To the Editor:

On April 4, 2006, I got a phone call that John McHugh had died. I called him Mr. Mack. I worked for him 27 years. Mr. Mack was general manager of Selma Holiday Inn for over 35 years. He was a kind and gentle man. I never saw him get mad or holler at any one. Mr. Mack was a family man, he loved his family. I got to know his family over the years – a wonderful family, his wife/daughter and son.

As I walked into the funeral home to see my friend one last time, tears ran down my face as I looked at Mr. Mack all dressed up to go home to the Lord. Where did the time go – it seems like yesterday that I first met you. He laughed a lot and walked so fast. I can still see him coming down the hall like a blur.

My friend, thank you for the 27 years and all the smiles … I will see your face in the clouds some times and hear your laughter in the winds. Rest in peace, Mr. Mack, you are in a better place than we are. I will never forget you. Thanks for the memories.

Barbara Watson