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.
Digital Guestbook
Bill and Judy Logan
Rachael Hupaelo
Miss you already Uncle. Sending lots of love to my family down East.
Bob Banks
Greg showed us the many ways of courage. Those of us privileged to know him as a cadet were not surprised by his many achievements. Not one of us will forget his presence in the ranks on parade with the Old Brigade. We will always remember him and the example he has set for us.
Monika and Joe Hurschler
Our deepest condolences to Maria and family on the loss of Greg. We remember him fondly as a former longtime neighbour. He was always ready for a friendly chat or a helping hand with his snow shovel when Joe was at work. He is at peace now!
Monika and Joe Hurschler
Murray Beare
Had the pleasure of serving with Greg in the mid 90s with CFD. He was a dedicated soldier and a team player. Very sorry to hear about his earlier accident but not surprised he continued to contribute as the Colonel of his Regiment and many other causes . He will be missed by many. My condolences to Maria and family.
François
Stand at ease, stand easy my friend.
May you rest in peace
Truth Duty Valour
Paul Crober
Greg was a classmate of mine at RMC. We were in different degree programs, different squadrons and he was a year ahead of me in Armour officer phase trading since he attended CMR. No matter. Like most others I was taken immediately by his presence and his character. I knew he was “going places.” As Mike Maisonneuve noted, 11 years after our grad, he neatly helped out the whole army by loaning his tanks (the only such unit in Canada at the time) to operationally train all the other “Cougar” regiments at RV85. Following that I had the privilege of getting to know him very well as we attended Staff College in Toronto for many months and our families lived in the same housing complex. I learned a great deal about him and from him that year, including the fact that his magnificent presence was complemented by his actual talent on many levels including being a fine leader who inspired us as students as well as those he commanded before and after this posting. Like many I was devastated by news of his accident and later by the diagnosis of cancer. I wish I did not live thousands of miles away and could have visited him. I concur with all those who have noted his courage and steadfast approach to his circumstances. He set an example not easy to emulate but one worthy of emulation and admiration. My condolences to his family.
Walt Natynczyk
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on Greg’s passing. A terrific and bold leader in service to Canada, with an amazing ability to speak truth to power, after his accident, his courage and resilience were examples to us all. We will remember him.
Robert Groves
On behalf of all of Greg’s fellow residents at the complex continuing care unit on 5 North at St. Vincent’s Hospital, thank you Greg for your fellowship, leadership and courage.
Aladdin Meriden (Son of late Rafia and Fakhri)
Our deepest condolences goes to Maria and all Greg’s family and friends. We knew Greg and Maria when the lived in Syria. I was only 11 or 12 years old from all the stories I cannot forget all the humbleness, kindness, and love he had. I remember him setting on the floor playing chess with my (I was going to win a game one time :) ). Also I cannot forget him enjoying my mom’s food.
Well, I am sure that he is in a way much better place….. rest in peace Greg, you are loved and you will be missed.
It was an honour to serve with Greg in the Regiment and with the Strathcona Association where his knowledge and experience on a whole range of military matters contributed so much to the success of both. His perseverance, courage and commitment is inspiration to everyone.