John McHugh, 85

John W. McHugh was born on Nov. 10, 1930 to Pete and Lucy McHugh in Helena, Mont. He grew up on the family dairy farm, and after high school attended Montana State College, graduating in 1952. Volunteering in the ROTC, he served in the Air Force as a lieutenant from 1952-1954.

John married Mary Ann Breen in 1955 in Choteau, Mont. In 1957, they moved to Coeur d’Alene. John worked with the accounting firm of H.F. Magnuson & Co., eventually becoming a partner in the firm. John worked there his entire career, which under his leadership grew to be the largest firm in the Coeur d’Alene area and eventually changed its name to Magnuson McHugh & Co.

John was an active volunteer his entire adult life. He served president or chairman of the St. Thomas Catholic Church Parish Council, the Idaho Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Idaho State Board of Accountancy, the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce, the Coeur d’Alene Rotary Club, the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, the Coeur d’Alene High Booster Club and Blue Cross of Idaho. John also served as a board member for the Association of Idaho Cities, Gonzaga University Regents, the North Idaho College Foundation, the Idaho Community Foundation, Bank of America – Idaho, the Idaho Youth Ranch, Delta Dental of Idaho, and CASA. He served 10 years for Panhandle Area Council, Inc., on both the Loan Review Committee and the Board of Directors. He coached his children and many others in youth sporting activities.

John was elected to the Coeur d’Alene City Council, and then Mayor (1970-74). He served on the Centennial Commission in 1987, organizing a celebration of Coeur d’Alene’s first 100 years. In 1995 John was appointed by Governor Phil Batt to the State Board of Transportation, and he served 12 years in that position. John was recently re-elected to serve on the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee.

John and Mary Ann have been members of St. Thomas Catholic Church since arriving in Coeur d’Alene. John served as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also an active member of the Fundraising Committee prior to and after Holy Family Catholic School opened its doors in 1996.

As active as John was to his profession and public service, he was much more devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife Mary Ann, children Tim (Ginni), Missoula, Barry (Teresa), Coeur d’Alene, Maureen, Helena, Terry (Laura), Post Falls, Julie, Coeur d’Alene, and Carolyn (Dave), Boyds, Md., and 14 loving grandchildren.

An open casket viewing will be held between 10 and 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 23, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 919 E. Indiana Ave., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, followed by a Rosary at 11:30, a Funeral Mass at noon and a burial at St. Thomas Cemetery. A reception will follow the graveside service at St. Thomas Center.

John’s family asks that any memorial contributions be made to St. Vincent de Paul, 201 E. Harrison, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

Visit John’s memorial and sign his online guestbook at www.englishfuneralchapel.com