Danny R. Hughes

Danny R. Hughes

Died March 17, 2016

LELAND TWP – Danny Robert Hughes, 64, of Lake Leelanau, passed away Thursday, March 17, 2016 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Danny was born on March 11, 1952, in Macon, GA, the son of George and Ella (Gill) Hughes.  On Nov. 19, 1977 at St. Mary Church in Lake Leelanau, he married Donna Mae Belanger, who survives.

Danny grew up in Gainesville, Fl., where he started the Shade Tree Stained Glass Studio.  He had an amazing talent, and decided to take that talent and his studio to Petoskey, MI.  This is where he met the love of his life.  Dan sold the Shade Tree Glass Studio, married Donna and moved to Ypsilanti, where they raised their two daughters.

Dan always wished he could move back "Up North."  His wish finally came true the Summer of 1995, when he and his wife and girls moved to Lake Leelanau.  He had a love of nature and gardening.  His home is surrounded by bird feeders, as birds were his favorite.  They would land on his shoulder when he went out to feed them.  He was also a weather fanatic, always excited when a big thunderstorm would roll in.

Sports was a big part of life in the Hughes household.  If U of M was playing football, it was guaranteed Dan was watching it.  He was a big fan of Formula One racing, too.  Danny also appreciated an Old Western movie every now and then, especially if they were with John Wayne.  Country music was a way of life, and he drew many values and lessons for living from the lyrics.

Dan was grateful to work for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.  He was the Facilities Manager for West Bay Operations for the past 19 years.  He made many lasting friendships there, and loved everyone he worked with.  He always referred to the casino as "his baby."

Danny was a very loving Husband, Father and Grandfather.  His kids and grandkids were his pride and joy.  He had an abundance of love for all children.  Dan was a Father figure to many who knew him.  He was a fun-loving man, who lived life to its fullest.  He had a big heart and love for everyone he knew.  He was the type of guy that made you feel good whenever he was around.  Danny was the life of the party!  

Danny never was one to tell people goodbye.  He always ended things with "Love ya and be careful out there.  I'll see ya on the flip-side."

In addition to his loving wife of 38 years, Danny is survived by his daughters, Cory (Troy) Smith and Katie (Steven) Russell; grandchildren, Hannah, Quentin, and Henley Smith, Colin, Austin, and Ian Hank Russell.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his parents-in-law, Germain and Dorothy Belanger.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 2 at 1 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay with family greeting friends beginning at 11 a.m.  Reverend Doctor Robin Carden will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org.

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