Robert Hughes, 70
Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 9 months, 1 week AGO
Robert John "Bob" Hughes, aka "Blue," 70, passed away peacefully at his home in Bigfork on July 2, 2025, following a brief battle with cancer.
Blue was born on May 27, 1955, in Great Falls. He was the son of Richard Hughes and Barbara (Eneboe) Hughes. He graduated from CMR High School in 1973 and later earned degrees in heavy equipment operation and welding from Missoula Vo Tech. He spent 20 years working for Burlington Northern Railroad. On Aug. 22, 1998, Blue married Dona (Liggett) Hughes in Swan Lake.
He was known for his boundless love of animals, appreciation of 19th-century history, and eclectic playlists. He had a soft spot for maple bars, nature documentaries, and movies starring Kevin Costner, especially Dances with Wolves.
Blue had a legendary sense of humor, often telling jokes at the dinner table that got the whole family in trouble with Grandma. Though he proudly described himself as a "hard-headed Norwegian and Swede," Blue had an incredibly tender heart. He showed his love through small gifts, handwritten notes, and a steady supply of laser pointers gifted on Christmas and birthdays.
Swan Lake and Kihei, Hawai'i were two of his favorite places, and he found joy spending his golden years in both with his family. His compassion, love for animals, and open-hearted acceptance live on in the family and friends who were lucky to know him.
Loved ones remaining to cherish Blue include, his wife, Dona Hughes, son, John Hughes (Brittany Pervais), daughters, Annie (Drew) Schmitz and Lexi Hughes, brother, Stephen (Stacy) Hughes, sister, Patricia (Randy) Fisher, sister-in-law, Sharyn Hughes, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Blue was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Barbara Hughes, brother, Ronald Hughes, and many beloved dogs throughout life.
Donations in Blue’s memory can be made to the Maui Humane Society. A celebration of life will be held at his home residence in Bigfork on Aug. 3, 2025.