Hugh Vincent Wingfield
April 5, 1941 - January 25, 2025

On January 25, 2025, Hugh Vincent Wingfield Jr. left his mortal life to embark on another great adventure.

A lifelong explorer, Hugh embodied the spirit of adventure, a passion that took him around the world several times over. After growing up in Arizona and attending college there, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served in Japan, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Alaska. Following his military service, Hugh sought out a variety of adventurous jobs in exciting locales. He worked as a fisherman in Alaska, a gold prospector in Central America, and as a river guide, leading tour groups through the Grand Canyon.

It was during one of these tours that Hugh met his future wife, Claire, a schoolteacher from Chicago. Their connection sparked a long correspondence, and eventually, Hugh proposed. He not only asked Claire to marry him but also to join him in moving to Alaska—a life-changing decision that gave her pause. Understanding the weight of such a choice, Hugh gave her time to think it over.

Against all odds, Claire said yes. The two settled in Delta Junction, Alaska, where Hugh found work at a pump station of the Alyeska pipeline, a project he had helped build years earlier. With Claire’s support, he pursued another lifelong dream: starting his own business. Hugh bought a plot of land, built a home for his family, and, with the help of Claire and a few friends, established the “Alaska 7 Motel.”

In the years that followed, Hugh and Claire became an integral part of their community. Hugh helped organize the local little league, coaching all three of his sons, and he even took on the role of hockey coach in the winter—despite never having skated a day in his life.

True to his adventurous spirit, Hugh took his family on numerous hiking and river rafting trips through Alaska’s Tangle Lakes and the Yukon. One of their most cherished family memories was a month-long road trip from Alaska to Arizona, visiting national parks along the way.

After retiring, Hugh and Claire continued their travels, visiting every continent, including Antarctica. Eventually, they settled in Idaho to be closer to their children and grandchildren, all of whom share their love of travel and exploration.

Hugh passed peacefully at the age of 83, following a short illness. He is survived by his wife, Claire; sons Nick, Ryan (married to Tessa), and Cale (married to Christina); and grandchildren Lidia, Kasen, Brayden, and Cora.

A memorial service will be held 11 am March 8th, at Cloverdale Funeral Home in Boise, Idaho.

Hugh is remembered as a loving, private man, whose adventurous spirit and zest for life left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know him.  He was a true example of a life well-lived.

In lieu of flowers, please do a kind deed for someone or donate to a charity of your choice.

Cloverdale Funeral Home and Memorial Park, Boise, ID

Delta Wind, Delta Junctoin, A/k

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We regret to inform you of the passing of former Alyeska employee Hugh V. Wingfield on January 25, 2025. Hugh joined Alyeska on May 22,1978, starting as a Pipeline Operator. Throughout his career with the company, Hugh progressed to the position of Pipeline Technician Level 6. He spent most of his career at Pump Station 9 before retiring from Alyeska on Dec. 17, 2006. In his personal life, Hugh established the Alaska 7 Motel and became the hockey coach in Delta Junction, where he lived.

Alyeska Corporate Communications