Obituary of Hugo Antoon Draye

Hugo A. Draye was born the eldest of seven children in Leuven, Belgium to Lily and Jacques Draye.  After earning a master’s degree in electrical engineering in Leuven, Hugo immigrated to the United States in 1968 to work at Boeing on development of the 747.  His next move was a fateful one; Hugo took a new job in Chicago, where he met Mary Ann Harvey, who would become his wife for the next 52 years.  Hugo and Mary Ann soon moved back to the Northwest, where Hugo joined the computer communications division at John Fluke Manufacturing.  He remained there until his retirement in 2009.  In his role as product manager, Hugo traveled the world.  His fluency in five languages proved helpful.  But he also developed a love for his adoptive home country and was proud to become an American citizen in 2008.

For all of his professional success, Hugo most valued his faith and family.  He and Mary Ann had three children, whom they dubbed their “treasures.”  On many occasions, Hugo would return from a business trip and immediately head to a basketball or baseball game, track or swim meet, or a Boy Scout event.  Family vacations focused on visiting extended family, whether in Belgium or with the Peterman family at Lake Chelan.

Heart disease struck Hugo over 20 years ago.  He heroically faced and recovered from bypass surgery, an implanted heart pump, and eventually a heart transplant.  Throughout his health challenges, Hugo remained firm in his faith and placed his trust in the Lord and his health care team.  He and his family are ever grateful to the University of Washington Heart Institute for their lifesaving care.

As an active member of Saint Mark parish in Shoreline, Hugo served as lecturer for many years.  He also served on the Board of Bishop Blanchet Hiigh School.

A gentle, kind man with a beautiful smile, Hugo always found the positive in life.  He enjoyed family gatherings, good wine, Belgian chocolates, Italian food, going for walks, and making coffee about three times per day.

Hugo is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, sons Anthony (Mary) and Dominic Draye, daughter Marie Masenga, five wonderful grandchildren, six brothers and sisters, and a host of extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Gifts in memory of Hugo can be made to St Mark Catholic School, where Hugo sacrificed to educate all three of his children and of which he remained a supporter throughout his life (www.stmss.org; “Donate” at top right).