom Bachynski) of 108 Mile Ranch, BC, his son, Bryn Hughes of Pemberton, BC, and his grandchildren, Sarah Montgomery and Michael Montgomery.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Doreen Hughes, of 108 Mile Ranch, BC, his mother and father, Dora and William Hughes, England, and his brother Christopher Hughes, England. Mike loved his family deeply and was very proud of his children and grandchildren.
Mike was born July 7, 1931 in Birmingham, England. He started his career as a stage manager for Birmingham Theater Co. then moved on to a technical position at a TV station in Aston. In 1960, he thought it would be exciting to apply for a position with a new TV network in Toronto, Canada and became the head cameraman for CFTO.
This is where he met Doreen, and after a 10 week courtship, they became husband and wife on Jun 24, 1961. Embarking on another adventure, they sailed to Tasmania, Australia to work at a TV network. Gillian was born in Hobart in Jan 1964 and they left for Canada in Oct that year, eventually making their way from the East coast to the West coast. Bryn was born in North Vancouver, BC in Jun 1971. Mike was a cameraman for CBC then taught at BCIT in the faculty of Broadcasting and Media Communications.
Wanting a more rural life, the family moved to Vancouver Island to own and operate Courtenay Sewing Center for 20 years. Mike helped out at the store and learned to repair and maintain sewing machines.
He was an active member of the Courtenay Rotary Club, volunteering for many events, and attended meetings when travelling to foreign countries. Finally, Mike and Doreen retired to 108 Mile Ranch to be closer to their grandchildren. Mike was Sarah and Michael's biggest fan, attending all sporting events and school concerts.
Mike was always passionate about his model railway hobby; building railways in his basement and collecting locomotives.
He loved to run trains with his local model railway friends and anyone who was interested. He also loved photography, taking thousands of photos of steam trains, British cars, and old buildings. Mike was a British sports car fan, from watching races at the Prescott Speed Hill Climb, UK to following Formula One races around the world. He owned fabulous motorcycles and cars such as a 1925 Citroen and a 1934 Marendaz Special (parts of which are in a museum on the Isle of Man).
Mike enjoyed listening to classical music, attending live musical events, and never missed 100 Mile Eclectica choir concerts. He had a bawdy British sense of humour (Monty Python, Benny Hill, Are You Being Served) , enjoyed exceptional chocolate, and appreciated a wee dram.
Mike had a wonderful community of friends and neighbours whom he very much appreciated their kindness of bringing food, helping with household issues, but mostly for spending time with him.
We are so grateful to the Adult Day Services family whom always made Dad feel special, to the caring 100 Mile Home Support staff who enabled him to stay in his own home, to Dr. K Geerts who took great care of Dad, and to the 100 Mile Hospital nurses and support staff who showed such kindness to him and our family during his final days.
Mike will be remembered as a kind, thoughtful, and appreciative gentleman who was always interested in hearing your story. We are grateful for all the beautiful things that came to life thanks to him. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.