Joe Hughes 77 (Smokey Joe)

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

Very well put Bob. Godbless Joe.

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

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