Bert Hiddleson Hughes died March 9, 2006 in Tacoma, Washington. He was born September 7, 1918 in Seymour, Iowa to Shadrach Percival (Percy) Hughes, an English immigrant coal miner, and Lucy Esther Thomas. In 1936 Bert graduated from Seymour High School in Wayne County, Iowa where he distinguished himself as a fine trumpet player and a competitive wrestler.

Bert apprenticed at Lane Cedar Chests in Chicago, where he gained respect for hard work and appreciation for excellent quality. His sense of wanderlust led him west, where he had the opportunity to fulfill his dream to work as a cowboy on an Arizona ranch.

Bert Hughes was a patriot. In 1940 he enlisted in the Army National Guard at Phoenix, Arizona. He subsequently transferred to the U.S. Army, where he served as the 158th Infantry Regiment's Company K bugler. In 1941 he took a discharge from the Army to enlist in the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he trained to be an aircraft engine specialist.
In 1942 he was assigned to the 358th Bomb Squadron at Gowen Field near Boise, Idaho. He accepted a blind date with Betty Lou Norwood, a waitress at Murray's Drive-in, and lost his heart to the auburn haired beauty. They were married on June 12, 1942 in Boise and spent the next 61 years together raising three daughters and exploring the world.

Bert retired from the U.S. Air Force as a decorated Senior Master Sergeant in 1969 at McChord AFB near Tacoma, Washington after 29 years of exemplary service in Guam, England, Morocco, Germany, Japan, Vietnam and throughout the United States. He was a master mechanic who worked on B17s, B24s, B29s, KC97s, B47s, KC135s, B52s, F105s, F4s and C141s. He was most proud to have served with "some of the U.S. Air Force's finest personnel" in the 301st Bomb Wing of the Strategic Air Command.
Bert subsequently worked for the Washington State Department of Transportation for 11 years. In 1980 he satisfied his desire to become an entrepreneur by opening Trafficount, a traffic statistics business. With the assistance of his wife and family, he created a very prosperous, highly respected company which is still operating successfully in the State of Washington.

Bert was initiated into Martin McClanahan Masonic Lodge No. 384 at Bossier City, Louisiana on April 16, 1951. He became a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason on November 6, 1951 in Shreveport, Louisiana. He also joined the El Karubah Shrine at Shreveport, Louisiana in 1951. Bert was a life member of Parkland Masonic Lodge #299 in Tacoma, Washington.

Bert was proud of his heritage. In celebration of his 80th birthday in 1998, he took his entire family to England to meet his relatives who live on the other side of the "pond." This renewed family connection is a gift that will be savored and developed for generations to come.

Bert was a man who never met a stranger. This character trait provided some of his fondest memories. Dressed in bright red trousers, he mesmerized the children of Thamaka village in Thailand, who were convinced that he must be the legendary Santa Claus. While traveling by overnight train to Chiengmai in northern Thailand, he charmed a group of Thai soldiers who turned out to be the Royal Guard for the King of Thailand!

Bert was an outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish and camp. He was an avid sports fan who supported his beloved Seattle Seahawks, Sonics and Mariners through thick and thin. He was an inventor who created the unique tools and computer programs he needed to effectively complete whatever his projects required. He was an elegant dancer and a fine musician. He was a master craftsman with the heart of an artist. He was a great provider for his family, and he instilled the love of travel and adventure in his children. Bert was a benefactor of Idaho Voices For Diversity and helped this small choir present the Seattle Women's Chorus in concert to the people of Boise, Idaho.

Bert is survived by his three daughters: Lucy A. Miller (Donald) of Mountain Home, ID; Patricia R. Hughes (Patricia McKernan) of Boise, ID; and Gloria J. Simmons (Richard) of Lakewood, WA. He also leaves behind two sisters, Bernace Kerwin (Ed) of Seymour, Iowa, Reva Anderson (Jim) of Pella, Iowa and his brother Keith Hughes (Jean) of Casper, Wyoming.

Bert and Betty engendered a wonderful legacy of five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, countless relatives and friends in this country and across the great "pond." Bert was preceded in death by his beloved wife Betty, his parents, two sisters and two brothers.

After 87 years of wandering this planet, Bert Hughes has found his way home.

The family extends its sincere gratitude to the staff of Heartwood Extended Health Care for all the love and care they gave our Dad.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, March 22nd, 2006 in the Mountain View Celebration of Life Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bert's name may be made to Heartwood Extended Health Care at 1649 East 72nd Street, Tacoma, WA 98404.