Hugh Phillip Carmichael

May 7, 1933 – July, 3rd, 2026 Hugh Philip Carmichael passed away peacefully on Friday, July 3, at Peterborough Hospice in Ontario. He was a devoted husband to Mary Louise and a proud and loving father to Kelly (John Purcell), Tracey (Linton Harrison), Janet (Andrew Snare), Debbie, Kim, and to his cherished grandchildren Jack, Alex, Damian, Monica, and Emma. Hugh was predeceased by his beloved wife Mary, daughter Debra, his parents Hugh and Agnes (Donahue), his sister Patricia (Preston), and her husband Gerry. Born in Coronation, Alberta, Hugh spent his childhood in western Canada, Toronto and Montreal as his family moved following his father’s career as a TD Bank Manager. From an early age, he developed a deep love of the outdoors, spending his summers working in the bush and on a farm. This experience helped shape both his character and his decision to pursue a degree in agricultural engineering at McGill. Hugh was a gifted and resourceful man who took great pride in being handy. He was a planner and a builder who enjoyed renovation projects. His first cottage in The White Shell, Manitoba, built with friends became a treasured hunting retreat. He had a practical mind, a steady hand, and a remarkable ability to bring ideas to life. After university, Hugh began his career travelling through western Canada with John Deere as a Territory Manager. In 1961, he joined the Industrial Development Bank as a Loans Officer, and in 1963 he met Mary Louise Suttorp at the Canoe Club in Winnipeg. Hugh was persistent in his courtship, and later that year they were married in Winnipeg, where they began their life together and welcomed their first two daughters. Hugh’s career with the Federal Business Development Bank spanned 30 years taking the family across the Prairies, eventually settling in Montreal. Family was Hugh’s greatest pride and lifelong joy. He often said that family was his proudest achievement, and he lived that belief through his devotion, his guidance, and his quiet strength. He gave generously of his time to others, coaching soccer, serving on the school board, sitting on the Windermere Pool board, heading the strata council at his condo, and volunteering at Church. With a house full of women, Hugh often found a peaceful retreat in his workshop or with a good book in hand. He was a voracious reader with a deep curiosity about the world, especially history, spy thrillers, and books that focused on politics, economics, and the forces that shape society. He was analytical, thoughtful, and a wonderful conversationalist who could engage family and friends for hours. Hugh retired from the bank in 1991 but remained active for several years afterward, consulting for the government and travelling between Montreal and Ottawa as a policy advisor to the Department of Industry, Science & Technology. In 1992, he travelled to Romania to assist in establishing loan infrastructure for privatized industry after the fall of Communism, a role that reflected both his expertise and his willingness to help where he was needed.

In retirement, Hugh built his dream home on Big Rideau Lake near Westport, Ontario. Summers were treasured at the cottage with family and friends, while winters were spent in Kingston. Hugh and Mary shared a love of travel and discovered new countries together, always broadening their understanding of the world and of one another. He was deeply spiritual in his beliefs, and his faith was an important part of his life, offering him strength, comfort, and purpose throughout the years. He was the kind of man who made the world better in quiet ways through generosity, compassion and a steady willingness to always help others. He will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, integrity, love of learning, and the steady presence he brought to those around him. Knowledge was Hugh’s elixir, and he was happiest when both his body and mind were engaged. His legacy lives on in the family he loved so well and in the many lives he touched.

Our family is profoundly grateful for the compassionate care provided by the staff of Hospice Peterborough and Peterborough Regional Health Centre. We would also like to thank the dedicated staff at the Princess Gardens who supported Hugh throughout the years.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on August 14th at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, 950 Old Kingston Mills Rd., Kingston, ON, K7L 5H6, immediately followed by interment at Cataraqui Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Hugh's memory may be made to Hospice Peterborough.