David F. Hughes<br/>February 2, 1927 - May 1, 2015

David F. Hughes, 88, of Newport Beach, California, died May 1, 2015 with his family by his side. David was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his devoted wife Taja, daughters Cindy Hughes (Paul Schmidhauser) and Stacy Hughes Hutcheson (Gary), granddaughters, Hayley Hutcheson and Caroline and Madeleine Schmidhauser, brother Michael (Jeannie), brother-in-law Gaylord Tohill (Marsha) and other family members and friends. The family would like to thank David’s caregiver, Javier Avalos. David’s parents and his brother, John, predeceased him.

After graduating from Newport Harbor High School, David served in the United States Navy during World War II. He then earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees and administrative credential from the University of Southern California. He was a teacher and a school principal for over 30 years, teaching and serving elementary and junior high school students in the Anaheim, Placentia, West Covina and El Cajon school districts. He was a member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and the Balboa Bay Club for many years.

A lifelong competitor, David was a four sport high school letterman. He was a champion volleyball player, playing both on the beach and indoors. He was on the United States National Volleyball team and won many beach volleyball tournaments. In his mid-40s, David switched to tennis and played tennis into his early 80s. David was also a skilled pool player, card player and bowler and a passionate sports fan, particularly of tennis, volleyball, professional basketball and college football. In recent years, he competed in his new favorite game, Rummikub, and, as always, enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

David was the life of every party, with many wonderful stories and jokes to share with everyone. He will be greatly missed. As David requested, his ashes will be scattered near Corona del Mar State Beach, where he spent many happy days playing volleyball.