Harold Kenneth Hughes

Ocean Park resident Harold K. Hughes, 86, died October 19, 2008 in Ilwaco following a lengthy illness. Born January 24, 1922 in Eugene, Oregon, he was the son of Fred and Margaret (Smith) Hughes. His mother was a member of a pioneer Eugene area family. Harold received his elementary education at schools in Peoria, Oakville, St. Helens and West Linn, Oregon. He was a 1940 graduate of West Linn High School where he was a member of the varsity swim team. For the following year he was employed at Arrow Transportation Co. in Portland. In October of 1942 he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served his country for the next three and a half years and was stationed aboard the USS Rigel in the Asiatic Pacific area. He was honorably discharged in April of 1946. Harold married Geneva O'Connor on October 26, 1951 in Seattle. Settling in nearby Bothell, Harold worked in insurance for D. K. MacDonald & Company and later for Marsh McLennan & Co. until retirement. Harold moved to Ocean Park in December of 1984. He was a member of Ocean Park Eagles, Peninsula Kiwanis club, and Ocean Beach Presbyterian Church where he was active in the choir. Proud of his military service, Harold was a member of the American Legion in Bothell and later in Ilwaco. He served as Post Commander and Adjutant at Ilwaco Post 48 and also served as District 10 Commander. Harold enjoyed crossword puzzles, genealogy, church activities, his family, and in later years television. Besides his wife of nearly 57 years, he is survived by daughters Victoria Lewin and husband Mike of Lynnwood, WA and Deborah Williams and husband Brad of Stanwood, WA; grandchildren Monique Taylor, Ken Lewin, Jennifer Maples, Justin Williams and wife Leah Williams, and Wes Williams; great-grandsons Ryan and Jack Taylor; and nieces Gail Adams and Janet Helmer. Funeral service will Friday, October 24, 2008, 1:00 PM at Ocean Beach Presbyterian Church in Seaview with a reception following. Concluding graveside rites with military honors will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington on Monday, October 27, 2008 at 2:00 PM. The family requests memorials to either the music program at Ocean Beach Presbyterian Church or the South Pacific County Humane Society in care of Penttila's Chapel by The Sea, PO Box 417, Long Beach, WA 98631. Share a special memory, sign the guestbook at www.penttilaschapel.com.