Joe Hughes 77 (Smokey Joe)

**Barry69** · 23-01-2011, 15:19

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** · 23-01-2011, 15:28

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** · 23-01-2011, 17:10

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** · 23-01-2011, 17:36

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** · 23-01-2011, 17:36

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** · 23-01-2011, 20:29

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 · 24-01-2011, 18:13

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** · 24-01-2011, 18:35

Rip joe one of the best

**George Badham** · 24-01-2011, 20:35

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

**5haron** · 26-01-2011, 16:54

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