Richard (Rik) Hughes (7 Sep 1968 - 27 Mar 2021)

In loving memory of Richard (Rik) Hughes who sadly passed away on 27th March 2021

Rik was born in Beaconsfield in 1968 but spoke most about growing up in Dorset with his mum Chris, his dad David (sadly passed away) and younger brother Tim. A love of fishing, music and friendship began here.

He left at 16 to explore his independence in Bournemouth and experience some of his most formative years working a bizarre range of jobs, living in a variety of different flats and having many, many, many nights out.

Yeovil became his home at 20 for A levels followed by Nottingham for his first degree in Communication Studies. The range of jobs, houses and nights out remained constant and his love of music and friendships deepened.

At 28 his many jobs became 1 and he began work at Framework Housing Association (Macedon, once upon a time). He remained there for 22 years in a variety of roles and built a passion for improving the life chances and choices of vulnerable and homeless people. He had such loyalty for Framework and the individuals he worked alongside meant a huge amount to him.

In 2018 Rik took the incredibly difficult decision to spread his wings and join Riverside Housing Association for a new challenge, but continuing his commitment to Housing with Care and Support. His experiences there developed him further and he loved the opportunities it presented. Again he worked alongside an amazing team of individuals and spoke very highly of them all.

Rik met Anna when he first joined Framework, working alongside each other at a front line hostel. Tentative hanging out began over the first few months, which led to living together after 2 years and eventually spending nearly 26 years together. Joseph and Chloe joined them in 2001 and 2004 to complete the family. They moved to Farnsfield in 2002 and have had an amazing experience of village life for 18 years. Friends, music and nights out have continued in this setting too helping to grow roots and a sense of belonging.

There are so many things that could be said when talking about Rik and hopefully there will be an opportunity at some point this year for them all to be mentioned. A few in passing - music, festivals (Glastonbury in particular), hats, fishing, home brew, bread baking, walking, chess, cooking for others, camping, always swimming under the water, Tillie and Liquorice (dogs), beards, whiskey, Radio 6, blue checked shirts, tripping up, music, music, music, music, music.

Some words people have shared - generous, thoughtful, curious, lovely guy to work with, one of the loveliest people, beautiful gentleman, welcoming, always had a smile to share, fabulous man, wonderful, kind, warm, the best of colleagues, kind hearted, dear friend, lasting impact on my life, intelligent, interesting, entertaining.

A genuinely lovely, gentle man.

There is no doubt that he will be missed but please feel free to share your memories and words so that he can be remembered too.

The funeral service and burial will be on the 26th April at 2:30 and 3:30. Unfortunately there is a COVID restriction to 30 people and they have been invited directly.
There will be a larger memorial service later in the year to celebrate and allow all to attend. TBC.