Obituary Overview
Hugh MacTavish
Hugh bravely left us on September 18, 2018, age 91, with his family by his side. Hugh is survived by his wife, Bernice, of 68 years, children Duncan, Wendy (Felix), Joy (Greg), Stuart (Nancy). He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Barrington, Joshua, Brita, Dinah, Jonathan, Sierra, Andrew, and one great-grandchild, Naomi. Hugh was an only child and was pre-deceased by his father James Alexander Gardiner, and mother Sara Elisabeth (nee Jansson), and son-in-law Barrington Earl Dyer.
Hugh was a unique individual who loved life. He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba at Misericordia Hospital on July 8, 1927 and spent his early years on Parkview Street in St James. When he turned 9, he moved with his family to the Casaloma apartments at Portage & Sherbrook, where his father, a butcher, at Andrew’s Grocery, had a store front on Portage Avenue. After his dad passed away, Hugh and his mother, moved to Swan River where Hugh made lifelong friends with Keith Riddell, and his cousin, Muriel Klause.
When his mother moved to Chicago, Hugh attended St. John’s College boarding school, now known as Saint John’s Ravenscourt. Shortly thereafter he began a series of adventures, which included serving in the PPLI; a fireman for Canada Steamship Lines; a dairy delivery man for his uncle Roy; an underground gopher for Hudson’s Bay Mining & Smelting; and an apprentice medicine man with Watkins.
In 1947, Hugh joined Manitoba Government Telephone where his career spanned almost 4 decades in various capacities. His greatest sense of accomplishment was leading MTS’s Phone Centre Initiative.
Upon returning to Winnipeg, Hugh met the love of his life, Anna “Bernice” Friesen whom he married September 19, 1949. Surrounded by Bernice’s large family, the Friesen’s home brought Hugh a sense of comfort.
In 1961, Hugh and Bernice moved to St. James Assiniboine where they raised their four children. Since Hugh spent a large part of his youth moving, he was eager to put down roots and make his home his castle which he did with pride and vigor.
Hugh was a larger than life character who left an impact on his friends and family.
The family would like to extend a special thank-you to the amazing staff of Poseidon Care Home and all the people who provided their support and care for Hugh during his final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Canadian Diabetes Association or to a charity of your choice.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 21 at 10:00am at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue, interment to follow. The Pallbearers will be Jonathon Jowett, Andrew MacTavish, Greg Jowett and Joshua Dyer.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Hugh MacTavish 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba
