Page 181 - RAPTC Year of 2019

Born on 26th April 1944 to Edie and Robert - the fourth of eight children. John lost his own father when very young but his wonderful Mother
brought them up well and with a very strong bond that was there to the end.
He was less than fond of school and his older siblings had their work cut out for them making sure they got him there! At a very young age he went to work on the farms and told us many stories about driving tractors and how cold his hands got picking potatoes and sneding turnips.
He left home to work on the building sites in Birmingham when he was only 15 and then at 18 he
joined the Royal Engineers because of their great tradition with boxing which then led him into the PT corps where he remained for the rest of his career, working his way up to the rank of Major.
He served for 32 years in total and was dedicated, not just to the fitness and health of those he was training, but to their learning and knowledge as well. In fact, he never stopped teaching himself his whole life. From history to all thing’s nature; his appetite for knowledge only got greater.
After he retired from the army he became a postman and was more than happy to be out walking each day, but they soon saw his extra value and he was quickly promoted to Delivery Office Manager.
John married Kay in 1969 – and they just celebrated their 50th anniversary in August of this year (2019). Their life took them to new places every few years but they came back home to settle first in Bangor and then in Donaghadee surrounded once more by their family and friends.
Paul and Judie described their dad as their hero growing up. He knew how to work everything and could fix anything. Always an adventurer he loved nothing more than to take the family to the most amazing places for the most magical family holidays. With so much energy, it always felt like he could do anything.
Known for his toughness the children and their friends all knew the house rules but he loved his children very much and they always knew that. He supported Judie and Paul through all stages of life and as much as he missed them when they set off on their own adventures to England and Canada, he never made them feel that there was anything they couldn’t do. He
was very proud of them and let them know more and more as they got older and as he softened.
As a grandfather John doted on his grandchildren Cassian and Mallorie loving every minute he got to spend with them.
Most folk in Donaghadee will find it hard to picture John without his best pal Skye, and as age finally caught up with him they would still often be seen around the town and the commons on their regular walks.
Throughout his life he had boundless energy and unbelievable levels of self-discipline, which apparently nobody managed to inherit! He was always fit and healthy and indeed barely had so much as a cold. Even when he was hit with glaucoma and rheumatoid arthritis his view on life was incredibly positive, and he always saw himself as one of the lucky ones.
This has been a shock to us all as it’s the last thing any of us expected to happen. We will all miss him very much.
David died aged 82, on 7 Dec 2019 in Bodelwyddan Hospital, North Wales after a sudden illness.
He was born in Dyserth, North Wales to David and Elizabeth on 23 Jan 1937, and attended schools in Dyserth and Rhyl. He married Joan on 10 Dec 1955 at St. Bridget’s Church in Dyserth.
David served with the Army for 35 years after enlisting with the Royal Artillery on 24 Jul 1957. He transferred to the RAPTC on 23 Dec 1960 and gained his commission on 20 Dec 1978, serving until he was 55, retiring on 23 Jan 1992. He received the long service and good conduct medal in 1975.
David was very proud of his career and life in the Army, especially the Corps and he made a great many friends whilst serving. He will be remembered dearly by those who knew him. He was never able to sit still and his love of sport, including a passion for Manchester United and golf stayed with him throughout his life.
Postings whilst serving: Boddelwyddan, Sandhurst (1st posting with the PT Corps), Gutersloh, York, Lippstadt, Sennelager (School of P & RT), Aldershot (he gained his commission whilst serving here), York School of P & RT, Gibraltar, Shrewsbury, Hong Kong and Stafford
David was a highly qualified instructor and achieved numerous qualifications in many areas, always striving to better himself. Notable activities being: Fencing (MAA) (he was the Army fencing master for two years), boardsailing, boxing (coach and official), rock climbing, swimming (coach and official), judo, adventurous training, rugby, basketball, squash and athletics.
Other notable achievements: Royal Tournament Sabre Champion in 1978 and winning the RAPTC Golfing Championship (aged 76) on 13 Sep 2013 - the day his Great Grandson was born.
He was the life and soul of the party; his guitar playing and singing in bands in Messes around England, Germany, Hong Kong and Gibraltar, were events which hold wonderful memories
David was a very proud Welshman, and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He travelled regularly to Germany and Asia to see his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Joan, children Tina, Ian and Louise (who sadly died in 1994 aged 24), and grandchildren Sian, David and Andrew, and great-grandson Rowan.
His family were touched by how many colleagues and friends sent cards and attended his funeral. They would like to say a sincere ‘thank you’ to them all.
JOHN MISKIMMIN
26 Apr 1944 – 5 Oct 2019
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MAJOR (RETD) DAVID TREVOR HUGHES