Hugh’s time in this world was shaped by a promise to leave it in as good, or better, condition than he found it. Curiosity was his compass, leading him toward new experiences with a ready smile and a steady determination that never wavered. Learning, to Hugh, was never a duty, but an adventure, sometimes practical, sometimes profitable, and always joyful. As a young wedding photographer, he built his own darkroom, and in time his interests expanded endlessly. He was always keen to participate in tournament tennis, double diamond skiing, bare boat charter sailing, golf, racket sports, and a myriad of freshwater sports such as boating, fishing, and diving. He joined the ski patrol when he lacked sufficient funds to ski. He volunteered as crew on RCYC sailing/racing vessels before he could afford to become a member. He read constantly with an innate thirst for every bit of knowledge. 

Some knew him as an investment advisor and owner of Queensbury Securities who cared deeply for his clients; some knew him as a keen supporter of police efforts to make Toronto safer; some knew him as a member of the York Club or Lambton Golf Club, and some as a contractor alongside his friend, assembling land so the two of them could build Lambton Square at Eglinton and Weston Road. Some knew him as owner of an after-hours disco, with his office above (complete with regulation pool table). Some saw him as a family restaurant owner with a central, wood burning fireplace; some as an avid wine collector and member of the Commanderie de Chevalier du Testavin; some saw him as a science buff and regular participant at RCI lectures. Some knew he was a wannabe pilot following in his father’s footsteps (until he discovered he was colour blind and only able to fly daytime hours). Never missing an opportunity to support community, Hugh took two years off work to design and execute advanced fund raising for the first OSCC telethon (now known as Easter Seals) in support of handicapped kids. All production costs were raised in advance of the event, so they could go on the air and say: 100 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to the kids. Hugh was the living expression of generosity, offering help where it was needed and finding a way when there was none. Recently, he donated his extensive wine collection in support of Toronto Symphony youth programs. 

But the work Hugh was most committed to was saving the waters of Lake Huron, Georgian Bay, and the North Channel via his ongoing support of GBF’s science-based work. Three months of Hugh’s last summer on earth were spent enjoying The LaCloche mountains, Bay of Islands, District of Manitoulin, wishing he never had to leave. He was greatly loved by Sylvia and shall also be missed by close friends and trusted associates, who heard his quiet heart.
 

October 9, 1937 -  January 16, 2026   

89 years young

- Sylvia, Hugh’s wife