We Remember
HUGHES-GAMES, Barbara “Elaine” UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION
May 30, 1949 — May 11, 2023
A Celebration of Life for Elaine will be held at The Cathedral of St Michael and All Angels, 608 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna BC, Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 1:30 PM PDT
Barbara “Elaine” Hughes-Games died tragically on May 11, 2023, while hiking, after slipping on a rock and falling into Powers Creek during spring run-off. Elaine had a large circle of family and friends. All are devastated by her loss.
Elaine was born May 30, 1949, in Kelowna to Violet and Arthur Hughes-Games. She was predeceased by her husband Daryl Wells in May 2008. She leaves to mourn her sister Gwen Steele of Kelowna, and brothers Steve (Joany) and Geoff (Sue) of Abbotsford. She was very close to her nieces and nephews: Fiona Steele (Jessica) and children Vivi and Georgia; Dan Hughes-Games; Shawna Soukoroff; Josh Hughes-Games; Duncan Steele (Tara) and children Aiden and Leo; Colleen (Devin) Hughes-Games. She also leaves many cousins, the Wells family who she remained close with, and many cherished friends.
Elaine lived most of her life in Kelowna, graduating in 1967 from KSS. She obtained a diploma in Art & Merchandising from Vancouver City College. Next, she completed a three-year diploma at the Kootenay School of Art, majoring in ceramics and painting.
She was a very successful professional potter for over 40 years. As well as being very artistic, Elaine had great organizational skills and business sense. She was president of the Okanagan Potters Guild for many years and annually convened their Christmas Show at Mission Hall. Many people will remember her from her years selling at the farmer’s market.
She was a dedicated volunteer at the Kelowna Community Theatre, volunteering over a thousand hours! She was very active and loved hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing locally, especially at Telemark.
Elaine was a passionate gardener and supplied many people with plants and garden advice, carrying on in the Hughes-Games family tradition.
Elaine was a deeply caring person, tending to friends and relatives when ill or recovering. As a real social connector and key communicator, Elaine kept her many family members connected with her and each other, as well as her many circles of friends.
Elaine loved to travel. In 1977, her first solo trip abroad to Japan focused on arts and crafts. She spent time traveling in the UK, and Australia, taking a Caribbean cruise and later a trip to the Maritimes with Daryl, and more recently trips to New Zealand, Hawaii, Mexico, and China with friends or family.
Elaine is dearly missed and left this life much too soon. She left an unforgettable mark and countless memories. Elaine generously donated to dozens of charities and non-profits. Donations may be made in her name to any organization of your choice.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 1:30 PM PDT
Location
The Cathedral of St Michael and All Angels, 608 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna BC
Our deepest condolences to Elaine’s family and friends. We always admired Elaine’s tenacity, resilience and energy, and know her loss will leave a deep void for you.
Our deepest condolences to all Auntie Elaine will be dearly missed by many rest in peace until we meet again
My condolences to Elaine’s family and friends. I’m still shaking my head in disbelief and shock that it’s really true. She was a good potter friend and played such a huge role in the Okanagan Potters Association. We will miss her terribly. She was a prolific maker of fine functional pottery and I thought I’d like to share this particular exceptional piece.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Gwen, Steven, and Geoff.
Dear Gwen Steven and Geoffrey I am sorry to hear about Elaine’s passing.
Elaine was the CEO of our pottery world in the Okanagan and beyond. Her dedication and passion for pottery and the arts was enormous. If there was a creative event happening Elaine was either part of the organizing committee or there to support the individual artist and community. When moving to the Okanagan in 1985, Elaine quickly became a great resource and good friend and helped initiate the self guided tour of “9 potters of the Okanagan’. I always admired her ability to expand and pursue new directions in ceramics, seeking inspiration and guidance regionally and internationally. Thankfully we have a thriving thornless blackberry in our garden courtesy of Elaine. She will be deeply missed and always remembered fondly. Love and condolences to the family and community of friends she leaves behind.
My mother Cilla Budda, just told me of Elaine’s tragic passing. I am so very sorry to hear of this. She was an amazing lady and I will miss her greatly. Condolences to her family.
Elaine became a great friend and helper in my studio for many years. She was so faithful and conscientious in her work as well as continuing with her many endeavors. She always kept in touch, even after we’d left Kelowna for many years. We loved Elaine and our many varied and interesting chats. Our sincere condolences to Gwen and the entire
family. May God give you peace in your sorrow. Judy Fizzell
My sincerest condolences. Vitie and Arthur were close friends and during heir lives we shared many interesting experiences They always shared their love of family ad friends and expressed their pride in their children and their accomplishments. God is truly generous and I pray you will be happy in heaven.