Lugh Aden Dixon passed away peacefully on December 16, 2023. He was born in Troy, OH on March 12, 1938 to Jack and Millicent (Retter) Dixon. He met the love of his life, Caroline (Driver), by intentionally spilling milk on her in the cafeteria at Manchester College. He later gave her a terrifying ride on his motorcycle to make up for it. True love.

Lugh worked in education his entire career starting in Ohio with stints in Cadillac, MI and Crete, IL, finishing his career as the middle school principal in Kingsley, MI. His "retirement" years included volunteering at Elk Rapids Sunrise Academy and with kindergarteners at Lakeland Elementary. It gave him great joy to empower others through education and to find ways to adapt his educational approach to suit the learning needs of each student.

During the summers, he could be found in the "garden" – he was a farm boy at heart. He and Jim McKimmy ran "Grandpa's Garden" in the shadow of the big red barn on Cherry Avenue in Kewadin, later moving it to his home in Kewadin. Jim and Lugh were known for their strawberries. He loved his tractors. Trips to see "Papa and Grammy" included pictures on the tractors for many of his grandchildren.

Not being terribly mechanically inclined never held him back from "repairing" tractors, cars, homes – often with his friend Jim. They tackled many projects together and have entertaining stories to tell about each one.

Faith and the family of God were foundational aspects of Lugh's character. It gave him grounding while growing up. He was a hearty singer and enjoyed every opportunity to sing whether it was in the choir, singing hymns from the pew, or alone in his room at Samaritas/Autumn House. In his later years, he particularly enjoyed singing "Let There Be Peace on Earth" with the congregation each Sunday at Elk Rapids Presbyterian Church as they held hands at the end of the service. It was the highlight of his week.

Lugh loved to tell a good joke, often losing his way to the punch line, which made it all the more entertaining. He was a listener and patient with whoever he was interacting with.

Lugh and his late wife Caroline, Jim and LouAnn McKimmy, and Robin (Cricket) Miller met in their college years. Cricket's husband, Harold, had been a friend since kindergarten. Many laughs and tears passed between these lifelong friends. No truer friends could be had.

Lugh adored his children, Jill (Brian) Beatty and Laura (Ricky) Pina, his grandchildren Stephen, Jacob, Ian (Megan), Madelon (Isaac), and Amelia, and his great grandchildren Trenton, Kensley, and Pearl. They were his sunshine.

He is survived by his sister Lorele (Wayne) Yager and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews. His parents, his wife Caroline, sister Karen Walter, and dear friend Harold Miller passed previously.

The family would like to thank the staff at Samaritas/Autumn House of Williamsburg and Munson Hospice for their truly loving care of Lugh.

A private service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to PoWer! Book Bags (powerbookbags.org) which distributes literary materials to underserved children in Northern Lower Michigan. Remember Lugh when you enjoy some ice cream or belt out a good song. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at PO Box 303, Acme, MI 49610.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com