It is with great sadness we announce the unexpected and sudden passing of Dennis Gerrard Hughes at age 67. He leaves behind his Loving partner and best friend Jane Hughes. 2 loving fur kids, Sadie and his little 8 pound sidekick Barclay. He will be missed by siblings Lynda (Jim), Paul (Nancy) and Colleen (late Bert) and sister in law Janice (John). In addition, he leaves behind many nieces and nephews. He was so proud of each and every one of them and also of all their individual accomplishments. Nephews and niece's -Sean (Sue), Jen, Steve (Jen), Laura (Theo), Hilliard (Jessica), Lauren (Brad).Beloved son of the late John Frederick (Fred) & Marie Hughes. He will also be missed by his long time buddy Peter with whom he shared over 45 years of friendship while skiing and golfing together. In addition, many old primary, HS and college friends have reached out with always the same comment. He was a good person and a great guy. Dennis was a man of simple pleasures and we loved him for it. He loved to cook and every Saturday night he would work to prepare some beautiful meal. He liked a simple life. He started his extensive career in aviation which began when he completed his private pilots license while still in High School. He went on to earn his Commercial pilots license and ultimately his Airline Transport Pilots license. In addition he became an Aircraft accident investigator and Civil Aviation Inspector. He flew extensively throughout North America and the Caribbean but his favorite place to fly was the artic. He said the skies were brilliant up there. Over the years he lost many many friends to flying accidents in the arctic and for unknown/various reasons he dodged flying those aircraft. We would often talk about fate.Dennis was accomplished but very humble and unassuming and could be seen in Essex riding his bike while wearing tattered shorts and a sun bleached T shirt. No one would ever guess he once flew 2 of our Prime Ministers. He was a very very smart man however a man of few words. As Josh Groban sings the words, You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains, You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas, I am strong when I am on your shoulders, You raise me up to more than I can be. Dennis was my biggest cheerleader and for that I will be ever thankful. Cremation has taken place and in the fall 2 private family committal services will be held. One in Essex County and one in Ottawa. If so desired donations to the heart and stroke foundation.Until we meet again, Clear skies an tailwinds. Take that final flight to the heavens.