He is a Veteran and was a paratrooper serving in Vietnam in 1966 and 1967, as a member of the United States Army's elite Special Forces "Green Berets", where he received several decorations. Hugh has an Honorable Discharge for his military service to his country.

Hugh was employed at the Marshal's Department in 1969 and transferred to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department completing a 36 year career in Law Enforcement. He worked many varied assignments and was the division commander of the offices in Glendale and Burbank. He was recognized by Sheriff Lee Baca for his years of service including a Certificate from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for saving the life of a fellow deputy.

Hugh is very active in his church where he has served as a Lector and Eucharistic minister. He has served his community on the boards of directors of the American Red Cross of Glendale-Crescenta-Canada, the Camp Fire Girls and Boys and has been active in several other community groups. In 1979, Hugh was nominated by the Jaycees of Glendale as one of the community's outstanding young leaders. He is a member of the prestigious American Legion Hollywood Post 43, where he served as Post Commander for two terms.

Hugh has been an active Elk of Glendale Lodge No. 1289 for over 38 years, progressing through the appointed positions and all the chairs; and serving as Exalted Ruler in 1979 and again 1991. He has been a trustee of his lodge for almost 20 years and has been its chairman for 17 years.

After the Glendale lodge was destroyed by fire in 1986, he was the chairman of the building committee to rebuild the lodge. He has been chairman of several district committees. He served the California-Hawaii Elks Association as Vice President for the Metropolitan District in 1994-95, Vice-Chairman for Lapsation, CHEA Americanism Chairman, Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms and our Association Chaplain. He has served as an Association Trustee for three years and as its chairman for two years. He served as CHEA Secretary for three years and last year as our First Vice President. He served the Grand Lodge as District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for the Metropolitan District in 1995-96. Hugh was the recipient of the Elks Luncheon Club's 2007 "Rose for the Living" award and he has been a District Leader in the Metropolitan District for thirteen years.

Hugh has been married to Dale, his High School sweetheart for over 44 years. They have two daughters, Susanne and Shannan, a son, Sean and are the proud grandparents of four grandchildren.