ReBuild founder Paul Hughes remembered as advocate of sustainability

ReBuild Warehouse founder and executive director Paul Hughes, who died suddenly of a heart attack Sept. 15 at age 68, is being remembered as a champion of sustainability and environmental activism.

“He had an environmental vision which is sorely needed, and he devoted his life to promoting this cause, as well as many others,” states a notice from ReBuild. “We hope to keep his vision going and with the help of many of his devoted friends and followers, the ReBuild Warehouse will remain open.”

ReBuild was founded in 2008 to encourage the reuse and recycling of good-quality building materials within the community by encouraging people to donate them to non-profit organizations. ReBuild also trained hard-to-employ people for “green jobs” and held workshops to educate the public on how to adopt sustainable, affordable lifestyles.

A friend, Amy Gould, remembers Paul Hughes as “one of those very rare, bigger-than-life individuals with vision, understanding of a greater mission in life, and an unwavering commitment to making the environment healthier.

Hughes also founded DeConstruction Services and was active in the Sierra Club, Friends of Accotink Creek, the Smart Growth Coalition, and the Reston Nature Center. He lived in the Mantua community in Fairfax.

There will be a memorial gathering Friday, Sept. 21 at the Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, 6-8 p.m., and a Celebration of Life service Saturday, Sept. 22, 11 a.m., at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the ReBuild Warehouse will be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made online or sent to: ReBuild, 8929 Colesbury Place, Fairfax, Va. 22031.

He is survived by his wife, Linda M. Hughes; mother, Geneva R. Nolte; sons, Greg Hughes and his wife Amy and Troy Hughes and his wife Tina; and three grandchildren, Brandon and Sierra Hughes and Megan McDaniel.