Hugh McPherson passed away on February 9, 2017, with family and friends beside him. He was 66 years old. Hugh was born on December 17, 1950 in Ann Arbor Michigan, to Hugh and Monica McPherson, and moved to Puerto Rico with his family when he was five. He graduated from Colegio Santiago Apostol in Fajardo, PR in 1968. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University in 1972.
His penchant for understanding manifested during a military career during which he obtained a Master’s degree in Political Science, and was a subject matter expert and instructor on Latin American Affairs at the National War College. He participated in the planning and execution of Operation Just Cause in Panama (December 1989 - January 1990). While stationed in Panama in the early 1990s, he met his lovely wife, Sandra, whom he married in El Paso, TX on March 21, 1994.
Hugh is known by all as someone who would commit himself 100%. This was evidenced as he led in creating tree forts as a boy, providing training and direction to military and government leaders in Latin America, participating in various patriotic organizations, and studying then communicating with civic and state leaders regarding domestic threats to our democracy. In all endeavors, he was diligent in assessing the situation, creating and executing a plan, even when all factors were not fully known. This was especially evident during the five-month battle with stage four melanoma in which he demonstrated faith, courage, peace and gentleness. Even at the most painful and challenging times, Hugh never expressed anger nor demanded anything. When dealing with doctors, nurses, janitorial staff, friends and family, he unfailingly exhibited gentleness and respect. It has been amazing to witness.
Someone recently shared, "Hugh was full of life!" He was an avid scuba diver and underwater photographer and bicyclist. He and Sandra threw many a party with much laughter and dancing. Perhaps nothing brought him greater joy, though, than spending time with his grandchildren. He was a proud grandfather whom they love very much.
Hugh was pro-security, pro-constitution and on board with Make America Great Again. He will be remembered as a man of peace, a mighty warrior and a leader. To know him was to love him, even when you did not necessarily agree with him.
Hugh is survived by his wife Sandra; daughters Alexandra McPherson, Sandra Webb and her husband Robert and their two children, Servio Silvera and his wife Ana and their son; brother Ian; cousins Alex Kelley and her family, and Sallyjane Bolle; and many friends, including Deron and Dianne Johnson and their daughters Meagan and Melodie. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Hugh, and Monica.
He will be interred at the National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.