John D Hughes

Powell River

Since retiring I have commercial fished for 13 years. Also bought a horse ranch and did a bit of breeding and raising horses. Ranch is located along side Francois Lake which is 51K southwest of Burns Lake.

Sold out of commercial fishing in 2014. Soon to sell out of ranching and moving on to my next challenge in life. I've purchased a 38' Bayliner and I'm living aboard for a while cruising to BC coast. Doing it on my schedule rather than the demands of commercial fish openings?

Appears the ranch is going to be a slow sell? That's OK as it is absolutely lovely living here along side Francois Lake with my nearest neighbor a kilometer away. The wildlife and beauty takes my breath away at times. Priceless!

Worked at many jobs within the Powell River Mill:
- Started 1964 as a broke hustler on #1 paper machine. Spent 14 years working on 1 to 10 machines.
- Moved into management 1978 for four years as Accident Prevention Coordinator.
- Move to Assist. Superintendent Shipping in 1982, next over the years added Warehouse, Railroad and Distribution.
- Last job was General Superintendent over Paper Machines and Product Distribution.
I never missed the work but missed the great people that I worked close with and who made my working life a pleasure.

Really enjoyed my time, especially working in Distribution when we were owned by M&B and Pacifica Papers. My years on the docks. working with Jim Donnelly, Marianne Monahan and the excellent staff there, made working life a joy. Some one once said on your death bed one never wises they had spent more time at the 'office'. Maybe so BUT I certainly have never regretted any of the days I worked with these fine folks.