Michael A. Hughes was born April 16, 1975 in Missoula, Mont. He and one of the other three passengers in their vehicle were killed by a terrorist bomber outside of Pol-e-Charkhi, the prison where he worked, near Kabul Afghanistan on Feb. 10, 2014. Mike came into the world in a hurry, premature and weighing three pounds eleven ounces. It must have been all heart, which he shared with so many throughout his life. He grew up living in different places which gave him an excellent education making friends wherever he was. He attended school in Elko, Nev., Highwood, Mont., Great Falls, Mont. and Winlock, Wash. where he graduated from high school. His school, work and poker buddies had become a ‘band of brothers,’ who have stayed in close touch with each other.
Mike was very comical, fun, mischievous and sometimes serious. He was active in sports, especially football. He went to Boys State including a congratulation letter from President Bill Clinton and ran for mayor of Winlock, all by the age of 18. He spent most school summers with his dad at job locations in Elko and Carson City, Nev. and Riverton, Wyo. After graduation, he moved to Joliet, Mont. to share his life with his dad and family there. While at Joliet he worked at Timberweld Manufacturing in Columbus. He enjoyed working with wood products and was well liked by his supervisor Sam Blaylock. When tragedy struck one of his friends in Winlock, he immediately returned to help his friend with recovery and rehab.
It seems Mike found his calling when he became employed at McNeil Island Penitentiary in Washington until it was closed. He worked his way up through the ranks to a position where he was in charge of one of the units. He was also a lead negotiator who was quite successful keeping good communication with both prisoners and staff. While there he also received the Washington State Officer of the year award. When the state decided to close the prison Mike stayed to the end, passing up transfers to potentially good positions. When the job ended he decided to become part of a Task Force, working for DynCorp as a civilian contractor in Afghanistan. He worked as an advisor and trainer to help toward the goal of the Afghans taking over the guard duties at their prisons. He taught negotiations, hand-to-hand combat, and procedures with the aid of Afghan interpreters. He enjoyed the challenge and successes achieved while living in this destitute environment. His mission appeared close to completion. He was excitedly making plans for marriage, buying property and starting a business when his life was abruptly ended by the attack on the convoy vehicles near the prison.
Mike is survived by his mother, Linda Mundale; his sister Patricia Hughes; his fiancée Holly Orbino; and her two daughters, Breanna and Mariah all from Nevada; his dad, Murray ‘Mike’ Hughes and family; his brother, Dan and family, all of Montana; and his sisters, Kathy and Kris and their families of Washington. He will be fondly remembered by a multitude of friends throughout the world. He was preceded in death by his step-father, Bill Tabacco.
Memorials should be given to the charity of your choice.
Funeral Service at Winlock Middle School 2:00 p.m. Feb. 22, 2014.
Arrangements by Cattermole Funeral Home.
