Honor Skip's Legacy: Help His Family Heal

Dear friends, family, and compassionate supporters,

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our dear friend Skip Hughes, who left us on January 14, 2025, following an illness that he so courageously fought. Skip was a beloved father, friend, and husband, whose kindness, warmth, and unwavering love touched the lives of so many others.

Skip was an extremely devoted family member, passionate about changing the lives for the better of so many others, and actively involved in the community. He brought joy and laughter to everyone he encountered and always left the other person feeling as if they were the most important person in Skips life.

Skip was the driving force and founder of the Erie Chapter of Project Healing Waters which helps active military service personnel and Veterans in need through a dedicated and developed curriculum of fly fishing, fly casting, fly tying, and fly rod building. For many years, Skip along with his wife Debi spent countless, unselfish hours planning events, driving to events across the state of Pennsylvania so that the veteran’s lives could be changed in a very positive manner. Skip was driven by the fact that he felt he could make a difference in someone’s life, that whatever that person may be experiencing and feeling, that he could ease whatever they may be going through. And he was always successful in doing that. Also, those who assisted him in carrying out his mission – those who knew him outside of Project Healing Waters or who helped with his program – he positively impacted those individuals as well. His personality, his smile, his laughter, his drive for a better community and world is what made Skip the person he was. And he will be so greatly missed by so very many.

Purpose of the Fundraiser:

During this time of mourning, we are reaching out for your support. We are reaching out to support unforeseen expenses, including funeral costs, medical bills, and other financial challenges. We aim to ease some of this burden so that Skips wife, Debi and his family can focus on healing and cherishing the incredible life that Skip led.

How You Can Help:

We humbly ask for your support in any way possible. No donation is too small, and every contribution will make a meaningful impact. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this campaign with others who may wish to help.

Closing:

Thank you for your love, support, and generosity during this challenging time. Your kindness is deeply appreciated and will help Skip’s family find peace and comfort in the days ahead.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The friends, brothers, sisters and the disabled veterans whose lives he saved and changed of Skip Hughes.