From Elizabeth Wilson

April 14, 2014

Nancy,

I heard the news about Gary when we were in the middle of the Himalayas in Nepal last week. We were at the top of a mountain and Tibetan prayer flags were fluttering all over that place. When I got up the next morning, the sun was rising and I noticed these particular flags. As you probably already know, prayers are written on the flags and then the flags are placed in high places so that the wind will spread the blessings all over the world. This particular strand had obviously been spreading its blessings for a very long time, as you can see that it is tattered and faded. Blessings had quietly been flowing from it for years. Just like with Gary. As I watched the beautiful light transform this tired strand into a beautiful sight, it made me think of how his body slowly lost its strength over the past few years but how now, and always, we will feel the blessings that moved through him into all of us who loved him and touched many who never knew him. There will be a big hole in our Thanksgivings together- I will miss his warm smile and hugs, his colorful sweaters, the way he grabbed babies and loved on them so beautifully, the way he looked at you. 

I love you, Nancy. Helen, Margaret, and I will be with you all in spirit as you all gather on May 10 to celebrate Gary's life and all his blessings that still blow in the wind.

Love,

Elizabeth

Gary Kenneth Hughes, born March 24, 1943, in Buffalo, NY, died from complications of ALS Wednesday night, April 2, 2014, in Nashville, TN, his home for the last 30 years.  A recognized expert in self-insured trusts for worker's compensation, he enjoyed an intriguing career in the insurance industry for over 40 years (Arkwright-Boston, Alexander & Alexander, Inc., Palmer and Cay, and Gary Hughes & Associates, LLC).

Gary was an avid golfer and outdoorsman.  During his brief retirement, he enjoyed spending time on Percy Priest Lake aboard his boat, Compensation,­­ sharing tours and sunset cruises with numerous friends and family.  He also reconnected with friends from Bennett High School in Buffalo.

Gary is survived by his wife of 17 years, Poli (Nancy Johnson Polidoro) of Mountain Brook, AL; his son, Chris Hughes (Nashville, TN); his daughter, Jennifer Hughes (Cal III) Turner (Nashville, TN), and his brother Dave (Nancy) Hughes (East Aurora, NY).

Memorial donations may be made to the Weaver Domestic Violence Shelter (online or mail to Weaver Domestic Violence Shelter, c/o Pat Shea, YWCA, 1608 Woodmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37215) or Glendale Baptist Church Hand Bell Fund (online or mail to Glendale Baptist Church, 1021 Glendale Lane, Nashville, TN 37204). 

A celebration of Gary's life will be held on Percy Priest Lake Saturday, May 10.  Further information will be posted on www.polipolidoro.blogspot.com, a website where family and friends are invited to share memories as well.