Although born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Hugh spent most of his childhood in Centralia, Washington. He often spoke of the various jobs he worked, starting as a young boy. His most memorable stories were about setting pins at the local bowling alley when he was only ten years old. The daily threat of bodily harm inspired him to pursue a more scholarly path.

In high school, Hugh discovered a talent for debate, winning the Washington State championship in Lincoln-Douglas debate his senior year. His academic and forensic achievements led to a scholarship to study at St. Martin's College in Lacey, WA.

While at St. Martin's, Hugh won many first place awards at west coast debate tournaments as well as receiving recognition at the national level. Under the mentorship of Father Jerome Toner, a renowned labor scholar and activist, Hugh earned his BA in Industrial Relations.

After graduating with honors from St. Martin's, Hugh went on to the University of Wisconsin, Madison where he earned his Law degree. It was there that Hugh met and married his beloved wife, Letitia Kevin.

In 1962, Hugh and Letty moved their young family from Wisconsin to Seattle where Hugh joined the city's preeminent labor law firm. Hugh practiced law in Seattle for over thirty years. His clients included the IAM Lodge 751, the IBEW, the Plumbers & Pipefitters, and the Teamsters. His integrity, intellect, and legal acumen were widely respected by his fellow attorneys as well as by the judges in whose courtrooms he argued.

Hugh taught his children that all workers deserved respect and fair working conditions. Over the years, he expressed pride in his children's and grandchildren's academic and career achievements. But he expressed equal admiration when his teenaged children brought home their first official paychecks for jobs bagging groceries, washing dishes, and bussing tables.

Above all, Hugh was an angler. He approached fishing with the same intensity of focus he applied to his academic and legal careers. He spent hours building lures and systematically testing them under various conditions until he had the perfect collection. On weekend afternoons, he'd stand at the top of the driveway and practice casting, occasionally spending a moment attempting to set a hook before remembering where he was. As much as he loved the sport and challenge of fishing, he also found great peace in the natural beauty and solitude of being on the water.

Hugh was preceded in death by his wife Letty and his sons Hugh and Mark. He is survived by his children Kevin Hafer, Mary Hafer, Paul Hafer, Anne Hafer, Elizabeth Clyatt, and Meg Satz, as well as twelve grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The family will hold a private burial at Holy Rood cemetery.