Clarence Hughes

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Clarence Albert Hughes of Swift Current, Saskatchewan, on January 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of his wife & daughter.

Clarence was born to Albert & Selma Hughes on October 18, 1937, in Thorsby, Alberta. Clarence will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife, Lynda, his daughter, Lorie, son, Jason “Jay,” and devoted dog Bentley; his grandchildren, Dylan Hughes (Kaesha Hannouch), Destinee Purvis; and great-grandchild, Emmet Purvis. He is survived by his sister, Joyce (Hughes) Butterworth; siblings-in-law, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. His presence will be missed by all who knew him.

He was predeceased by his parents Albert and Selma (Johnson) Hughes, and sadly by his eldest grandson, Tanner Hughes; his siblings, William “Bill” Hughes, Allen “Bud” Hughes, Edna (Hughes) [Snider] [Vickery]; and his former brother-in-law and lifelong best friend, Gordon Snider. He was also preceded in death by his parents-in-law, George & Dorothy (Cooledge) Hanna; siblings-in-law, as well as two nieces, one nephew, and many other relatives and longtime friends.

Clarence married Lynda (Hanna) on April 2, 1965, in Medicine Hat He was devoted to the love of his life and in 2025 they celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary together. He had two children who were raised on a mixed farm southwest of Swift Current, Saskatchewan alongside Lynda’s family. He encouraged his kid’s individuality, supported interests and talents, instilled in them his strong values and work ethic and made many sacrifices to improve their lives. Never wanting to leave the farm, his gifted sensitivities and environmental allergens became too much for the chemicals being utilized; for the sake of health, Clarence and Lynda relocated to Swift Current in 1989 where he re-entered the workforce. He continued to garden and maintained an immaculate yard with a lush lawn and beautiful flowers. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids partaking in their lives as they each grew up, with his various hobbies and passions and Saturday nights out with Lynda.

He was a devoted family man and a cherished friend to many. He spent much of his life supporting others and overcoming challenges and it was a rare occurrence this proud man ever asked for help. He was dedicated to living his strong values of Respect, Honesty and Integrity daily in his altruistic service. He was a traditional man who was humble; he had a quiet strength and presence with a strong moral compass whose common sense always prevailed. Known for kindness, a genuine spirit, and generosity, anyone who knew him felt his sincere authenticity as did Mother Nature.

Clarence was hardworking, well-known for his reliable work ethic and took enormous pride not only in his work, but in all he did. He was one tough-act to follow for anyone in his life, including those who worked alongside him. He was a ‘jack-of-all- trades’ and there was nothing he could not fix or devise a work around for with his incredible talents and skill-set that was all self-directed. He was the true ‘MacGyver’ and even doused for water sources for wells within the rural community. He was often found in front of a classroom as an instructor or riveting people with his authentic storytelling. He both relished and captivated entire audiences in any situation when sharing his own perilous adventures yet always conveyed them with humour.

Independence and strenuous work were required even as a child and Clarence walked miles daily for milk and water and by the age of 12 was working for the neighbours. At 15 he was employed by the ‘Nu-Way General Store’ in Thorsby, AB. He was 4’10” and 90 lbs but still required to wrestle 100 lb bags of flour and sugar; unload and tap 400 lb barrels of vinegar and with the assistance of one other delivered freezers into cellars with only ladders. It was a challenging time for him even as a child and it would not be until his 18th year that he took a painful growth spurt and grew over 12” taller.

In 1956, at the age of 19, he was mandated to attend at the army base in Vernon, BC, for Basic Training at the ‘Vernon Military Camp.’ Upon his return he got a job in the Thorsby District with ‘Calgary Power’ before becoming an Auto-body Apprentice with ‘Poppick’s Automotive’.

He would then go ‘Brushing’ in Swan Hills; in the heavy bush and muskeg. He lived in a tent and worked clearing undergrowth, heavy brush and small trees and burned brush piles before being promoted to the Line-Cutter position. As Lead Man, he was the first on foot, navigating the bush to guide the crew behind him. Often left on his own, he had no rations, only one wool blanket, and inadequate clothing for the extreme elements. He carried all his own tools and survival gear with a hatchet in hand that he threw with deadly precision. He was one of a brave few responsible for the cutting and directing of crew lines ensuring the Right-Of-Way’s were followed for oil exploration. His survival instincts were tested daily in the vast wilderness by frequent and treacherous bear encounters.

He also worked as a Driller close to home with ‘Hunter Drilling’; another extremely hazardous environment with zero safety regulations, where men routinely became injured and lost their lives.

From 1958 – 1963 he ‘Homesteaded’ and built his house. There were many proving-up-duties to obtain permanent Legal Title thus he spent part of each year residing, clearing and breaking the land and seeding and harvesting oats. During the winter months he left his homestead to secure work; doing a variety of dangerous jobs, living and working in the harsh conditions.

Upon acquiring a chainsaw he went Timber Falling west of Drayton Valley, AB, for the ‘Timber Line Mill’ and for the ‘Brazeau Reservoir Project.’ His work clearing timber paved the way for the flooding of the Dam; that today is enjoyed by many as “Alberta’s Brazeau Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area.” He spent an entire winter cutting fence posts on contract and had cut and piled all 5000 when lost the entire season in a forest fire. He was a steadfast soul who embraced adversity and turned struggle into resilient strength so moved on to build a school.

From 1961 to 1965 he worked for ‘Lewis Engineering Ltd.’ in all areas of oil field maintenance honing his skills and knowledge and was training technicians in Alder Flats, AB; when the Calgary Head-Office recruited him for Saskatchewan oilfield production. Clarence was hand delivered a train ticket in the bush that would take him to Calgary where he accepted the job and was immediately sent on to Swift Current in 1963. He would become a fixture in the Cantuar Oil Field Camp maintaining his own Battery within only a few weeks thus allowing him to become the proud owner of a 1957 Red Chevy Bel-Air. He became a highly sought-after meter technician as there were complex mathematical calculations and measurements required. These were done with only his pencil and paper without a calculator or electronics. As precise in all he did he charted his calculations and measurements on his own time to assist in his daily onsite calibrations. This work later became standardized in oilfield practice and documented in manuals & charts without compensation or formal recognition.

From 1965-1969, after married; he was employed by ‘South Saskatchewan Pipeline (SSPL)’ as a Meter Technician, specializing in field instrumentation. He was in high demand and travel was required. Clarence was sent to Midland, Texas for training in Prover Technology & Operation where he was offered huge incentives to relocate but declined. He returned home to Swift Current however, to find a brand new custom-built truck, equipped with piping & setup ready for him. It was the first Prover Truck of its kind to ever be utilized in any of the SK oil fields; an extremely proud accomplishment for him individually and the industry. His skill set was being actively pursued and he was required to travel even more all throughout AB and SK and further into (USA) to Texas and Oklahoma and was on track in 1966 to go to Saudi Arabia in the Middle East next, when his father-in-law stepped in and said I don’t think so…In 1969 a new adventure began and together with Lynda, they went farming where she had grown-up.

He completed his Grade 10 education while growing up in Thorsby, AB and later his Grade 12 while on the SK farm. As reading was a popular pastime, he read many textbooks, studied maintenance and repair manuals, trade-specific CSA Code and became certified in many correspondence courses. Books and practical experience were his educational tools and he was very skilled in numerous tradesman areas. He also obtained certification in Small Engine Repair and as a Pest Control Officer.

He ran a mixed farming Cow-Calf/Grain operation which kept him working long hours day-to-day; yet he additionally worked: building crossing guards and culverts for Ducks Unlimited and fabricated Custom Branding Irons. After moving to the City: he gained computer skills, worked for ‘Wilton Motors’ before taking on the ‘Head of Maintenance’ role for the Imperial 400 Motel and later the ‘Maintenance’ position for the Swift Current Pioneer Co-op. In 2005, Clarence retired from both the Pioneer Co-op and his 35 years of Farming in SK.

Hunting and Fishing and Gardening were not only a passion but a way of life for food and fun and he shared and taught these life-skills as quality time with family. He and his family enjoyed all of these outdoor activities together as well as snowmobiling, snowshoeing and riding ATV’s. He especially loved growing his custom pumpkins, tomatoes and flowers notably gladiolas and petunias.

His vacations were camping, fishing and target shooting with his family and the road-trips back home to the Drayton Valley area to visit his relatives. Trips to: Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo and to Victoria, BC, and Calgary, AB where he actually relaxed and really enjoyed all of the Tourist Attractions and Parks, restaurants, antiquing and fishing; the Calgary Stampede and visits with family. In retirement, he spent quality time each summer camping at Lac Pelletier Regional Park with Lynda and his two grandsons. The preferred getaways though, were the Moose Hunting expeditions and the milestone trip he took at his 80th year where he still trekked the bush on his own. He loved the bush; spent his bachelor days both literally living and working in it and guided the men he worked and hunted with as they all eventually realized he was the navigationally gifted one and was respected even by Metis trackers. He had his own internal compass and in the Sticks was where he felt at complete peace and Home.

Clarence belonged to various clubs in Swift Current and Southwestern Saskatchewan: including the SC Archery Club, SC Wildlife Federation: Hunter/Firearm Safety Instructor, South Central Roping Club, Webb Elks Club, Success Community Smear Club and was a Member of the SC Legion #56.

He was a true artist and could draw, design or build anything; he created professional displays, dressed windows and built parade floats. He built houses, shops and did renovations for himself and others. He repaired and maintained all on the farm, including machinery. He was a woodworker and carver whose handmade gifts will be cherished. He tied fishing lures, made hunting decoys and instructed how to make archery arrows/accessories on local TV. He took courses in photography and was drawn outdoors to capture the birds, wildlife and anything historic.

He routinely attended Farm Dispersal Auctions for livestock and machinery, as well as estate, antique and miscellaneous sales both rurally and in SC. He was a collector of antiques, coins and cameras. He liked to play cards particularly Smear and Poker; he had curled bowled and played snooker/pool in leagues and was an avid reader his entire life preferring history and the District History Books. He enjoyed the comradery of his Buds and weekly coffee sessions for years,’ as well as socializing with long-time friends and acquaintances met. He and his wife also enjoyed playing cards, attending Rodeos, Roping’s and Exhibitions in Southwestern, and social dancing together for many years.

His passion for dancing started at a young age. It was a time where social etiquette defined a man ‘chivalrous’ for following the “No Wallflower” rule so one particular petit redhead had to be pretty special to catch his eye at a social dance in Cantuar, SK in 1963; this was where he met Lynda and physically crawled in her car and followed her home never returning to his homestead. He loved to dance and socialize so after his knees protested he and Lynda would transition and continue their social outings and entertainment at the casino. As he spent more time at home in retirement he enjoyed his yard, visits with family, followed PGA Golf and Rodeos on TV; continued reading and doing puzzles and built them as he did anything in life, very efficiently.

Clarence was the Consummate Outdoorsman with a lifelong love and appreciation of the natural world of nature, trees, wildlife and birds. Most recently he spent his time watching the Cowboy Channel and the birds at his feeders sharing his knowledge of them with family while enjoying the sunshine and his favorite ritual, a coffee and a story.

His legacy will forever live on through the countless lives he touched; the lessons and astounding knowledge he shared and the generous loving acts of service he gave of himself so charitably.

“We are Forever Grateful for You... You will be profoundly missed and your’ absence endlessly felt as no one can ever fill your’ boots or make our family whole again. May the next part of your’ journey find you trekking in the great outdoors with ease and grace, reveling in comfort and tranquility until we are together once more. We treasure our heart-held memories and Love You Always…”

A Family Service, officiated by favoured nephew, Dale Snider was held on February 4, 2026 at Hillcrest Cemetery. Family Pallbearers: Jay Hughes, Dylan Hughes, Kaesha Hannouch, Cheryl Dressler, Dale Snider, Katherine Eskesen. The Final Farewell was followed by his routine coffee-time with an open invitation for a ‘Coffee & Time of Remembrance’ at his long-time favourite coffee place, Houston Pizza for all those who wished to meet with family and honour him. The family wishes to convey heartfelt thankfulness for all who attended & were deeply touched by the many that travelled distance to join.

The family wishes to convey heartfelt thankfulness for all who were in attendance at Houston’s for coffee, and were deeply touched by the many that travelled distance to join.

Arrangements entrusted to Warren’s Funeral Home. For further information please call 1-306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606, or visit the website www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members on the tribute wall.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clarence Hughes, please visit our floral store.