In Memory of Hugh Wynn

I have heard it said that bad news often comes in sets of three. When I got the news last Sunday morning that my beloved friend, Hugh Winn, passed away, I was heartbroken. Hugh Winn awaits His Maker and his King to call Him home.

Newbury Park Academy has been blessed with music teachers, who not only know their craft but they also have a gift of infusing the joy of music in their students, inspiring them to take the talent God gives them, taking it to the highest levels possible. We know this is true during Mr Winn’s years at NPAA. Many students sing professionally, some becoming recording artists.

As an experienced teacher as well as administrator, Hugh Winn provided an example of all things professional. He dressed sharply. He spoke confidently. He taught, using all the skills and experience from an amazing career in the Pacific and North Pacific Union schools. He was certainly respected by his peers in the music field.

The programs that Hugh created with his students were definitely well attended. It was a treat to watch him work. He cared for all the little details, decorations, lighting, setup always ready to go, and the students well prepared. One program I recall was a patriotic mix of narration and music that engaged the audience. Everyone always left inspired and blessed.

I was privileged to to go on one music tour to Washington, D.C. with Mr. Winn, with extra tours to Gettysburg and even the General Conference Headquarters. On the trip, everyone had jobs. From packing up to setting up in the next place, we worked as a well-oiled machine. I remember one breakfast, a student was complaining about having overripe bananas again. Mr. Winn winked and asked me what could be done for this crisis. I suggested that the student take the banana and slice through the center seed area at an angle, improving the freshness of the taste. The student went off to find a plastic knife to try this method. He came back and said it didn’t work. I apologized and said, oh it must be that East Coast bananas were different. Mr. Winn quickly stepped in and suggested with another wink that maybe the knife needed to be metal for the chemical change in taste to take place. Shortly, the student had finished the banana, still fussing that there was no difference in taste. It was one of my favorite, humorous moments with Hugh. He certainly loved to laugh.

Mr. Winn’s organizational and administrative skills were tremendous. He was so generous in sharing his methods, ideas and plans. But what made him extraordinary was his willingness to get in and do the hard work, whether washing pots and pans after a dinner, arranging flower centerpieces with perfect complimentary color coordination, or doing the final clean up after many people had left. His work ethic was inspirational to all of us who were mentored by him.

Hugh Winn’s generosity and hospitality were epic. Whether a lovely dinner in his home or a Saturday night competitive card game of Flinch, Hugh was the perfect host. He loved being with people and planning to bring the most comfort and enjoyment to all who engaged with him.

I can’t wait until we sit at that long table in our heavenly home. It’s likely Hugh will be helping host that first dinner, smiling and laughing, and saying welcome home.

- Tracy Harder, English Department