Obituary of Bob McHugh

It is with sadness that the family announces the passing of Robert J. (Bob) McHugh at Kennebec Manor on Friday, January 19, 2024.  Born on January 2, 1946, in Saint John, NB, he was the son of the late Donald J. McHugh and Sadie (Geldart) McHugh.

After graduating from St. Malachy's Memorial High School Bob went to work in the lab at the sugar refinery.  To hear him tell it, he subsequently worked in nearly every department learning from the bottom up.  After 34 years he retired as the Warehouse Superintendent when Lantic Sugar shut their doors in Saint John in 2000.  He came out of retirement a few years later to help set up the new “outfit” at CanSugar, which quickly went broke after one year.

Throughout his life, Bob was actively involved in the community.  He called Bingo at St. Joachim’s on Friday nights for the Knights of Columbus, Council 8364.  He made soup once a month for Romero House for many years.  In later years he went on to become a Freemason and then a Shriner.  He could often be seen in his fez, selling 50/50 tickets at Harbour Station or riding the mini train in parades doing what he loved - fundraising for the kids. 

From his early days as a Boy Scout, throughout his whole life, Bob relished the outdoors.  He loved to waterski, hunt, fish, canoe, and do archery.  He could call in a moose, build a fire in a rainstorm, and rescue canoes gone adrift, thereby salvaging the valuable Alpine stash.  He always lugged along far more gear than necessary and without modesty claimed his over-preparedness often saved the day.  He always liked to share his knowledge and skill.  Mark and Tommy can attest to the pleasure he took in teaching the “hands on” portion of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course in Hampton.

Although he never had a camp of his own, he was frequently on the go spending time with many friends who did.  Bob could always be relied on to whip out his tools to help build things or fix things, dig holes, cut trees, or beat down new trails in Lisson Settlement.  As he slowed down in recent years he enjoyed hanging out with all his treasured friends at Leeeeroy’s camp at Beaver Lake, his most peaceful place on earth.  He loved entertaining and sharing his stories about all of life’s adventures.  Those who knew him well will attest to just how often life’s adventures were modestly embellished into a funny tale. 

Bob is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary H. (McCormick) of Saint John; their children, Kristie McHugh and Keith McHugh (Natalie) and grandsons, Sammy and Will.  He is also survived by his sisters, Dorothy Doyle (John) and Nancy McHugh; sister-in-law, Kathy Hayes (Tom) as well as several wonderful nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Gerald J. McHugh; his sister-in-law, Dianne Brewer and her husband, Ken.

The family would like to acknowledge many people for their help during the past three years: especially his sister and medical advocate, Nancy; Dr. Robert Poirier for his diligent and compassionate care; and also the many friends who drove Bob to his numerous appointments. In addition, the staff at Extramural-Saint John, 4C-S, and Kennebec Manor were phenomenally kind and caring during his final days. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506-634-7424).  Visitation will take place on Friday, January 26, 2024, from 4-8 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 91 Waterloo Street, on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 12:00 noon.  Please note: the family requests you wear a mask at Brenan’s if you are feeling at all unwell. 

For anyone who feels inclined, memorial donations to Romero House, Luxor Shriners of New Brunswick or Muscular Dystrophy Canada would be appreciated by the family.