Obituary of Robert Pearse Hughes

Robert “Pearse” Hughes, beloved husband of Betty, of Calgary passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 at the age of 88 years. Pearse was born on August 23, 1918 in Vegreville, AB, but spent most of his growing years in Lemberg, SK. After wartime service in the Air Force he attended the University of Saskatchewan where he obtained a degree in Mechanical Engineering. During this time, he met and married Betty Brooks of Abernethy, SK. After graduation, Pearse and Betty moved to Toronto, ON where Pearse pursued post-graduate studies at the University of Toronto. His working career was in the field of aeronautics, beginning with the AVRO Arrow and continuing with TCA/Air Canada in Winnipeg, MB and Montreal, QC. He retired from Air Canada in 1983 after thirty years. His interests were many and varied. Pearse loved photography and woodworking, enjoyed playing baseball and hockey, and latterly, golf and curling. Consistent with his values and his desire to serve, Pearse was always active in his community and his church. In Winnipeg, he coached house league baseball and hockey and was involved with the Air Cadets. Pearse was deeply committed to the United Church of Canada all his life. One of his greatest pleasures was to share the cottage at Falcon Lake, MB with family and friends, where many gatherings were held over fifty years. Besides Betty, his wife of fifty-eight years, Pearse is survived by four children, Ann and Tom (Martha) of Calgary, David of Toronto, and Joan (Gary) of Lausanne, Switzerland; and seven grandchildren, Andrew, Michael, Christopher, Robert, William, Sarah, and Jennifer. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Thomas United Church (100 Hawkwood Boulevard N.W.) on Monday, January 22, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Deborah Lannon, and Rev. Roslyn Campbell, Presiders. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the United Church of Canada Foundation, 3250 Bloor Street West, Suite 300, Toronto, ON, M8X 2Y4 or the charity of the donor’s choice. In living memory of Pearse Hughes, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.