Michael Hughes Obituary

Michael (Mike) John Hughes passed away unexpectedly at his home in Durango, Colorado on June 10, 2022.

Mike was born in Detroit, Michigan to John and Lillian Hughes on December 26, 1949. He was the first of four children. He graduated from Gaylord High School in 1967, and received a bachelor's degree in education from Alma College. He remained in Michigan until 1977 when he moved overseas to teach at the International School of Brussels. After six years in Belgium he moved, together with his family, to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Eventually he settled in Indonesia at Jakarta International School, where he taught for 28 years.

He purchased a home in the Animas valley in 1998, where he and his family returned each summer. In 2016 he retired from teaching and moved full-time to Durango.

Mike was artistic, athletic, and a devoted father and grandfather. He was passionate about leatherworking, and showcased his creations at his workspace in the Smiley Building. Mike was a skilled athlete, and enjoyed being outside. He had recently taken up snowboarding after being a skier for most of his life, and enjoyed hitting the slopes with his friends, children, and grandkids.

Mike was an active community member and passionate about assisting others and bringing people together. He was always ready to lend a helping hand, and was passionate about this role in the North Animas Village group at Dalton Ranch.

He will be remembered for many happy times and will be missed by his extensive family. Mike is survived by his wife, Bindu; 2 children, Matt (and Sage) Hughes, Marc (and Julia) Hughes; brothers David, Doug and sister Patti; 4 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held at Hood Mortuary Chapel on Friday, June 17, 2022 with a reception that followed at his home.