Hugh Frank McDowell
April 24, 1961 – June 24, 2016
The picture used for this quilt square because he loved the sea, and being on water. Hugh was trained and worked as a Merchant Marine, which gave him the opportunity to travel the world. As a result of his work he served in Operation Desert Storm and the Persian Gulf War. He also served on the Maersk Alabama, ending that job on the ship as an Able Bodied Seaman just before the ship was captured by Somali Pirates ( the story of which was later turned into the Tom Hanks film Captain Phillips).
Hugh’s life was filled with adventure. He very much enjoyed telling stories of the places he saw and of experience he had in his life. He also liked to hear of the experiences of his family and friends, often saying “tell me a story.”
Hugh loved being on water, on ship or in a kayak, and in nature. He referred to these places as his “happy place.” When home he enjoyed cooking and creating new recipes in the kitchen. He loved animals, and enjoyed petting and playing with his dogs, cats, and various other types of pets throughout his years.
Hugh had a very generous soul, and brought home many treasures from his travels, and loved to share these things with other to bring them happiness.
He fought incredibly hard to live, and overcome lung cancer in 2011. He was then diagnosed with head and neck cancer in December of 2015. He had faith he would also be able to overcome that bout of cancer as well, but cancer took him from us.
Hugh is deeply missed by his Mother, Sister and whole family.