LOCKE, Hughie

Hughie Locke
1953 – 2025
James Hugh Locke, beloved husband of Darlene Locke of Coaldale, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, November 14, 2025 at the age of 72 years, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Hughie was born in Taber on March 14, 1953, to Malcolm and Mabel Locke of Hays. He grew up on the family farm in Hays with his siblings, older sister Chris, younger brothers Bill and Ivan and younger sister Shelley. He attended Hays School before transferring to Vauxhall High School.
In 1974, Hughie met Darlene Perini through Darlene’s brother, Doug and Hughie’s brother Bill. Darlene was attending the bantam baseball games in Taber to cheer on her brother and managing “passing the hat”. Hughie would roll up his window when Darlene came by with the collection hat and refused to look at Darlene, because he was too shy to talk to her. After overcoming his shyness, Hughie asked Darlene out and the two were married in Taber on April 26, 1975. While living in Vauxhall, Hughie and Darlene welcomed Jennifer in March 1978 and Kevin in July 1980.
Hughie started at Expanse Feedlot, which transitioned into V&B Feeds in Vauxhall, as a general labourer. Eventually, Hughie made his way to the front of the mill. Through various company name changes, Hughie happily joined Master Feeds as a feed salesman representing Southern Alberta and after some time, he became the Territory Manager. He became well known over a cup of coffee or sip of rum with the farmers, ranchers, producers and Hutterite Colonies. His cancer forced him into retirement in October of 2024. While receiving treatment, he told the doctors at Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, that he was still working part time. He officially retired in the summer of 2025.
His kids and grandchildren meant absolutely everything to him. Jennifer was married on St. Patricks Day 2001 to Kevin Serfas. They reside in Turin and gifted Hughie and Darlene with five amazing grandchildren; Hughie was delighted with each arrival. Kevin Locke moved to Duchess in 2001 when he transferred for his job, where he met his long-time partner, Nicky in 2014.
Hughie made many friends over the years playing various sports such as oldtimer hockey, golf, baseball and slowpitch. Hughie was a proud member of the Vauxhall Legion and enjoyed volunteering. He also coached t-ball and minor baseball throughout the years. After he hung up the skates, retired the pings and put the bats down, his passion turned to his grandchildren’s sporting activities and was their biggest fan. When he wasn’t cheering on the kids, you could find him in his favourite easy chair watching golf, hockey or the Young and the Restless.
Hughie will be lovingly remembered by his wife of fifty years, Darlene; daughter Jennifer (Kevin) Serfas, son Kevin Locke (Nicky Kaprowski), and his adoring grandchildren Camerynn Serfas, Kourtney Serfas, Rhett Serfas, Tate Serfas and Ryan Serfas. Hughie also leaves behind his siblings Dwight (Marge), Chris, Ivan (Laurel) and Shelley along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Mac and Mabel, brother Bill and brother-in-law, Barry Turner.
A private service will be held at the Vauxhall Cemetery prior to the funeral service on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Vauxhall Community Hall, 417 – 4 Street North, Vauxhall on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 11:30 A.M. A short service will be followed by a luncheon serving Hughie’s favourites. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at www.southlandfuneral.com.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Hughie’s name may be made directly to Taber Lost Paws Society, 5710 – 66 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1B8 www.taberlostpawssociety.com or to the Last Chance Cat Ranch, PO Box 30025, Park Place, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 4X3. Hughie always had a big heart when it came to his pets.
Hughie’s family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses and staff across the Alberta Health Services South Zone who took wonderful care of their Dad, Grandpa and Husband.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.