We are heartbroken and sad to announce Michael “Mike” Hughes died on Sunday, May 24, 2023, in Canyonlands National Park in Utah. Michael’s eminent love of exploring the beautiful canyons and National Parks of the American Southwest on foot was only rivaled by his diligence in being a father and his commitment to supporting his mother. He made many backpacking trips into the Grand Canyon.
Mike was born in Denver, Colorado, and was a distinguished adventurer whose passions included skiing, river running, backpacking, sport and trad climbing, and mountain biking. Mike was an avid explorer of nature and science and strived to learn all he could about the world he lived in.
Michael was a prolific and devoted reader and lover of the minutiae of the English language, once reading the dictionary back to front for pure pleasure. He truly embraced the “leave no trace” code and lived his life in accordance with it regardless of his locale.
His son, Asher was his confidant and his fellow explorer to whom he passed on to his love of nature and learning and strived to teach all that he could.
He is survived by his son Asher, his brother Nate, his mother Mary Daubner Hughes, his father Richard Hughes, and his stepmother Bic. Mike’s grandparents who are deceased are Steve and Marie Daubner, of Ellison Bay, Wisconsin, and paternal grandparents Byron and Ora Hughes of Rochester, New York.
Michael had many friends, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who love and miss him. His beautiful dog Lily and pal Bob miss him very much. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Grand Canyon Conservancy in Mike’s name. Thank you to all that have reached out with their love.
UPDATE: A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Very Nice Brewing Company in Nederland.
