It is with great sadness that we announce that Hugh passed away a few months ago - peacefully and surrounded by family.

Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and friend.  He will be missed by so many.  His family was the most important thing to him. Our family was fortunate to live close to one another and spent lots of time together.

He is survived by his sisters Margreta and Terry; children Helen (Mike), Lisa (Mike), Greta (Lawrence) and David (Tiare); grandchildren Leanne, Christine, Joshua, Olivia, Dylan and Maile; great-grandson Keaton; step-grandchildren Nathan, Matthew, Jessica and Adam.

Hugh was born in Revelstoke, BC.  Over his lifetime he also lived in Vancouver, Powell River, Mississauga (Ont) and for the last 52 years in White Rock, BC.

He graduated with honours from Brooks High School in Powell River, BC.  He played oboe in the school band. He attended UBC Vancouver and Ryerson University Ontario.

He worked as a Freight Clerk on the Union Steam Ships; Comptroller, Accounting Clerk and Office Manager for several companies including Central Mortgage and Housing Corp, Lennox Industries, Ontario March of Dimes and Hugh and McKinnon Insurance White Rock.

He was certified CPA (BC), CGA (BC and Ont), General Accountants Association (Canada).

He served on many boards including the South Fraser Health Region and the Dental Technicians of BC.

He was a self-employed Accountant and Tax Consultant since the mid-seventies until his retirement although he did continue to do work for some clients and serve on boards even after retirement.

He was a Member of the Masonic Lodge Vancouver 68.

He was a long time NDP supporter as Treasurer and Official Agent– since the 1950’s before it was officially the NDP. He had been Treasurer of South Surrey NDP and served as Official Agent for many NDP candidates. He was appointed an Honourary Life Member of the BC NDP by Premier John Horgan a few years ago for his many decades of service to the party.

He enjoyed travelling with friends and family.  His many trips included Hawaii, Mexico, India, Morocco, Honduras, Guatemala, and many parts of Europe.  He had also camped and hiked all over BC.  In recent years, he enjoyed the annual summer vacation with family at Kent’s Beach in Powell River.

He enjoyed music and going to the Vancouver Opera and Symphony.

He was a dog lover and had dogs for many years – his latest faithful companion was Pippi who is now very happy living with his daughter Lisa.

The last 1.5 years he lived at Oceana Parc which he thoroughly enjoyed – he said, “it was like living at a resort”. He made many new friends. He organized drives for the Food Bank, socks and gloves for the homeless and the weekly neighbourhood “rubbish” cleanup which will be continued by the residents and staff.

He was a kind and compassionate man always helping those less fortunate with a meal or a ride or donations of his time and money and advocating for fair and equal rights, treatment and services for all.  A real “community champion“; “a kind hearted man with a social conscience”.

A private family gathering was held at the end of Sept.  He was deeply loved by his family and we know he loved us. He will be greatly missed and although our family has a “Hugh” piece missing, he will always be in our hearts and memories. 

Hugh’s advice for all his family and friends: “Please get yourself checked for cancer regularly”.  If you wish, donate to the Canadian Cancer Society or your local food bank in his honour.