Obituary of Hugh Wood Robinette

 

November 24 1941 - August 8 2021

 

Hugh Wood Robinette died on August 8th, in his 80th year, after a long and hard fought battle with cancer. Cherished husband of 44 years to Gillian, beloved Dad of Chris (Brenda), Alice (Emily; Wes), David (Jenn), and Nana (Aaron). Loving Papa/Igu to Magdalena, Benjamin, Daniel, Charlotte, and Flora. Will be dearly missed by his sister Lynn Mekinda, his cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

 

Hugh was born in Toronto on November 24, 1941 to Joyce (Wood) and George Robinette.

Some of Hugh’s earliest and fondest memories were formed at his Grandpa’s home on Bayview Avenue. Alongside his younger sister Lynnie and cousins Jane and Tony, Hugh spent his youngest years playing in the gardens and ‘helping’ in the kitchen.

 

Hugh’s childhood was spent at his family home on Cluny Avenue, a home he later shared with his family and mom. As a young man, Hugh attended St. Andrew’s College and spent his summers on the shores of Canoe Lake at his beloved Camp Ahmek. Both St. Andrew’s and Ahmek lived large in Hugh’s heart and were the source of endless stories and enduring friendships.

 

Hugh studied business at the University of Western Ontario and was a member of the Zeta Psi Fraternity. Perhaps for the best, we do not know much of those years except the many dear friends he considered brothers and the Z branded on his arm.

 

Hugh’s career started at Wood Gundy after his final year at university but not before one final summer in Algonquin Park. Affectionately known as Hughie to those who worked with him throughout the years, he loved his job and the people he met.  Hugh also met Gillian through Wood Gundy in Toronto. They made the romantic decision to elope on Christmas Eve in London, England, forever relegating their wedding anniversary to a Christmas afterthought.

 

Hugh’s love for Gillie was a mixture of mild amazement and deep appreciation for the incredibly loving home she created. In retirement, Hugh was urged to find a hobby, to which he replied, “Gillie’s my hobby.” Gillian will remember Hugh as “the most handsome man in the room” and as extremely optimistic and brave. Throughout the many years he faced serious life altering diagnoses, he never complained and was the most courteous and good humoured patient.

 

Hugh will be remembered by his family and friends as big-hearted and generous, a man who ate butter like cheese and still played with trains. He was an adventurer, amazing dancer, avid swimmer, fisherman and boater, lover of sweets, and a silly Daddy. As Head Robinutt he will be missed daily and loved forever.

 

Thank you to Dr. Duncan Bull, Dr. Stephen Reingold, and all the staff at Headwaters Health Centre and Bethell House Hospice. Special thanks for the years of friendship and support from the members and staff of the Caledon Ski Club, especially those on Lower Chalet Road. Many thanks for the emotional support provided by Haagen-Dazs, Lay’s, Goodlot, the LCBO, and the Dairy Farmers of Ontario.

 

Please remember Hugh when you hear “Blueberry Hill” and the call of the loon, eat a butter tart, and watch White Christmas. Donations in Hugh’s memory can be given to The Friends of Algonquin Park and Bethell House Hospice. There will be a private family funeral.

 

“As they say in Abyssinia . . .”