Dennis Wray Hughes, 77, of Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona, passed away peacefully at home on September 8, 2026,

after a period of illness. Born on July 27, 1949, in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, Dennis was the beloved son of

Johnston Dennis "Chip" and Mary Hughes. Dennis is survived by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Laura

(married November 20, 1976); sister-in-law Casey Stoppenbach (Danny); youngest daughter Sarah Neill (Luke);

eldest daughter Karla Hughes and two grandchildren, Jillian and William.

Dennis, a Canadian raised in Alma, Michigan, went on to become a United States citizen through voluntary

enlistment in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Initially selected for a post at the media desk in the

States, Dennis insisted on a more active role and was soon deployed to Vietnam, where he served as a frontline

war correspondent and combat photographer, rising to the rank of Sergeant with certificates of commendation

and recognition for his journalistic contributions.

After returning from Vietnam, Dennis continued to develop his love of journalism and media. His smooth,

commanding voice landed him work in radio, and he contributed articles to the local newspaper many times

over the years. Throughout, he amassed a slate of notable interviews with media personalities and some of his

favorite musicians ranging from BB King to Frank Zappa. He married the love of his life, Laura, in 1976, and

then followed his dream of moving West to Arizona, where he began a 32-year career with Navopache Electric

Co-Op as an entry-level meter reader in 1979. Dennis worked his way up through the ranks at NEC, enjoying

every one of his roles from meter reader, to draftsman, to executive, as well as his positions with NRECA and

the Arizona Corporation Commission. In 2001, Dennis was one of a crew of 10 people from NEC who stayed

behind when the town was evacuated during the Rodeo Chediski fire. Ever the journalist, he memorialized

much of what was happening in photographs for those who feared they might never be able to return. He

retired from NEC in 2010 as Chief Operations Officer before serving on the Board until his death.

Dennis will be fondly remembered for his leadership, knowledge, dedication, and commitment to the

community. In addition to his work, Dennis was a dedicated public servant and volunteer, serving as a Board

Member of the Lakeside Fire District and later of the Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District. He was elected as

Town Councilman from 1996 to 2007 and again from 2011 to 2013. He was also an active and enthusiastic

member of the Chamber of Commerce for many years and a vocal supporter of numerous local improvement

efforts. As a result of his commitment to the community, Dennis received the Citizen of the Year award in 2000

from the Pinetop-Lakeside Chamber of Commerce. As a member of the Town Council's Sister Cities program,

Dennis traveled with a cohort of other local leaders to Spišské Podhradie, Slovakia, where his expertise and

insight helped accelerate Slovakia's post-Iron Curtain modernization. He spoke fondly about his time in

Slovakia, and loved European cities like Prague and Budapest.

Beyond his decorated but quiet military and public service record, Dennis was a lifelong music lover with an

impressive knowledge of music history. For many years starting in junior high school through 1979, he worked

as a radio DJ, which spurred him to accumulate a massive personal collection of thousands of vinyl records,

including many rare editions, which he loved to share with friends and family. A loyal and thoughtful friend and

an adventurous soul, Dennis regularly traveled around North America adventuring with old friends, hiking,

fishing, canoeing, and even crossing the country on motorcycles together.

Dennis had a reputation for being a calming presence, able to handle crises quietly and pragmatically. Often

called upon to manage difficult situations, cleanup efforts, and public events, he consistently rose to the

occasion. An introvert at heart, he came alive with a commanding presence when serving others. He loved to

fly stunt kites and golf, participating in local leagues over the years. Above all else, Dennis was a loving

husband and father. He referred to Laura as the biggest inspiration of his life, and credited her with saving him

after his time in the military. He supported her through many health challenges, calmly guiding her and the girls

through every step.

Through sacrifice and example, he taught his daughters so many of the important things in life: the value of

their word, a strong work ethic, to value and respect all people, to make room for forgiveness and

reconciliation, to follow their dreams as he had, and (with an eye roll from Laura) the lyrics to Pink Floyd's

"Another Brick in the Wall". He played softball with the girls, and taught them to ski and water ski, mow a lawn,

build a fire, and survive for a couple of days on military rations. He loved to travel deep into the landscape,

always promising the girls that whatever their destination, it was surely "around the next bend". Family trips

were full of laughter and singing, and revolved around camping, hiking, and listening to his favorite music in

remote places.

Dennis will be remembered for his quiet confidence, dry wit, warped sense of humor, and unwavering

willingness to help others. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by family, friends, and all who

had the privilege of crossing paths with him. It has been said by some, "I haven't ever known a better person".

A celebration of Dennis' extraordinary life will be held on November 7, 2026 at 1pm at the NEC facility. In place

of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Vietnam Veterans of America if desired.