Ernest Loyal Hughes

Ernie “Senior” Hughes, 84, passed away peacefully of natural causes in Boise, Idaho, on August 4th, 2018. His legacy is as powerful as the booming voice that is now being heard in Heaven. He lived his life a man of strong character – believed wholeheartedly in hard work, dedication to family, and love of the mountains.  Mixed with a vibrant and memorable character that stood out in any room, his untouchable energy and spirit shined bright until his final day.
Ernie was born on September 15, 1933, in Emmett, Idaho to Ernest {Loyal} Hughes and Nettie Sullivan. After graduation from Caldwell High School in 1951, he attended Chef’s School at Boise College and became a Professional Chef in Culinary Arts at Boise’s Owyhee Hotel. It was there he met the love of his life Beverly Browne, and they got married on June, 4, 1954, in Boise, Idaho. His culinary journey brought his exceptional talent into hotels and country clubs across the country. He showed up each day in his white starched coat ready to learn! After perfecting his craft, he returned to Boise and proudly served as the Director of Food Services for St. Alphonsus Hospital for 34 years. Over his impressive career, Ernie received numerous awards and achievements - his ice carvings were over the top! He shared his trade secrets with many, you would always find Ernie in the kitchen overlooking all meal preparations and reminding all of us the importance of patience, perfection and presentation!
Ernie was not only an impeccable chef, but was incredibly passionate about his home and garden. He would cheer his loudest for Notre Dame Football, Boise State and all sporting events his children and grandchildren were a part of. He would talk for hours with his sons and grandsons on the upcoming football seasons of his beloved Irish and Broncos. They made bets, he won big.
He used his hands to build a lifetime of memories from building and fixing just about anything and everything; one of his proudest accomplishments was helping his father-in-law build a cabin in the Sawtooth Mountains near Grand Jean, Idaho which continues to bring countless memories to his family. Ernie had an absolute love for the outdoors, hunting and fishing. His Annual Family Elk Hunting Trip with rides on his ATV was the highlight of his year. Ernie planned his trips all year with his beloved hunting crew; he didn’t miss a trip in over 60 years! Last year, he shut down the campfire in his usual fashion - swaying to Johnny Cash, breathing the mountain air, living life to the fullest. He lived well. The elk had nothing on him.
Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, and his grandchildren, Joseph Sweeney, Jimmy Stocker, and Corbin Stocker. Ernie is survived by his beloved, dedicated and loving wife of 64 years, Beverly, his sister Shirley McKinney, brothers Donald (+Diane) Hughes and Richard (+Gail) Hughes, his children Sandra (+Brad) Risting, Roxanne (+John) McCormack, Dick (+Brenda} Hughes from Boise and Ernest (+Kristi) Hughes Jr. from Pleasanton, CA, 11 adored grandchildren -Shannon Sweeney, Jennifer (+Joe) Spinelli, Christine (+Matthew) Thompson, Tiffany (+Jason) Hunter, Ryan (+Taylor) Hughes, Ashley Hughes, Ricky Hughes, Nicholas Hughes, Matthew Stocker, Anna Stocker, and Carrie Stocker, 11 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
A viewing is scheduled at Relyea Funeral Chapel, 318 N. Latah, Boise, Idaho on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 from 5-7 PM. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday August 9, 2018, at 11AM at Relyea Funeral Chapel, followed by a graveside service at Dry Creek Cemetery.