It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Hugh Magee.
Hugh was a businessman with a lifelong interest in health care, First Nations, the environment, and conservation projects. He was born in Kitchener, Ontario and received a BSA from the Ontario Agricultural College in agriculture and economics.
Hugh was Chairman of Gwil Industries, providing mobile crane services in BC, and coal and mineral testing services in Western Canada. Gwil, formerly Great West Steel, was a Canadian public company which fabricated and supplied structural steel in Canada and the western United States. He was also an early pioneer in the reinforced plastic industry founding Fiberplast Products producing and supplying polyester resins and gelcoats for the fiberglass reinforced plastics industry. Hugh was one of the founding Directors of the Cambie Surgery Centre and a founding owner of Canada Diagnostic Center (BC). Hugh was honoured to be inducted into the BC Business Laureates Hall of Fame in 2018.
Hugh served on numerous national and international corporate boards over the years, including the East Asiatic Company and Bannister International Corporation. Hugh was an active and proud member of Young Presidents Organization since 1973.
Hugh loved his community and served as Chair of the Vancouver Esperanza Society, where he envisioned the redevelopment of St. Paul’s Hospital; Chair of the Friends of Jack Campaign to raise money for the first ever robotic surgery arm for the VGH Prostate Cancer Centre; Board member of the BC Waterfowl Society dedicated to the growth and preservation of the Reifel Bird Sanctuary; and past Chair of The Nature Trust of British Columbia, where he helped secure over 170,000 acres of ecologically significant land. Hugh was also a Board member and Chair of the Finance Committee at BC Children’s Hospital, and for 21 years was the Federally appointed Trustee for the Nisga’a Lisims Fisheries Conservation Trust.
Hugh was an active pilot for over 50 years and flew fixed wing aircraft, jets, and helicopters. He was happiest when he was flying family/friends around magnificent British Columbia. He also greatly enjoyed being part of the Douglas Lake Ranch, spending time at his cabin in Egmont or on the ski hill in Whistler or Sun Valley. He was larger than life, a true gentleman and will be forever missed.
Hugh’s greatest joy was his family. Hugh is survived by his wife, Sherri, and (Margot – Rob & Sharon, Julie & Gerry (Lisa, Jeff, Stephanie, Brooks) , Terry (Jessica, Patrick, Daniel) and (Valerie – Sarah (Olivia, Georgia), Matt &Sheena, Jennie & Gus (Lillie, Henry) and he is now at peace with his dear daughter Cathie.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Point Grey hospital for their excellent and compassionate care and to Anna and Tony for their kindness to Hugh.
A Celebration of Life event will take place on November 30th, 2022, at Shaughnessy Golf Club from 2-4:00 pm.
In Hugh’s honour, donations can be made to the Mental Health program at St. Paul’s Foundation donate.helpstpauls.com/HughMagee. Hugh cared passionately about providing support to those in need of mental health care.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Hugh Magee October 31st 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Aldergrove, Province: Colombie britanique