David Emery Hughes, 75, passed away on October 31, 2022. Despite his 20 years of health challenges, he remained a pillar of strength, maintaining his intellect, witty humor and overall zest for life; his resilience is unmatched.

David was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on August 24, 1947 to William and Margaret Hughes. He attended American University and Georgetown Law School, before working on Capitol Hill in D.C, where he also was active in the Civil Rights Movement. In his early 30’s, he moved to Maine with the resolve to live life on his own terms. While working as Senior VP and General Counsel at UNUM, he met his wife of 35 years, Peg. Together, they raised their family in Cumberland and spent many summers sailing the coast. After 40 years in the Greater Portland, ME area, they moved to Denver, CO to be closer to their two daughters.

David led a rich life outside of his career and remained active in his community, seeking knowledge and new experiences right up until his passing. He kept bees, played saxophone, taught English as a Second Language courses, mentored high school students, and deepened his practice of Zen Buddhism, including teaching mindfulness at hospitals to patients and staff members alike. In 2009, David was ordained in the Plum Village tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. In 2021, he received the lamp transmission to become a dharma teacher.

He spent his final days surrounded by his beloved family: his wife, Peg, his daughters Marissa and Sarah, his sons-in-law Dan and Leland, and his new grandson, Camden. He is also survived by his brother, Bill, and his nieces, Maggie and Jackie. His bodily form is being lovingly returned to the Earth and sea, after a beautiful water cremation at Be a Tree Cremation.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 17, from 11am-2pm at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine. In gratitude for and in honor of Dave's life, the family requests any donations be made to the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation, which fosters peace and community among all people, animals, plants, and our planet.

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