Col. Gregory G. Hug, CD

Colonel (Retired) Gregory George Hug, CD

Greg passed away at age 70, on Friday, June 16, 2023, at St. Vincent’s Hospital with his devoted and loving wife, Maria, by his side. His life changed drastically in February 2016 when Greg had an accident, while on vacation in Barbados, which left him a quadriplegic. Last year a cancer diagnosis further limited the amount of time Greg had remaining on this earth.

Born to Shirley and George Hug in Montreal on December 24, 1952, Greg is survived by his wife Maria, his daughters Laura (Alexander), Christina and Angela (Ben); his grandchildren, Gus, Kate, Eamon and Pippa. He will be missed by his brother Stephen (Nancy) and sisters Cheryl (Jamie) and Heather (Neil), also by his brother-in-law Peter (Miae) and sister-in-law Grace (Charles). His many cousins, nephews and nieces will also miss his presence in their lives.

Greg was physically active. He loved cycling, hunting, fishing, swimming, was an accomplished skier and loved to travel. He was an avid camper and created lasting memories with his daughters of family camping vacations. His love of the outdoors began at his grandparent’s camp on the Rouge River where he spent summers fishing with his brother and reading on the screened porch.

Greg was intelligent, candid, dedicated, courageous, and a loyal friend. He made lasting friendships especially during his military career. He had a deep sense of family responsibility. He was a very loving husband, father and grandfather. He was extremely proud of his daughters and their accomplishments. Greg loved roughhousing with children of all ages, he would tease his grandkids that he would “flatten them like a pancake”, and make them giggle!

Greg had a distinguished 30 year military career which began in 1969 at College Militaire Royal. He graduated from the Royal Military College in engineering management in 1974. The highlights were his years as Commanding Officer of the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) in Calgary from 1991 to 1993 and his posting as the Chief of Staff and Canadian Contingent Commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force on the Golan Heights from 1995 to 1997.

Greg made a difference in people’s lives. His perseverance and determination were an inspiration for all.  In 2015 Greg was named Colonel of the Regiment, a huge honour of which he was immensely proud. After his accident he tried to tender his resignation because he felt he could not physically carry out his duties. The Regiment refused and asked him to fulfill his term in whatever capacity he was able. This opportunity provided the impetus and purpose Greg needed to carry on. For his many years of work with the Strathcona Board of Directors, Greg received the Governor General’s Volunteer Award in May 2022 at Rideau Hall.

Greg’s civilian career began in 1999. He created his own company, MAGI Consulting, to provide advice and training in strategic planning, project management and performance management. He found this job very fulfilling and mentored others. He retired in 2015.

In 2020 Greg moved from The Ottawa Hospital to the Complex Critical Care unit of St. Vincent’s. He and Maria, as valued members of the Patient and Family Advisory Committee, made significant contributions to the lives of patients at St. Vincent’s by influencing the easing of Covid lockdown conditions. In an unprecedented move, the hospital administration invited Greg to join their Operations Committee where he was instrumental in steering the hospital to become more patient-centric.

The family requests that donations be made to The Ottawa Hospital Foundation.