EGG-NEWS regrets reporting the passing of Dr. Walter F. Hughes on April 26th at his home in Hawaii at the age of 98 years.  He was born January 27th in Santa Barbara, CA and was raised on a Southern California farm near Goleta.  He entered UC Davis in 1940, but with the outbreak of war joined the Army Air Corps.  He served with distinction, completing 35 missions for the 8th Air Force piloting B-24 Bombers. 

He graduated at the top of his class in Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis and commenced work with Kimber Farms, at that time a prominent primary breeder of egg-producing stock located in Niles, CA.  He was instrumental in programs to suppress Marek's Disease and Newcastle Disease and mentored many young poultry veterinarians.  He was active in the Niles community including serving on the school board.

He retired in 2003 and moved to Hawaii to be close to family.  His wife passed in 2008 and thereafter he took delight in reunions, his family and civic activities.  Dr. Hughes commented frequently on postings in this newsletter and his incisive observations were based on a keen mind and decades of experience.  He will be sadly missed.