Holding hands with wife Linda, the love of his life, Michael Henry "Mike" McHugh of Hendersonville was called home to Heaven on Sunday May 10, 2015. Mike was born on December 13th 1951 in Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD. He was the son of the late Bob and Alma McHugh and enjoyed 32 years as a resident and government servant for Henderson County. Mike was raised in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, where in 1974 he earned his Master's Degree in Hearing Impaired Education from Bloomsburg University. Mike spent 10 years working with students at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in Philadelphia, PA and the Selinsgrove State School and Hospital in Selinsgrove, PA. Shortly after relocating his family to Henderson County in 1983, Mike began a distinguished 25+ year career, dedicating himself to serving the citizens of Henderson County first in Animal Control and most recent as a long-time Environmental Health Specialist with the Food, Lodging, and Institutions section of the Health Department. His professionalism and passion were evident to all he came in contact with and he worked tirelessly for the citizens he served. Countless people were impacted in a very positive way by his dedication and he was a credit to his profession. More cherished than his service to Henderson County, Mike was a loving and devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend. Part of what we cherish so much was the fact Mike was a "character" and he had a deep compassion for his fellow man. Mike could always make you laugh and seemed to always get himself in all sorts of funny predicaments. The best part was hearing him recollect and tell the "Mikey Stories". Hearing him tell the story afterward usually ended up being just as funny as, or funnier, than the predicament itself. Anyone who knew Mike is probably recalling one of these stories while reading this. Mike was also a man of great compassion and caring, and would always go out of his way to help or love others. Like when he befriended and would always seek out a certain Hearing Impaired resident at a local nursing home, during inspections he was performing, because it brought tears of joy to her eyes that someone would take time to visit, spend time and really "talk with her" meaningfully using sign language; or when he was working two jobs to help make ends meet for his family; or getting off of one of those jobs at the local mall on a weeknight before Christmas at 10:30pm and hurrying 60 miles to a Toys-R-Us in another town that closed at midnight because they returned his call that day and confirmed that the perfect Christmas Gift for his son -that he had been searching for- had come in that day and only two were left. Mike would do all this, and more, with his customary smile because that is who he was and what made him happy. Even during his final battle with an awful disease over the last few months, he was always ready with sweet and brave words, not anger. His primary thoughts were for his wife Linda, and his family. He battled with a quiet ferocity until there was no fight left. Mike might be gone but the spirit, the love and the example he set will live on through those he held most dear. Mike is survived by his Love of 43 years, Linda McHugh, son/daughter-in-law Joey and Jonette McHugh of Lafayette, LA and his three grandchildren Taylor(22) & Ross Jacobs, Katie (15) and Jake (10). Mike lived life to the fullest and left behind a legacy of love and friendships. Those of us whose lives he touched can take comfort in Matthew 25:21 "well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" The family would like to receive guests for a celebration of Mike's life on Saturday May 30th from 10:30am-12pm at The Cedars, 227 7th Avenue W, Hendersonville, NC. A memorial service will follow shortly after Noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in Mike's name to: Medical Loan Closet of Henderson County 1225 7th Ave E Hendersonville, NC 28797 828-692-9005 Or Blue Ridge Humane Society 1214 Greenville Highway Hendersonville, NC 28792 828-692-2639 David Funeral Home of Lafayette is in charge of arrangements. 316 Youngsville Hwy Lafayette, LA 70508. 337-837-9887
