Hugh Douglas Royal

Hugh Douglas Royal, our beloved father, brother, friend, and mentor, passed to the next life surrounded by family at St. Luke's Magic Valley on Saturday, June 15, 2024.

Born July 28, 1959, in Seattle, Washington to parents John P. Royal and Marie F. Linsert Russell. Hugh spent his early childhood years in Everett, Washington.  

In 1971, Hugh’s family moved to the small town of Carey, Idaho, where his parents owned the local restaurant, the Loading Chute Café and Bar. He loved small-town life, including school, sports competitions, and great friends. 

Hugh was a born leader. Hugh joined KRAFT Cheese in Carey, Idaho, at the age of 19 before it evolved into Glanbia, after completing a year at the University of Idaho. Hugh held a variety of leadership roles, including Plant Manager in Richfield, Idaho, eventually moving into Technical Services for Dairy. Hugh is known for his unwavering commitment, expertise, and sense of humor. He never took himself (or anyone else, for that matter) too seriously. He made a lasting impact at Glanbia, most notably the team he developed, always challenging the status quo, and supporting many key projects. 

Hugh possessed a magical ability to "mentor" you without you realizing you're being mentored (personally and professionally), a prolific wordsmith, and a spreadsheet king. The proud commissioner of the weirdest NCAA bracket ever. He wasn’t perfect, but he had a unique knack for leveraging those imperfections into “lessons learned” - - wisdom he shared openly and often, in his effort to make a difference in the lives of others.  He will be so missed. 

Hugh is survived by his brothers, Evan (Maryanne Cox) Royal and Howard (Barbie) Royal; sister, Lisa (Eric) Stunz; step-sisters, Toni (Jake) Walbrun and Randy (Rick) Devries; daughters, Amber (Sean) Royal-Perkes and Kathleen Royal; son, Phillip Royal; step-daughters, Trudy (Jason Enyart) and Tammy Royal; step-son, David (Jackie) Allen; 10 grandchildren; as well as the Richfield community that were all family to him. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am, June 22, 2024, at the Richfield High School, new gymnasium. Burial will conclude at the Richfield Cemetery, with a gathering/lunch following at the Little Wood Saloon.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Hugh’s memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.