My friend

Last night the world lost the most incredible Ambassador it has ever known.

I had the good fortune to know this man and I count my lucky stars for it.

Hugh Fields (2nd from the left) was a great friend.  He was warm, kind and loving.  He was never too busy for anyone who dropped in to say hello. ("Well, hi Partner! How are you doing?") He was a perfect Southern Gentleman.  He was passionate about Dewars Scotch and Winstons.  He was also absolutely over the moon about his family: Eleanor his wife; Sarah, his baby girl; Lawson, his precious son; and Brian, his adored son-in-law.  Last but not least, his faithful dog, Isabel, Izzie, whom he loved dearly.  He was also crazy about his extended family and it often included people who were absolutely no blood relation at all.  Hugh was an avid golfer and I have no doubt he will be hitting the links in heaven by week's end.  He was a genius in real estate and was hugely responsible for the great success of Grandfather Golf and Country Club's membership.

Hugh, EVERYONE will miss you.  But I personally will miss our phone calls over the past year, the ones we had  when we talked about all kinds of things like solving the world's problems and horse racing, raising kids and favorite pastimes, and just leaving our own troubles out of the mix.  I will miss your advice and your jokes, your giggle and the twinkle in your eyes.  Most of all I will miss your optimism.  And all those "great meetings" you had in your life.  As Emily said, the world is just not the same without you walking around in it.  The stars are absolutely twinkling tonight in your honor.  It's your kind of night here in the High Country.

Rest in peace, Hugh Fields. 

We love you.

Paul & Cheri