Raymond Hughes died on June 25 at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, surrounded by family and friends who loved him dearly. He was 57.
He was born in Wyoming, Michigan, to Jean and Donald Hughes on July 27, 1956. He graduated from Godwin Heights High School as a National Merit Scholar, and received a B.A. from Loyola University with a 4.0 grade point average.
Hughes worked as a paralegal, with his last employment at the American Civil Liberties Union. There, his co-workers greatly valued his passion for justice, intellectual abilities, organizational skills and ready wit. He was well-known for his selflessness when friends needed financial or emotional help, and he saved more than one life.
A passionate reader, Hughes’ lasting legacy was a donation of hundreds of books to the Open Books literacy charity. He also loved horse racing, and watching many kinds of sports. He took up playwriting, and his friends felt he had a gift for it.
He was proceeded in death by his long-term partner of 25 years, Sherman Shoemaker, and his father, Donald Hughes. He is survived by his mother Jean Weed, his sisters Michele Hughes, Val Tase and Carla Schmutz, and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind many friends who he cherished.
Family and friends will celebrate Hughes’ life at a gathering in September. For more information, please contact Michele Hughes at michelehughes@tds.net.