HOWLAND — Robert “Spike” Charles Hughes, 66, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, at Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta, Maine, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on Nov. 9, 1952, in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, the fourth of seven children. He grew up in Howland, Maine, where he graduated from Penobscot Valley High School in 1972. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert R. Hughes and Celina (Doustou) Hughes; his younger brother, Joseph; and his daughter Rheanna (Hughes) Young. He is survived by his longtime partner, Gay McLeod, of Cashmere, Washington; his son, Benjamin Hughes, of Alamogordo, New Mexico; his daughter Ruth Hughes of Alamogordo, New Mexico; five sisters: Theresa Slowikowski of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Lucie York of Interlachen, Florida; Mary Hughes of Portland, Maine; Kathryn Collins of Brewer, Maine; Cynthia Beam of Ocala, Florida; five grandchildren; and a large extended family. Spike was a veteran who served his Country in the US Army where he was honorably discharged in 1976. Spike was well-known as an authority in the fields of ghost hunting and gold prospecting. His loved ones will host a Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the American Legion Hall in Howland, followed by a 6 p.m. memorial Mass at St. Leo Catholic Church in Howland. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated for the benefit of Gay McLeod at PO Box 149, Howland, ME 04448 to offset funeral expenses. Arrangements in care of LamsonFuneral Home, Clay Chapel.