Longtime horseman Hugh Matthias McInnis, of London, Ont., quietly passed away on Monday, March 27, 2023, after struggling with dementia. He was 88.
Hugh was born on Oct. 19, 1934 in Florence, Cape Breton, N.S. to Roderick Francis and Mary Florence (Hosking) McInnis. Hugh is predeceased by his parents, his wife Ann (Young) McInnis, along with his brothers and sisters, Emma (Lloyd) Will, Frances (Russell) Johnston, Viola (John) Dunlop, Mary (Kenny) Cartwright, Angeline (Harry) Dunlop, John (Hazel) McInnis, Bill (Betty) McInnis, Elmer (Vonnie) McInnis, Annette (Roy) Oslund, Duncan "Buddy" McInnis, Roderick (Kay; Marie) McInnis. He is survived by his brothers Farrell (Frances) McInnis, Tom (late wife May) McInnis, sister-in-law Yvonne (Duncan) McInnis.
Hugh lived in London for 65 years, raising six children with his late wife, Ann. His surviving children are John (late wife Lynda), former daughter-in-law Dianne, Hugh (Tina), James, David (Denise), Donna, and Kimberly (Hennion) McInnis. His grandchildren include Kenneth, Jennifer, Christopher, Matthew, Dylan, Lauren McInnis Dartch, Marc and Natasha Hennion, along with six great-grandchildren that he was so proud of. Hugh will also be missed by his extended family of in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, many friends, including Tessa Obermuller and her family, and his neighbours, both in London and in Cape Breton.
Hugh worked 40 years for General Motors Diesel Division (GMC) in the London plant before retiring in 1996. Hugh was also an avid horseman, initially working with his brothers John and Farrell, all working with Standardbred horses. Later, Hugh went on his own, buying, breeding and training Standardbred horses. He was later joined by his son, Hugh, and together racing their horses across southwestern Ontario.
When Hugh retired from GMC, he took time to relax with his wife, enjoying their grandchildren and summering at their farmhouse in Christmas Island, Cape Breton. They had an active life, always on the go, growing vegetables, rhubarb, pears and apples at their London home, and sharing this bounty with family, friends and neighbours. At the Christmas Island farmhouse, they also grew vegetables and had blueberries “everywhere you step” (Hugh's words). They were often ‘out and about,’ visiting family and friends, enjoying cèilidhs, music festivals, fishing or just driving around the island. There was always someone who’d come to visit; Anne would serve tea and food, and they always felt their best when being gracious hosts. Many parties were held at the Christmas Island farmhouse, with good food and music, and good times for all.
After Ann passed away, Hugh continued to be an active parishioner of Saint Justin’s Church of London, donating often to many causes and charities. At home, Hugh was not much of a cook, and while Donna did her best, Hugh just liked to dine out and be with family and friends. Hugh, Donna and Tessa, a close friend of Hugh's, often went to restaurants, his favourite being the Mandarin, an all-you-can eat smorgasbord. Perhaps Hugh just missed the wonderful meals Ann made, and this was just the next best thing for him.
Hugh and Ann were proud to be from Cape Breton, and each summer vacation was a visit to paradise for them. They were happiest when ‘going home.’ And so, to honour our Hugh and Ann, the family will be taking their ashes back to their beloved Cape Breton to be with all their kin.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Hugh’s memory at The Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 21 at 1 p.m., at St. Justin’s Parish, located at 855 Jalna Blvd, London, ON.
Online condolences can be left at oneilfuneralhome.ca.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Hugh McInnis.