‘We Owe It All To You Two’: Hugh and Lou Carter are the leaders of their family who are beloved by so many people

When you think of Hugh and Lou Carter, one of the first things that comes to mind is the memories. There was:

Hugh with his pricing gun in hand with a feather duster in his back pocket.

Fond memories of Matt, Missy and Chuck visiting their dad with their friends at the store, and working alongside their parents for many years.

Visiting Lou’s family in Minnesota, South Dakota and Iowa, renting cabins, playing games and going fishing. Cousins creating lifelong connections.

Houseboat excursion… including getting stuck in the sand and a visit to the medical clinic on the way home.

Stopping for donuts on the way home from the airport when Cindy was shipped to California at age 19.

Hugh dancing at the fireman’s ball when Cindy was visiting at 16; she thought he might fall over.

Going to the beaches in El Portal.

Lou and Hugh taking their nieces and nephews to Santa Barbara and Disneyland.

Visits all across the country with all their family.

Hugh’s $100 cash drinking tab at Chuck and Mimi’s rehearsal dinner.

Hiking with Jan.

Lou falling out of the car.

Lou and Karole.

Halloween at Bank’s farm.

Lou sliding on wet grass on the way to the bathroom in the pouring rain.

Hugh’s MG TD vintage car.

Hugh and Lou visiting Dale in Washington State.

While this sounds like a lot of memories, that is only scratching the surface, as every moment spent with Hugh and Lou has the chance to become a memory. And that is because of how loving and amazing they truly are. They care so much about their family, their friends and, most importantly, each other.

“Hugh and Lou’s foundation was built upon respect for themselves, family and community,” their nephew Dale said. “Together, they have grown old, accepting the challenges, celebrating their opportunities, and understanding that love transcends life’s grandest moments and its most unfathomable tragedies. I believe it is their compassion and honesty with themselves and others that is foundational to who they have become.”

“I have learned from them that love, hard work and devotion are keys to a long and healthy marriage,” Lou’s sister Cindy added. “Lou and Hugh are open-minded and always learning. I strive to do the same.”

When it comes to Hugh and Lou, there are not enough words on a page that can describe the sheer amazingness they provide in life. They are two extremely hardworking individuals who have not ever put themselves first, and yet they put each other–and their family– above all else. They care so much, provide ample encouragement and support, and they always wear their hearts on their sleeves.

This couple is one that you can learn so much from. They have never been too busy to provide for their family, and when you are around them, you feel a sense of comfort and welcomeness. They do not ever make anyone feel less than, and you learn a lot from seeing this couple who have been married for over 59 years show up and show out for each other and everyone around them.

“While values, ethics and morals are developed over a lifetime and rarely as a result of any singular relationship, I can say that my Uncle Hugh and Aunt Lou have been integral to who I have become,” Dale said. “Respect for others, understanding right from wrong, and love of family are things these two exceptional people helped me learn. Thanks in part to their example, I have learned to live my best life.”

That example they set is a precedent that many people have always admired. Whether it was through Hugh’s entrepreneurial spirit and “if a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing well” mindset, or whether it was through Lou’s compassionate mindset through her nursing and nonprofit excursions, these two have always found a way to live life the right way.

“Hugh is as hardworking and honest as a man could be. He dedicated his life to his family, providing us with opportunity and security. He was always understanding and kind,” Chuck said. “Lou Carter was such a supportive mother, always there and always willing to help; she would do anything to help her friends and family. When my soccer team needed a coach, she coached even though she had never played soccer.”

Hugh provided through patriarchy and monetarily, while Lou provided more with that mama bear mentality, and their core traditional values have carried them–and their family–far.

In fact, it is their family whom the Carters are always looking out for, and they are not taken for granted.

“Lou was 10 when I was born, so I don’t have many early remembrances,” Cindy said. “I do remember hearing about some of her younger days. Apparently, she was a bit of a stubborn child, refusing to eat anything unless it was in a specific brown bowl. Her claim to fame as a child was a photograph of her in a parade pulling a little puppy behind her. The puppy was not interested, and so it appeared as though she was dragging the pup behind her. The photo was picked up by the AP and became a national news photo that brought her hate mail by the dozens. In fact, she had carried the puppy the entire route and only set it down for the photograph.”

It’s all about perspective, right? Well, to anyone who truly knows Lou, they know she would not hurt a fly. In fact, when it comes to sisterhood, Lou (and Hugh) took in Cindy for a couple weeks two different times during her teenage years, and she felt nothing but the reflection of warmth and love that they provided for their kids as well.

“What makes anyone more remarkable than another? Charisma? Honesty? Respectfulness? Service to community? A kind heart? Intelligence? Work ethic? My earliest memories of Uncle Hugh include a bit of each of these attributes,” Dale said. “By the time I was 5 years old, I was realizing Uncle Hugh was special. Today, at 68, I understand that his special nature transcends me and is recognized by his family and entire community.”

Hugh is touted not only for his master uncle prowess, but his special nature. And when you combine he and Lou’s personalities together, you get a couple who respects others, lives honestly, and is loyal to a fault.

The craziest part is, their parenting abilities have not even been tapped into yet. And that is because you save the best for last. Hugh and Lou’s parenting journey has not always been easy and they have been through a lot (good and bad), but nothing has ever stopped them from loving their children with zero conditions.

“My parents mean everything to me,” Chuck said. “They provided me with unending love and support throughout my life. They taught me and my siblings important lessons about life, while setting an example of how to lead a good life surrounded by loved ones. As they grow older and start to need more support, Mimi and I are so happy to be able to try to give back to them and repay them for the opportunities they have provided.”

“They have always been devoted to their children,” Cindy added. “Attending every school activity, soccer game or theatrical performance for both their own kids and their grandchildren. Making sure their kids had every advantage to explore the beautiful area that they lived in. Whether it was hiking, backpacking or skiing in the mountains, they made sure those activities were available. Two of their grandchildren live in Seattle, and over the years they made many trips to be able to see them and watch them play soccer, baseball, et cetera.”

Being present is the mantra of Hugh and Lou. They would do anything to be around their family 24/7 (in fact, they live with Chuck and his family currently, so they get to experience that pretty much to a T).

At much the same time, their family all wants to return the favor with their token of appreciation for Hugh and Lou. Those two mean so much to so many, and they have truly shaped the lives of countless people.

“Thank you for everything. Thank you for your unconditional love and support. You loved all of us with all of your heart. You raised us in an amazing place, surrounded by amazing people. You immediately accepted Mimi and shared your love with her. You celebrated the good times with us, and were there to comfort us during the difficult times. We owe you everything and love you so much.” – Chuck