Community
18 May, 2025
Farewell Frank McHugh
LONG time Edge Hill-Whitfield resident Francis ‘Frank’ McHugh was yesterday farewelled at a funeral mass after his peaceful death at the age of 93 at his McManus St home on May 6.
The Edge Hill Cairns Bowls Club stalwart was a man of many talents and careers, who was born in Theodore before moving to Cairns in 1939 when he was seven.
Mr McHugh’s father, Edward, was visionary, buying a cane farm in Whitfield in 1945. The original farmhouse is still at 237 McManus St.
Frank McHugh played rugby, was a boxer and a keen ballroom dancer.
He first started work on the family farm, then went on to serve as an ambulance officer for 15 years throughout Queensland, during which time he met his wife (Josephine ‘Del’ Lowrie), starting a lifelong friendship of 65 years.
They were married on June 15, 1957 and would go on to have seven children together.
Karen was their first child, born in 1958 with Down syndrome. In the first few years of their marriage they moved to a small farm at Myola to supplement his income and to meet Karen’s medical needs.
Later he started his own mixed business in Collins Avenue, Edge Hill, which he ran for nine years, right next door to his brother John, who owned a chemist.
Following the sale of the business he spent 10 years with Bungalow Bakery in sales.
In 1985 Mr McHugh joined Freemans Real Estate before becoming a member of the Ray White Westcourt residential sales team.
For 30 years he was associated with the bowls club and was a life member (No. 3).
He was one of the founding members of the club, a keen bowler, was president and treasurer, and, in a providore role, assisted bar staff and was generally responsible for the bar and the club grounds. He also served in a catering role for functions for some years with his wife Del.
On Facebook the club paid tribute to Mr McHugh. “His volunteering efforts were immense. Frank McHugh’s contributions to our club were remarkable and enduring. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
Mr McHugh was a deeply dedicated Catholic and a regular collection assistant at Sunday mass.
He is survived by five children and seven grandchildren. His wife Del pre-deceased him at the age of 89 in 2022 as did his daughter Karen, 64, also in 2022.
