Owen Hughes

“It’s all our memories that will keep you near.”

Owen passed away in the care of New Milton House Care Home in Alsager on 11th August, aged 88 years.

We say farewell to a countryman, a fisherman, a lobster man, a gentleman and a kind man, a walker, a sporty fit strong man, a rigger, a handy man, a creative craftsman, a man who was an amusing companion to be with — and you can probably think of several other facets of his life.

These can be considered in turn, though they all interconnect.

But first let us remember that Owen was a loving brother to Greta, Rose, Agnes, John and to Peter, tragically lost when very young. He was a loving uncle to Margaret, his niece, who has been there for him in so many ways, especially in recent years. Her family – Andy her husband, and their children and grandchildren – have created family for Owen. For over a year Owen lived with them. Andrea, one of Margaret’s daughters, has been specially helpful. And Margaret’s two grandsons Fraser and Harry even let their great uncle kick a football with them!! Grateful thanks to them all!

FISHING. There were few things Owen enjoyed more than sea fishing off Harrington, his birth place, or catching lobsters, and he also enjoyed sharing his catches with family and friends. He knew all about the tides and the currents. Very appropriately, his ashes are to be scattered in the sea at one of his favourite beaches.

So that sharing of fish and lobsters leads on to think of his KINDNESS. Not just sharing the spoils of the ocean with others. He would shop for others who needed help, clean their windows for them, make them smile with his humour. In respect of family members – he was a loving caring brother to John – even to the point of tending his grave in Harrington in recent times.  In the past he also showed kindness to his sister Greta.

WALKER. He loved walking – miles and miles and miles. Up until a few years ago he might walk 30 miles in a day, and think nothing of it.

This leads on to say something about Owen’s fitness and strength and love of the outdoors. He had played football for his school and was given a trial by Bury Football Club. Following the very sad death of Owen’s brother Peter when Owen was just 15, he jumped on his bike and rode all the way to Scotland and back again. Not quite as far as it would be from here, but nevertheless a significant feat. And he slept rough – in haystacks and the like – en route.

All this sportiness/fitness connects with several other things.

While doing his National Service the army spotted his sporty/athletic talent and used him as a PE instructor.

And his strength, fitness, and love of outdoors connects to Owen’s prowess as gardener. With brother John they produced all manner of produce from Jóhn’s allotment (which they called a “gill”) in Harrington. He had green fingers. They also used to have a good chin-wag while they were doing things there. After all, they weren’t just brothers – they were the best of friends!

Here’s another connection with strength and fitness. Owen’s working life was as a Rigger – first at the steelworks in Workington, then in Cellarfield. We could add he was a grafter, a willing team member.

That all spills over into the way Owen could fix things and make things. He could make tables and chairs and benches and flowerboxes. You name it and he could probably sort it – and to a very high standard as well. When we use our skill and artistry to create things we leave something of ourselves in our creations. And we make others’ lives brighter. And when we make something attractive we show that we are tuned into a world where beauty and design take us out of ourselves into another realm.

By the way, while Owen has been resident in New Milton House in Alsager he has requested jobs to do. And – this is lovely – the staff found him little jobs he could do. In fact the staff were very good and thoughtful in the way they treated him generally and I know the family want to say a big thank you to them all.

Getting back to the way Owen appreciated the beauty of the countryside, we can imagine all the views he experienced on  those long walks he enjoyed. Views of the Lake District. Distant views on a clear day of the Isle of Man.

There is a rich spirituality about the sea and the countryside. The ebb and flow of the tides. There is the balance in nature, the beauty, the rich productivity of farmland and wild areas in their different ways, the promise of a future season on an endless cycle. Each of our lives is like that. We are part of the ebb and flow of the tide, and of the seasons and of the cycle of nature. The produce from the allotment was part of that cycle – as Owen well understood.

Another thing that Owen understood very well was the difference between right and wrong. He was an honest man, a man with integrity.

Owen has passed from our sight and from our touch. But he will not be forgotten here or in the spiritual realms. He knew how to give love and share love and love has an eternal aspect to it. A million love songs will tell you that. Love is stronger than death.

To that love we commend him and ourselves today and always.

A service to celebrate Owen’s life will take place in Crewe crematorium on Tuesday 23rd August at 12.15pm, followed by cremation.

For any further information please contact our funeral home on 01270 584447.