Passed away on February 16, 2022. He was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Wilma. He is survived by two sons, John William (Susan) of Atlanta, Georgia and Robert James (Heather) of Vancouver, two daughters, Dawn Maureen of Calgary and Barbara Anne of Vancouver, six grandsons, James, Andrew, Jeffrey, Douglas, David, and Evan (deceased), and seven great-grandchildren. Hugh is also survived by his sister, Margaret Smith (Saskatoon) and brother, Lloyd McDonald of Edmonton, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Hugh and Mary McDonald of Saskatoon, SK, and three brothers, Archie, Donald and John.
Hugh was born in Kinistino, SK. He later relocated with his family to Humboldt, SK where he attended Humboldt High School and met his future wife, Wilma Smith. After graduation, he travelled to Winnipeg, MB to attend the University of Manitoba, graduating as a Physician and Surgeon in 1948. After marrying Wilma in May of 1947, he practiced as a family physician in rural Saskatchewan for 12 years. The emergence of Medicare, and its broad ramifications on the practice of medicine sparked Hugh’s burgeoning interest and transition into health care administration. Following post-graduate studies at the University of Toronto to obtain a degree in Hospital Administration (1960), Hugh completed his residency work at the University of Saskatchewan prior to accepting a post as Director of Hospital Administration for the Province of Saskatchewan. A few years later (1963), Hugh was approached by the Sisters of Providence to become the first lay Medical Director (and later, President) of St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, positions he held for twenty-four years until his retirement in 1987. During his tenure, Hugh presided over a tremendous growth and advancement in health care and hospital administration with national implications. He has been president, chairman or member of numerous prestigious health care organizations, including 25 years with the Canadian Council on Hospital Administration as a surveyor and a member of the board.
Many will remember Hugh for his keen sense of humor, his personal kindness and interest in everyone he met, as well as his scavenging skills at local garage sales and flea markets.
A private mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life on Sunday March 13th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at The Arbutus Club, 2001 Nanton Avenue, Vancouver. (Please be mindful that clocks move ahead 1 hour on Sunday morning.) Covid Protocol requires a vaccination card with photo ID and masks in the common area. Floral tributes are politely declined. If desired, memorial donations may be made in his name to the St. Paul's Foundation, Vancouver, BC. ( www.helpstpauls.com ). Online condolences may be left at www.kearneyfs.com .