1934
2018
Colonel Hugh Mouillaud Saint, USAF (Ret.) passed away in his home on January 29, 2018. He was 83 years old at the time of his passing.
Col. Saint was born and raised in New Orleans, LA and attributed his longevity to a lifetime of eating good Cajun food -- especially his wife's excellent gumbo! His lifelong dream was to fly airplanes and he received his pilot's license at the age of 16. Another of his passions was building boats in Lafitte, LA which he began doing at the age of 17 in order to work his way through college at Georgia Tech.
After graduating with an aeronautical engineering degree from there, he also earned his Master of Science degree from George Washington University, was a student at the Naval War College in Newport, RI, a student of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and was on staff at the Air Force's Command and Staff College in Montgomery, AL.
During the Colonel's illustrious 24 year career as a pilot in the Air Force, he flew over 5000 hours in high performance aircraft, exceeding Mach 2 back in 1964. Flying 141 combat missions in Vietnam, he earned many awards and decorations: two Distinguished Flying Crosses, eight Air Medals, the Vietnam Gallant Cross, two Meritorious Service Medals and the Vietnam Service Medal.
In 1980, Hugh retired from the Air Force and moved to Cape Coral where he started a new career building custom mahogany boats (Saint Custom Boats) where he earned a world-renowned reputation for beauty and craftsmanship in his product. The Rumrunner boat, built for the restaurant of the same name, was a local claim to fame.
Col. Saint is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Shirley (nee Kenny); his six children, nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He was loved and admired by many people and will be missed by all!
A Celebration of Life with Full Military Honors with burial at Sarasota National Cemetery will be held at a later date. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com to leave thoughts and memories for his family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Coral Ridge Funeral Home.
August 31, 2023
Acquaintance
Janet Bryant
My mother, Mary Orman, worked as a secretary for Col. Saint in Austin, TX years ago. She spoke very highly of him and what a gentleman he was in all of his dealings. I actually dated his sweet son, Hugh for a short time while attending Anderson High School. He was a gentleman as well. My mother passed away in 2019, but I will always remember how much she liked and admired Col. Saint. So happy he followed his passion to build beautiful boats after he retired. His was a life well-lived.
April 6, 2018
So sorry to learn of Hugh's passing. He was a remarkable man and our son loved him much.
Dick & Ruth Ann McCune
February 7, 2018
Ronnie Bonet
It was a true Honor and Blessing meeting this wonderful man sharing his stories with us during his numerous visits to our school. My husband and I will remember his smile on his last visit on Veterans Day 2017. Still had a strong grip on his hand and a big smile to share with. Our thoughts and prayer to the family in this moment of pain. May the Lord give you the strength you need. He will be miss. Love, Ronnie & Frank
January 30, 2018
Jace Hunter
God bless the family of this true patriot! Our prayers are with you. Thanks to the family who supported this hero at home so that he could carry out his service to this country.
Jace Hunter, LtCol, USAFR (Ret)
January 30, 2018
My thought and prayers are with my second family at this sad time. I will truly miss Dad's stories. Love and strength at this difficult time, and know he is watching over all of you.
Brenda Murphy (Cape Coral, FL)
January 30, 2018
Diana Peguese
To my colleague, Chuck Saint, and his family,
Tony and I send our heartfelt condolences to you all. Chuck, I have heard you speak of your father with such affection for so many years. I feel that I know him, through you.
Kindest regards
Diana Peguese and Col. Tony Peguese (USAF, Ret.)
January 29, 2018
Wendy Warner
I am so very sorry for your lose and ask God to hold you all and give you strength during these sad times......until you meet him again.
January 29, 2018
Crosby & Pam Ruff
Our thoughts and prayers are with all members of the Saint family. God bless you at this sad time.
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