Thomas Evan Hughes, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Myelodysplastic syndrome. He was 80 years old.

Born in 1945 in Glendale, California, Tom spent his formative years immersed in the vibrant lifestyle of Southern California. During the summers, he served as an LA County lifeguard, watching over the beaches that became a second home to him. In the winters, he traded sand for snow as a member of the Mammoth Mountain ski patrol, embracing the thrill and responsibility of mountain rescue. Alongside these pursuits, Tom developed a lifelong passion for cars—a love that would remain a defining part of his identity.

Tom pursued dentistry, earning his qualifications at USC dental school and beginning his practice in 1973. He built a thriving dental career in Woodland Hills, California, where his skill, care, and dedication earned him the trust of countless patients. In 1974, he met Barbara Turner, the love of his life. They married in 1979 and together raised four children: Ryan, Kelsey, Kristen, and McKenzie.

In 1993, Tom and Barbara made a bold and heartfelt decision to pursue their dream of raising their young family in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, far from the bustle of Southern California. They settled in Monument, Colorado, where they founded Colorado Dental Arts—a practice they built from the ground up with vision, dedication, and a shared commitment to excellence. The move marked not only a new chapter for their family, but also a renewed sense of purpose for Tom, who poured his energy into creating a welcoming and high-quality dental experience for the community. Never one to rest on his achievements, Tom soon expanded his professional horizons by founding High Impact Marketing in the mid-1990s, a dental marketing company that became a vibrant outlet for his entrepreneurial spirit and creative ingenuity.

As his children grew, Tom found more time to indulge in his passions—refining dental techniques and communication, collecting and driving cars, staying engaged with current events and political discourse, and most importantly, spending time with his family. In partnership with Jim Fitzgerald, he co-founded Mentors and Masters, an online education series devoted to mentoring and empowering the next generation of dental innovators. He retired from dentistry in 2019, closing the chapter on a long and successful career marked by integrity and innovation.

In the final five years of his life, Tom and Barbara invested in a second home in Grand Lake, Colorado—a place of serene beauty nestled in Grand County. It became a cherished retreat where he indulged his family with unforgettable moments behind a ski boat on the lake’s cool, clear waters. The decision to create this haven was, in many ways, outrageous—he could have chosen comfort or ease—but instead, he chose joy, adventure, and togetherness. It was a testament to the depth of his love and the sacrifices he was willing to make so his family could build lasting memories in a place that reflected his spirit and generosity.

Tom is survived by his devoted wife Barbara; his four children and their spouses- Ryan (and Claire), Kelsey (and Jerad) Winsett, Kristen (and Travis) Molinari, and McKenzie (and Andrew) Meeusen; eight cherished grandchildren- Evelyn, Evan (Buck), Tristan, Eli, Annie, Vivien, Penelope, and Ember; his sister Margaret (and George) Young; in-laws Debbie and George Kailiwai, Bob and Cheri Turner, and Brian Hanlon; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he nurtured, and the communities he served.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, Tom requested a donation to Turning Point USA:

https://donate.tpusa.com/donate-e