Joe Hughes 77 (Smokey Joe)

[Dave322]

I regret to inform you gentlemen that Joe sadly passed away this afternoon at 1310.
Funeral details not yet available

[ap1]

I'm extremely sad to hear this news. Joe was an absolute gentleman and a Royal Welchman through and through. I do remember him in the Bn as a CSgt, pipe firmly between his teeth. But I will leave his contemporaries from those days to speak about his military service.

My main connection with Joe was through the RWF Forum. Joe has been a member of this website in its various forms since the late 1990's, he realised the potential and power of the net and was one of the first of the older comrades to get involved. He; along with Don Donovan and several others, made sure the RWF Comrades Association got to hear about the RWF Forum. He helped give the website credibility. I met him many times over the years, his enthusiasm for the regiment, the website and its members never waned. During the merger process, when many of us were very aggrieved, Joe was a voice of reason, this was also the case on many other occasions over the years. I considered Joe to be a wise man and listened when he spoke. If he did disagree with anyone, his arguments were always reasoned, polite and fair. He was a true gentleman and his passing is our loss.

My deepest sympathy to Joe's family at this very sad time.

[hoppy41]

so sad to hear that joe has passed away. sympathy to joe's family at this sad. time RIP SMOKEY

[Bob Bacon]

There are few people in the world who have the unique ability to light up a room – Joe was one of those extraordinary individuals.

Joe taught me many valuable life lessons - never look back, move forward, fight the odds and maintain a positive attitude. Every single one of us in the regimental family that served with Joe is a better person for having him in our lives. We have lost a real character.

I am honoured to have known and served with him; his humour, insight and humility will be sorely missed

[keithwill38]

Very sad to hear about Joe,s passing,my condolences to the family,RIP Joe

[BennytheBall]

I for one is also very sad to hear the news of the death of Joe Hughes, Like so many others I also had the honour to serve under Joe both in the RWF and on the RWFCA Executive Committee for many years. Joe was truly a very wise and honourable man who was the 23rd through and through.

May I personally pass on my condolences to Joe's family, Friends and Comrades; on this very, very sad occasion.

Also the committee and members' of the Shotton and Deeside Branch RWFCA.

[tom33]

so sad news.joe was quite a joker and always was good fun to be with he was as was i good mates with abdul (a coy storeman) who has sadly also passed away..rip joe hope you meet up with abdul

[Gwyn Nicholas]

Very well put Bob. Godbless Joe.

[Lofty-25]

Very sad to hear about the passing of Joe, my condolences to Joe's family and friends at this very sad and trying time


RIP Joe

[rikoshea]

Joe what can I say about a fellow royal welchman, that as not already been said. however i will try to add to the kind words already said about Joe by forum members, its a very sad day when I hear of any welchman's passing, however when the person you all speak about is someone you know personally and have grown fond of over the past few years then its a lot more personal. I first met Joe three years ago when he was voted the Drums reunion President, Joe was a very proud man and took the honor of being our first elected president with pride, Joe stood up with pride and always said a speech with the warmth only Joe could do, He always said of the pride he had to of served with galloping 23rd and how proud he was to have been our elected President.

Joe I think i can clearly speak on behalf of all drummers that you were a gentleman, a comrade, a friend to so many, and so many people have lost someone special today, rest in peace Smokey, you are now joining the parade gound in heaven and will be able to stand there with honor and pride along side so many Loyal Royal Welchmen who have stood before you.

So Joe Sleep tonight free of pain and worry, you will be missed by so many. Rest in Peace Smokey Joe I for one am proud to hve made your aquantance.


fond memories


Rik

[Guvs]

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p>
So sad to hear of the passing of Joe, what a wonderful man he was, I only got to know the real Smokey Joe over the last few Drums reunions, I don’t know of anyone that has a negative thing to say about the man, even when he had to turf us drunken bunch of Drummers from the company club in Tidworth, he did it in the Smokey Joe's way and we all understood him.<o:p></o:p>
I got to know him as MR Smokey Joe, and not as the CSM Smokey Joe, what a nice gentleman he was, and I seen the caring family man side of him, his family must be very proud of him.<o:p></o:p>
Rest in peace Joe, and my condolences to all the family.
Guvs

[Dave322]

There are few people in the world who have the unique ability to light up a room or set the room on fire– Joe was one of those extraordinary individuals.

Joe taught me many valuable life lessons - never look back, move forward, fight the odds and maintain a positive attitude. Every single one of us in the regimental family that served with Joe is a better person for having him in our lives. We have lost a real character.

I am honoured to have known and served with him; his humour, insight and humility will be sorely missed
You've got it in one Bob but quoting from you have said I will add this

[Thom15]

RIP Smokey

[Ken Barrow]

So Sad to here of Joe`s passing. I had the pleasure to serve with Joe in the Drums in Honiton when he was a Cpl & Me being a young 17 year old he was always there if i needed advice with a problem. And when he was CSM of HQ Coy in Lemgo he always had that soft spot for the Drums. (RIP Joe).

[billyboy52]

very sad to hear this news. our thoughts go out to a wonderfull royal welch man rip smokey joe. humph /and on behalf of shrews and dist comrades branch

[jack murphy]

RIP joe it was an honour to have served with you aand god bless

[Rob12]

:notworthy:On behalf of all members of the Denbigh and District RWFCA condolences to Joe's family and all who new this iconic Gentleman

[mick carnell 53]

Yet another sad loss, joe was a friend and in the past a mentor to so many. He will be missed. RIP Joe

[Charlie Cox]

What a sad loss to the 23rd. Having first met Joe as boys back in Derring Lines in 1958, Joe a junior Drummer and I a junior Bandman . After boys we both went our seperate ways to jion our regiments, but it was in 1973 on a transfer to 1RWF from 1RRW we made contact again. Joe was one of the first people to welcome me to the Regiment and the Sergeants Mess. Over the years Joe became CSM HQ coy. and I BSM. Throughout this time we had numerous some friendly and heated dicussions on the merits of the Band and Drums. These discussions continued right up till two years ago at the League of Friends . Joe I shall miss your friendly banter and perhaps we will sometime continue our disscussions.
Charlie Cox

[jungle1810]

Hello all,
I also knew "Smokey"Joe from the time he served on the executive committee. he was a true gentleman and sage to boot.I heartily agree with both Al & Bobs sentiments on the life and times of Joe.In conclusion I would like to express my condolence to all his immediate family and friends. rest in peace Joe.
RBD aka jungle1810

[SHAUN MCCORMACK]

I regret to inform you gentlemen that Joe sadly passed away this afternoon at 1310.
Funeral details not yet available

[SHAUN MCCORMACK]

RIP smokey, you were a true gentleman, my sincere condolences

[Braz]

R I P Smokey Joe. From all at the Denbigh Branch of the RWFCA. God Bless. Braz

[Paul Hinge]

Can I firstly convey sincere condolences to Joe's family and friends on behalf of the Aberystwyth Branch RWFCA?<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
Everything that Joe was has been said so many times above. When serving Joe was always a fair and measured person which made him very special. On his retirement Joe was a very keen member both of his RWFCA Branch and of the Executive on which he served with distinction.<o:p></o:p>
In recent years, having taken on the mantle of running the Band Association Joe was my eyes and ears of the lads who had left and for what ever reason did not keep in touch on a regular basis......this link has sadly gone.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Joe Hughes...you were a quiet and unassuming person in life I know you will light up that great parade ground above with you wonderful personality. Sleep tight friend until we meet again.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Hingey<o:p></o:p>

[Dai72]

Another sad loss to the regiment. RIP

[wally15]

today was a verry sad day for me and marion when we hered of the passing of my verry good friend and comrade joe, he was a tower of strengh to all who knew him, i first worked with joe in bcoy, and later on in hq coy he was a true royal welch man at all times and he helped a lot of us at times. so rest in peace joe we will always rember you. god bless you shella and the family. wally 15 and marion

[peterlansley]

Joe having known for forty years or more its a sad time to hear of your passing into higher order to be with old friends from the past . Will miss your wise comments on this forum. GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN .RIP

[tudor379]

RIP smokey, you were a true gentleman, my sincere condolences

[tudor379]

I regret to inform you gentlemen that Joe sadly passed away this afternoon at 1310.
Funeral details not yet availablesoverysad joewasalwaysthevoiceofreasonwhenmostwerelosingthei rheadsjoealwayshadtimeforeveryoneagreatlosstoallwo knewhim
godbessyoujoerestinpeace

[Bricoates]

Yes, a sad day at the loss of Joe, a friend, and popular Royal Welchman, may I on behalf of all at the Caernarfon Branch RWFCA pass on our deepest Sympathy to all Family and Friends, Rest in peace Joe.

Brian

[Barry69]

Like many of you, I got to know Joe during my service as our CQMS firstly and later CSM smokey then, as a young soldier in Ireland he saved me from the raft of others on a few occasions, in fact he was gent with an amazing sense of humour, I and later at the League of Friend, being a Bay lad and I Rhyl lad, He will be very much missed by all his friends and family a great Royal Welch character Rest in Peace Joe

[nasher546]

Just received the news of Joe's passing by a text from Percy Broad.

So very, very sad.

I can still see Smokey as a CQMS stood in his stores doorway with a brew in one hand, and his pipe in the other. Joe was an unassuming individual who was strong in knowledge and he was such a friend to many. I know he was very much into his reunions, which was evident by his so many attendances at the L.O.F and the Drums Plt reunions. I also think it is fitting to state that in his own little way Joe contributed to the Forum as much as anyone else.

You are at peace now Joe and with so many Royal Welchmen, and until we meet again, sleep tight old friend.

My sincere condolences to all of Joe's family.

[nick sigallias]

So sad the news that we have lost a member of our regimental family, joe was a top bloke quiet calm and unassuming, a proud royal welchman ,23thd to the end. a lovely man. RIP smokey, I dont think you will ever be forgotten.

[keith may]

Yes like everyone has alreadly said joe you will be very very sadly missed so joe from keith may and all at cardiff branch rwf r.i.p also my sincere condolences to his family tell we meet again r.i.p. Joe (smokey )

[Rog Ball 01]

Another of the good guys from my era departing to the Bn in the sky. Joe was a gentyleman and a well respected member of the Bn and the Regiment. My condolances go to Joe's family and friends

[Bob Lloyd]

I am so so sorry to hear this very sad news. Joe Hughes 77 was a wonderful man, one of the best, a role model for us all, and he wiill be sorely missed by all who knew him. I for one shall miss his smiling face at every Wrexham reunion where he always had time for a chat. We will all remember great things that Joe did but for me his attendance at Rhodri Herbert's funeral in Aberaeron (Joe was Rhodri's first platoon sgt) said it all. He drove down all the way from North Wales, stood smart as anything at the back of the church in suit and Regimental tie, to show his respects and drove straight back after the service. I know Rhodri would have been the first return the compliment. My heartfelt condolences to his family. There are many kinds of sorrow, in this world of love and hate, but there is no sterner sorrow, than a soldier's for his mate.

[ritchie8839]

So sorry to hear of the death of a great man and true friend my condolances goes out to his familly ,Joe and myself served together for over 20yrs he will be greately missed RIP my friend.

Ritchie 39

[benney]

Rip joe one of the best

[George Badham]

Rip joe he was a great man and will be missed.george badham a friend from rhyl

[5haron]

Deeply saddened to hear of Joe's passing. We never met in person but exchanged so many emails and messages I thought of Joe as a friend. Always a gent and never failed to respond to a request for help. I shall miss my cyber mate.

Our Sincere Condolences.

Sharon ad Patty

[peelow]

RIP Joe from peelow

[Lyn 61]

On Behalf of the members of the (Mt-Ash Branch RWFCA.) the Branch would like to pass on their condolences to Joe"s Family on this sad occasion (RIP)

[Glyn Rowlands]

I'm extremely sad to hear the about Joe 77. I have to concur with so many other comments, that Joe was an absolute gentleman and a Royal Welchman through and through. I first met Joe as a young Drummer in the 60s. I then came under his mantle when he was in B Coy in Hong Kong, I was the Co signaller in those days.

I met him many times over the years, and shared a few pint in the Legion Club in Colwyn Bay his enthusiasm for the regiment, waned. Joe was a voice of reason, polite and fair. He was a true gentleman and his passing is our loss.

My deepest sympathy to Sheila and the family at this very sad time.

[tony.t.corbett]

With over 5 pages of memories it is fitting testament to Smokey, and I echo all that has been said of this wonderful character of the Regiment
a special man who will be missed by us all. our thoughts are with is family at this time. TC

[Genojnr]

Deepest condolences on behalf of my Dad (Gerry 43) and all members of the London Branch RWF Comrades Association.