On August 7th, 2021 Hugh, a lifelong enthusiastic world traveller departed on his final trip, due to complications following surgery.
Born in London in 1934, Hugh attended Kings University College’s theology program, sparking his steadfast commitment to the Anglican Church, and served as a chaplain to the 1st Hussars in Germany. Hugh married the love of his life Diane (nee Astles) in 1957 and soon started a family.
Hugh left the armed forces and launched his civilian career in the life insurance industry, where he found immense satisfaction. His responsibilities grew over the years, with leadership roles at Abbey Life and Financial Life. Towards the end of his career Hugh moved into consulting which allowed a mix of work and travel, finally retiring at 77.
Hugh loved hiking, and with his brother-in-law Ray and friends Jack and Tom, was recognized
as an official Bruce Trail End-to-Ender twice, first in 1980 and again in 2004. His love of the Bruce Trail prompted the purchase of a property on Miller Lake in the Bruce Peninsula where he and Diane built a cottage which served as a hub for entertaining and family gatherings. While not at the cottage, they were avid travellers, achieving a total of more than 100 countries toured. Of special note were the many enjoyable and educational wine tours, leading to his status as a wine connoisseur and a frequently sought out source of wine advice and recommendations. There might have even been a newsletter at one point!
Hugh’s greatest happiness though came from sharing his life with Diane for 56 years. For their 50th wedding anniversary they celebrated their joy by inviting their children and grandchildren to join them for a week at a spectacular villa tucked in the Tuscan hills. Hugh took an active interest in the lives and activities of his grandchildren, avidly following them all on Instagram and marvelling at being able to share in their lives and travels in this way.
Deeply involved with St. Christopher’s Anglican Church in Burlington, he served as a Warden and a member of the Parish Council. Hugh also ran a men’s cooking group and more recently used his cooking talents during the Covid lockdown to provide gourmet meals delivered to those in need. He was awarded the Order of Niagara in 2007 for his commitment and service to the Church.
Hugh was predeceased by his wife Diane (2013) and sister Kathy Corder (2019). He will be deeply missed by his children Kim (Ken), Shawn (Ciara), Todd (Denise), grandchildren Pamela, Carolyn, Teresa, Erin, Serena, Aisling and Michael, dear friend and travel partner Melanie Thompson, and niece and nephew Laura and Brent (Andrea).
Visitation at SMITH’S FUNERAL HOME, 1167 Guelph Line (one stop light north of QEW), BURLINGTON (905-632-3333), on Sunday, August 22 from 3 – 5 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m. In accordance with provincial regulations, there is a limit to the number of visitors who may attend at one time. Please RSVP in advance at www.smithsfh.com. If you are having difficulty with the online RSVP, please call the Funeral Home between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Due to Covid restrictions, a private family service is being held. All visitors are asked to wear a face mask.
If you wish to honour Hugh’s memory with a donation, he would have appreciated any donations to the Bruce Trail Conservancy.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Hugh Douglas Haney Saturday August 7th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: , Province: Ontario