I met Hugh when I moved to Seward, Alaska. He was so kind and welcoming and always had a smile on his face. I spent many afternoons with Hugh and Iris (they lived down the hall from me) just chatting and learning about their lives. Hugh touched many lives and made such an impact on my own. I will miss him dearly.

We didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Hugh very long but do know he was definitely an extra special soul now flying with all the Angels on the other side.?? RIP Hugh.

Eric & I met Hugh when we moved to Seward. Hugh impressed us. He was a quiet man, had a terrific sense of humor and a quick short laugh. He was thoughtful before he spoke. When he spoke what he said was insightful and well considered. He was kind man and very down-to-earth. We shall not see his equal.

Hugh will be greatly missed.  His long years of service and wisdom for the community of Seward was so appreciated.  Hugh provided years of public service and contributions.  His downtown business was a key component to the economic health of our lovely town.  Sorry for his loss.  

I will always have such wonderful memories, and those quick little fleeting thoughts, of something that was said or a moment when I was privileged to be with Hugh in the "vault" or "locker room" and , of course, Sweet Darlings "manufacturing" room.  His love of History and his family's contribution was evident and his sharing it with me was very joyful for me and customers I waited on.

When we think of Hugh we think of Iris too. They were a dynamic duo here in Seward for so many, many years. Like many of our local, historical businesses they invested a lot of money into the historic preservation of “Brown and Hawkin’s.” Keeping Virginia’s hard work alive and thriving. They added “Sweet Darlings” to their businesses and created a fantastic, delectable candy shop!

Hugh and Iris invested into the people of Seward too. They provided good jobs, donated to many Seward causes and served on boards and commissions for the preservation and improvement of Seward. Iris has a painting of a middle aged Hugh out on the bay. He was one handsome dude besides being kind and gentle. He was a gentleman’s gentleman. We will forever miss his sweet, quiet nature.

Thank you Lord for giving us Hugh Darling; he made our world a better one. As he and Iris were ONE we pray that you will comfort her in her loss of the love of her life just as Hugh would if he were here. Help their family and friends be here for his beloved Iris…Hugh leaves a big hole in the heart of Seward and all those who knew him.

Shared by:  Georg-Anne Phillips on 12/16/2021
Hugh was a great friend to Harold and I. He and Iris took us in as if we were family when we landed in Seward in 2002 to work with them at Brown and Hawkins and their new candy store. So many memories made. He was always listening and never judging. The first  time I found a broken trinket in the gift store, not ready to be forgotten, I took it to Hugh to see what I should do with this treasure and he said, “You've come to the right place. I run the treasures hospital”, leave it with me and I will see it gets a second chance.  He loved to talk cars and finances with Harold. These two men were successful in their own businesses and understood each other and always had something to talk about. We will miss this wonderful soul!

Life with Hugh

Shared by:  Iris Darling on 12/16/2021
Hugh was the best husband in the whole world.  He was a special gift from God 86 years ago and on Nov. 26, 2021,  he was called home.  Within the hour of his death, a great grand daughter was born to Dawn Darling Rychecy. and husband, Per. They named her Virginia in honor of Hugh and his late mother.  He tourched many lives positively, young and old, and he was caring, understanding,respectful, witty, and loving to all.  It was a wonderful life working and living with him for 52 years, and everyday was a joy.  He was proud of his heritage and family and has left a deep hole in the hearts of many.  Thanks to you all for being his friend and mine.

For 24 yrs I had the most incredible experience i could ever ask for . Hugh squeezed the mad scientist out of me .He helped ground me ,  stretch me , and forced me way out of my comfort zone. I am forever grateful for receiving the honor of being a part of his life and the lives of his family. He was generous , caring and loving to all. Hugh may God fill you with joy in His presence

Hand Written by Marie Fletcher, November 2021

Shared by:  Iris Darling on 12/29/2021
It's 4:21 a.m. a Thursday morning and I can't get back to sleep..Dreams..Memories of Hugh..long apron and a Smile on, experimenting with chocolate and graham creackers at his "Sweet Darlings Candy Factory!! A delicious combinaiton.  I'm looking around and there are trays and more trays of chocolate delights!  "Sample this Marie...See what you think....."It's delightful...yummy, Hugh!"  No more samples for me, Hugh, I'm sure to develop "Sugaritis"!!!

I wish that I could go back to sleep...My eyes are not cooperating with my desire to sleep.  Flash backs of Hugh again...Move over Martha Stewart, he's moving you off the cooking channel. Just watching Hugh prepare a chicken on his rotisserie.  What can I say...he obviously likes to cook.  Lucky Iris..