Richard A. Hughes

Richard Allen Hughes, known to his family and friends as Rick, was a larger-than-life presence who embodied every virtue and meaning of being the patriarch of his family. Rick was born on December 29, 1949, in Dayton, Kentucky. The son of Flora Bryant Hughes and William Hughes, Rick grew up in Covington, Kentucky where he attended and graduated from Holmes High School. In those formative years, his work ethic and devotion to family were shaped by his parents and the loving home he shared with his siblings, Bill, Mike, and Judi.

Rick was a mathematical and engineering genius who, following high school, studied engineering at the University of Cincinnati, and then worked as an engineer at Cincinnati Milacron and Boeing, until 2001, before opening International Technology. In every way imaginable, Rick was a problem-solver. Fixing machines and vehicles, and repairing and remodeling homes, were all in keeping with his unique mind and skills.

His greatest talents, however, rested in his abilities to raise, love, and protect his family, and selfless drive to help and serve others. Indeed, upon reflection, family and friends cannot recall instances where Rick asked for help. Rather, Rick actively sought ways he could help those he loved and everyone around him.

In 1969, he married Sonja Cathers and raised 3 wonderful children, Dawn, Scott, and Johnny. His children became his world, and he dedicated his life to being the most remarkable father one can imagine. He would wake up at 5:00 am to work all day and return home for dinner, ensuring he could have time to play catch, teach his children to ride their bikes, sit down for a bowl of chocolate chip ice cream, and often times carry his children to bed as they fell asleep next to him. He balanced it all with grace and composure, setting the example for his children to follow.

Rick adored his grandchildren and relished his time as a grandfather, attending his grandkids' events, and supporting and mentoring them. He had the rare ability to develop completely unique connections and relationships with each child based upon their distinctive personalities and needs. He was exactly what each grandchild needed in their life, and it endeared him and made him trusted in ways that simply cannot be described.

Rick remarried in 2013, finding love and companionship with Patricia Cambpell Bruce. Together, they travelled the world experiencing various cultures. Road trips through the US were a favorite, along with short trips to wineries, distilleries, landmarks, and quaint towns. Rick especially loved meeting people and sampling the cuisine as he travelled. He was always up for an adventure and time with his step-children and step-grandchildren whom he embraced as if they were his own.

Rick shared his time, love, and many adventures until his passing on September 26, 2025, at the age of 75.

Rick will always be remembered for his humor, brilliant mind, perfect penmanship, love of UK basketball, fondness for travelling and seeking out new restaurants, and how he constantly put others' needs above his. He will be especially remembered for how he would say good-bye: this force of a man ended every encounter with a strong hug that enveloped you, a kiss on the cheek, and the sincerest "I love you" that left the lucky recipient cradled in comfort. He was undoubtedly the most generous man in spirt, with his time, and with his affection. His ultimate legacy will be the example he set for living life and loving one's family through his servant leadership, generosity, and deepest devotion to his loved ones, all of which will continue to guide and inspire all who knew him.

Rick leaves behind his beloved wife of 12 years, Patricia (née Bruce); his three siblings: Bill Hughes, Mike Hughes, and Judi Hughes; his three children: Dawn Trenkamp (Tim), Scott Hughes (Julie), Johnny Hughes (Taylor); his five grandchildren: Corrine Fitterer, Jillian Hughes, Alexa Hughes, Landon Hughes, and McKenna Hughes; his three step-children: Nicole Bruce (Byron), Cassandra Wyman (Lee), and Steven Bruce (Kara); and his four step-grandchildren, Charlie Bruce, Madeline Bruce, Mikenzie Kutz, and Brayden Kutz.

The family will hold a private gathering and Celebration of Life and appreciate the outpouring of support that has been given by so many.