Hugh Albert Loomis
1948 - 2021
Hugh Albert Loomis, longtime resident of Tuolumne, passed away on October 23 at age 72, a few days before his 73rd birthday.
Born in Oakland on November 2, 1948, he was one of four children of William Bailey Loomis and Jean Martin Loomis. He is survived by his mother, Jean Martin Loomis, two siblings, Marion Claire Cornelius and William Hart Loomis, stepdaughter Chantal Coleman, of Oregon, two grandchildren, nephews, nieces and godchildren.
Hugh was preceded in death by his wife, Trudie Ann Murry Loomis, in 2016, his brother Martin Bailey Loomis, and his father, William Bailey Loomis.
Hugh grew up in Concord and Moraga. He was a veteran as an Army Specialist and a National Guardsman. He graduated from Chico State with a degree in Art and got his teaching credential from San Francisco State University. He then taught art at the middle school in Suisun Bay.
As a child, he spent summers at his grandparents’ cabin on Fallen Leaf Lake, where his love for the Sierra Nevada began. Hugh and Trudie moved to Tuolumne County, where he started teaching at Twain Harte School and she started teaching at Jamestown School. He advocated for staff and students to help make Twain Harte the best school possible. He taught there for 34 years before retirement in 2006.
Hugh had a variety of interests. He loved seeing wildlife on his property, he loved his pets, music, dancing lessons and travel. He was a great teammate playing softball for the Blue Devils. He loved woodworking and was an excellent craftsman and artist. He just finished an amazing wooden feature wall in his house. He was accomplished in creating beautiful stained-glass designs as well as jewelry.
He was known for his cooking skills and loved to share food with friends and family. Only recently it became clear why his appetizers were always the first to be devoured - he made sure every treat he brought contained bacon, which gave his dishes an extra advantage.
Hugh loved buying gifts for his extensive friend family and was constantly on the lookout for a gift that would amuse the recipient. His sense of humor and appetite for mirth was keen, and he had a knack for choosing just the right item to make his loved ones smile.
Hugh was a caring and supportive friend to many in Tuolumne County and beyond. He enjoyed visiting his summer home in Nova Scotia and sharing it with family and friends.
Hugh’s last few years were very happy ones because of his newfound relationship with Beverly Grillo, of Twain Harte. Hugh was loved by many and will be greatly missed. A celebration of life is planned for Spring 2022.