Vermont gun rights activist Evan Hughes passed away last month. A celebration of his life will be held 11 AM – 1 PM Sunday at the Elks Club in Barre.
“It is with a heavy heart that we must relay the passing of our father, Evan Hughes. We will be hosting a celebration of life for Dad at Elks Club from 11 AM to 1 PM on Sunday, August 7th. The Elks Club is located at 10 Jefferson Street in Barre, VT 05641,” Lee and Whitney Hughes announced in a social media post. “Join us in the celebration of the life of this man we are so proud to call our father and your friend.”
“Evan will be missed by, any and all who were interested in keeping abreast of all things having to do with the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and Article 16 of the Vermont Constitution,” Pat Finnie, a Barre native and fellow longtime gun rights advocate, wrote to Vermont Daily Chronicle.
Hughes was a Barre native who later lived in Burlington. He was the legislative liaison with the Vermont Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs (VFSC) and was involved in the NRA and the Vermont Libertarian Party. He was known as an extremely well-informed advocate with an encyclopedic memory of Vermont legislation and an uncompromising position on gun rights. He ruffled lawmakers’ feathers (not for the first or last time) when he vociferously defended the right of gun rights supporters to wave small American flags at State House hearings.
In an email to members of the VFSC, colleague Scott Chapman wrote the following:
“A man of commitment to his country and countryman. Evan spent his workingyears of life in service of his country as a soldier, law enforcement officer and with the US postal service. His post retirement life was spent serving the sports men and women of Vermont protecting their rights to hunt, fish, trap and exercise their Vermont article 16 rights as granted by the creator.
“Evan tirelessly attended sessions of Vermont legislature for decades. Always keeping guard of the civil liberties of his fellow Vermonters. He monitored legislation at the statehouse, watching and reading bills as introduced, calling to attention those of concern to the sporting community. Sending updates and alerts from his infamous VTGUNS@aol mailing list.
“From his perch in the cafeteria at lunch hour he would note of who was consulting with whom over bills as the moved through the legislative process. He possessed the mind of a barrister and the legislative memory of a savant. Picking up on nuances of bills missed by others. Often quoting statute with unmatched accuracy of content, intent and application. His knowledge and dedication to protecting of our rights was untiring and his highest priority.
“He inspired many, disagreed with a few, and educated us all. For that we will always be grateful.”
Categories: Gunrights
My condolences to Evan’s family, and friends. I do not envy anybody that tries to fill his shoes, as that will be a tall order. We were blessed to have him for as long as we did. To say he will be missed by supporters of the 2nd Amendment is an understatement. Rest in peace my friend.
Gods speed Evan. Game Club meetings will not be the same without you and your monthly updates on hot topics, status on Bills and pointing out those elected legislatures looking to take away our Constitutional rights. You held your ground and were a good man. You will be missed and left big shoes to fill. Condolences to family.
This was indeed sad news. It was Evan who brought to my attention a flaw in our justifiable homicide statute that would deprive anyone of the protective umbrella of “self-defense” when they were acting to prevent another from deadly force. We worked together, along with representatives from the Defender General’s office, the State’s Attorneys and the Attorney General to draft language correcting that flaw. As a direct result of Evan’s foresight and persistence, any Vermonter now using force to protect another from being harmed can claim they were acting in “self-defense.” Evan will definitely be missed in the halls of our legislature.
People like Evan Hughes made me see the importance of unapologetically joining the National Rifle Association; I’ve been a NRA member for a number of years now. I send my condolences to his family and colleagues. You can’t have #1 without #2.
This is a great loss for all freedom-loving Vermonters! Evan worked tirelessly and effectively on behalf of many who never understood or appreciated his efforts. May he Rest In Peace.
On behalf of the VT. Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, I thank those above for their comments. Yes, we will miss Evan at our events and all that he accomplished in the VT. Statehouse.
Evan’s guidance at VT Federation meetings is legendary. He never went off topic, didn’t lose track, remained steadfast and focused and picked up any nuance in whatever was happening around him. Nor did it seem Evan ever tired. He was always there, always on top of new developments before anyone else knew about them. A true gem, a gift and those like him are rare indeed.
Sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. May his name be remembered for a blessing!
I miss my friend and colleague. He worked days, nights, weekends and holidays to preserve our cherished freedoms. My call logs bear witness to that. I have worked with hundreds of 2A leaders over the years in multiple states, and Vermont lost a legend. He was the best of the best. Godspeed my friend!
My condolences for a good man.
I am sure that Evan`s wish was for all of us to continue the course of just and fair gun/hunting and defense rights..