Bob Hughes PHF

It is with much regret that we announce the loss of one of our Founder Members, Bob Hughes, who passed away on Saturday 15th September. His funeral was held at the 'Crem' at 12:30 on Monday 8th October.

A 'wake' was held afterwards at Horton House Cricket Club, near to where Bob and Brenda lived.

Tony Billson has kindly put together a few words about our friend.

Bob was one of those people who always seemed to see the best in life; he always had a cheerful word and a friendly greeting. He took his work extremely seriously but always found time to enjoy life.

Bob was from Birkenhead and took issue if it was suggested that he was a Liverpudlian. 

Qualifying as a pharmacist in the late 1950s, he and Brenda moved to Northampton. He established his own pharmacy in the early 1960s and ran a successful business until he sold up and retired at the end of the last century. He told many horror tales about patient ‘clients’ and the handling of drugs in St James, it not being the most salubrious part of town.

He and Brenda were a couple who did everything together and enjoyed the social pleasures in life. Having no children they were able to concentrate on developing his business whilst developing a very happy home life. Bob was a true gentleman to all ladies; he was devoted to Brenda but could be a little mischievous when she was ‘not looking’.

The house they lived in at Horton was a home of which he was always most proud, but the massive lawns were always a challenge even with this ‘sit-on’ mower.

He enjoyed the holidays that they took and ensured that they had the best accommodation with ample supplies of very good food and alcohol.

In his earlier life he was a keen sportsman and enjoyed playing rugby. Then for some years prior to illness he and Brenda really enjoyed playing bowls, both being members at Abington Bowls Club

On any encounter with Bob he readily had a cheerful comment and greeting. He was keen to learn what one had been up to and enjoyed listening to what you had been doing in work or leisure.

Bob was a Founder member of the Rotary Club of the Nene Valley in 1977 and its fifth president. Always an active member until illness restricted him, he put much of his energy into Rotary matters and was fully supported by Brenda. Rotary was an important part of both their lives.

Bob was an early recipient of a Paul Harris fellowship from the Nene Valley Club due to his full commitment to Rotary and particularly for the extensive work that he, with Brenda, did in supporting the annual ‘Single Parent’ holidays which the club arranged. Each year he would be closely involved in planning those holidays, and fully attended each week away.

Bob came through cancer and had a hip replacement prior to his extensive hospitalisation. That, and his extended care home living, has meant that many current Rotarian members did not have the pleasure of his dry wit, generosity and commitment to Rotary.

His last years were a great trial but eased slightly by the extensive support from Ian Scott and Brenda’s sister Jean.

To those who knew him well, he was a true friend and will always be remembered fondly with great pleasure and memories.