Allan Hughes; Anaheim Hospital Board Chief

Allan Hughes, Anaheim businessman and civic leader who chaired the board of Anaheim Memorial Medical Center, has died. He was 72.

Hughes died Saturday at his home in Tustin of cancer, his family said.

He had been an active board member of the medical center since 1979 and was board chairman for the past nine years. At the time of his death, Hughes was also vice president of the Boys and Girls Club of Anaheim.

Each time he “retired,” Hughes took on a new project, sometimes in business and always working for his community. Retiring as a colonel from the Marine Corps, he founded Hughes Paper Co., which became the sole supplier of paper towels and tissue to Disneyland.

When he retired from that company, he and partner Herb Leo formed Transpark Inc. to handle an elevated “people-mover” bus system to ease congestion near Disneyland. Their proposal has not been enacted.

When Hughes left the presidency of that company, he was recruited as executive director of the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce. He retired for good--except for volunteer activities--in 1994.

Hughes is survived by his wife, Margary; four daughters, Kathy Tipre, Lee Dennis, Mindi Curry and Sally Nicoll; a sister, Katherine Quay; a brother, Edwin, and 10 grandchildren.

A memorial service has been scheduled for 4 p.m. Sept. 12 at Anaheim United Methodist Church.

The family has asked that any memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society, Hospice Service or a charity of the donor’s choice.