John Dennis Hughes | Passages

Published 10:55 am Friday, February 3, 2012

BAINBRIDGE — John Dennis Hughes of Sunnyside died Jan. 31, surrounded by his loving family. He was 66.

Born on March 2, 1945 in La Grande, Ore., the son of Fredrick Manson and Dorothy Velma (Wilmers) Hughes. Lived in La Grande and Hillsboro, graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1963. Earned a master’s degree in social work from Portland State University.  Married Ann McBride in Portland; they had two sons, Joseph and Michael.

Married Regina Harroun in Vancouver, Wash. on June 30, 1984.

Pioneer in developing school-based student assistance and adolescent treatment services in Washington. Safe and Effective Schools director, Sunnyside School District, 2001-10. Aided in the establishment of a school-based health center for the Sunny-side School District as a grant writer. Drug education and family and youth programs consultant.

Worked for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and for the Drug Enforcement Agency. Instrumental in developing policies and programs that helped reduce substance abuse.

Member of the Yakima Unity Church and Sunnyside Promise.

Survived by his loving wife, Regina, of Sunnyside; sons, Joseph Hughes, of Philadelphia, Pa.; Michael Hughes of Portland; Jack Harroun (Dana) of Vancouver; daughters, Autumn Gray (Tom) of Poway, Calif., and Windy Hardee (Kevin) of Bainbridge Island; seven grandchildren and a baby granddaughter that is on her way; brother, Tom Hughes (Gail) of Hillsboro; two stepsisters, Kathy and Sandra.

He was preceded in death by his parents and stepsister, Sharon.  Celebration of life will be held Feb. 4, 3 p.m. at Sunnyside Presbyterian Church. Contributions preferred to John Hughes Memorial, c/o Sunnyside School District for Student Health Programs, 1110 S. 6th St., Sunnyside, WA  98944. Sign online memorial book at www.funeralhomesmith.com

— Family of John Dennis Hughes