Questions

Has the service taken place?

Yes. A service to celebrate Hugh's life was held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at St. George's on-the-Hill Anglican Church in Etobicoke, followed by a reception in Luxton Hall. We were moved by how many people came — some driving in from Hamilton and Sudbury through a summer storm to be there.

If you couldn't be with us, or would simply like to return to the day, you can watch the recording of the service on the Service page and see photographs and memories from the reception on the Reception page.

How did Hugh die?

Hugh died on the morning of June 5, 2026. He was found following a cardiac arrest while asleep in his apartment on Eglinton Avenue West in Toronto. He was 38 years old.

Why so young?

Hugh lived with schizophrenia for most of his adult life. The medications that managed his illness carry physical side effects over time, including weight gain and cardiovascular stress. Hugh also had diabetes and sleep apnea. These conditions together put significant strain on the heart.

What was schizophrenia like for Hugh?

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that affects a person's ability to distinguish what is real from what is not. It is not a split personality. It is not associated with violence. It responds to medication, though finding the right medication can take years.

Hugh was diagnosed as a teenager. With the right medication he lived well — he earned a blue belt in judo, learned Japanese, played saxophone, volunteered in his community, and cooked his own meals. He also faced long periods of serious difficulty. His mental disorder was an added feature on top of a sharp mind, with a perfect sense of direction and an excellent memory.

We all loved him deeply and we know that he felt loved.

What can I do?

Share a memory of Hugh. His family is gathering stories of who he was — not just the illness, but the whole person. The chess games. The pranks. The things he said that made you laugh.

If you would like to make a donation in Hugh's memory, Iris asks that you consider supporting one of the two organizations below. In her words: she doesn't want flowers — take the money and give it to these charities.