In Memory Of

Cornelius Hughes

Nov 15, 1927 - Sep 12, 2023

Service

  Funeral services will take place at a later date.

Notice

Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation can do so in Dad’s name to the charity of your choice.Our family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to the Rimbey Hospital for their kindness, support and care shown to Dad during his stay. Thanks also to Sylvan Lake Funeral.

Obituary

Cornelius Hughes
1927-2023
“When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, that an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand. The angel said my place was ready, in heaven far above, and
that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But when I walked through heaven’s gate, I felt so much at home, for God looked down, smiled at me, and told me “Welcome Home”. So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart.”
Our family chain is forever broken with the passing of Cornelius Hughes on September 12, 2023, but we are forever grateful for 95 wonderful years and for that we honor his life.
Cornelius Jerald Hughes, (also known as Corney, CJ, Neil), was born in Sillery, Quebec in 1927. Dad was one of eleven children born to Winnifred and John Hughes and was the last remaining sibling until his passing. Dad grew up on the banks of the St Lawrence Seaway and had many stories to tell about his early days. When Dad was 19, he overheard a conversation regarding hiring someone who could not only speak English but needed to be fluent in French as well. Thus began Dad’s journey to Whitehorse, on to Edmonton and eventually Alberta became his home. Leduc #1 Discovery Well ushered in Alberta’s oil boom on February 13, 1947, however Alberta did not have an oil refinery to contain the new treasure. On September 7, 1947, the United States government sold the Whitehorse Oil Refinery to Imperial Oil in Edmonton for a hefty sum of one million dollars. In the fall of 1947 Dad flew from Quebec City to Whitehorse to work on dismantling and shipping the Whitehorse refinery to Edmonton. Components were trucked down the Alaska Highway to Dawson Creek and eventually taken by railway to Edmonton. The job was completed in April 1948 and was the start of the Imperial Oil Strathcona Refinery in Edmonton. Dad continued his career in Edmonton working for Sparling-Davis building spherical tanks at the refinery. Dad was also a founding charter member of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Union, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers in 1954. Dad met Mom, Ruth Matushek in Edmonton, and they married on January 12, 1952. From this union 9 children were welcomed: Skyler (Terry), Keltie, Shane, Rinn (Garry), Miles (Robyn), Tammy (John), Dean (Helen), Scott and Shonna. Dad continued working in the oil patch, taking him to Fox Creek and eventually Eckville where he and Mom have resided for the past 61 years. Dad loved to play crib and did so right to the end. Very few of his family or friends could beat him but we sure tried. The crib board was always within reach when anyone dropped by, but in all his years of playing Dad never got the elusive “29” hand. Dad enjoyed teaching all his grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren to play this game. Dad was a community man and volunteered his time freely to many organizations. He was honored last year as a lifetime member of the Eckville Lions Club, he held many positions with the Eckville fire department,
including Fire Chief. Dad’s greatest accomplishment was founding the AA Group in Eckville along with his good friend Gary Fisher. This was started out of a need for both of them and Dad stayed strong right to the end of his life. Up until 2 weeks ago he had the coffee made and the Friendship Centre open for the weekly Thursday night meetings. Dad counselled countless people on their journey to sobriety and made lifelong friends with many of them. Everyone who knew Dad, remembers him smoking white owl cigars and driving his big red Grand Marquis. Dad was a gentle soul, with a big heart and loved all of his children. He was especially proud and happy when his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren were around. He always had time for all of them and there are many.
Funeral services will take place at a later date.
Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation can do so in Dad’s name to the charity of your choice.
Our family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to the Rimbey Hospital for their kindness, support and care shown to Dad during his stay. Thanks also to Sylvan Lake Funeral.
Cremation entrusted to the Rocky Mountain Crematorium, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.
Sylvan Lake and Rocky Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements, 403 887 2151

Condolences

Iris Eliuk:

My condolences to Ruth and Hughes families.

Ken Josie Frid:

We are so sorry for the family’s loss

Ethel Wilde snd family :

Sorry for your loss .He sounds like an amazing gentleman . Prayers and hugs to the family

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