Hugh Arnold Sundquist

Hugh Arnold Sundquist, 78, passed away, January 23, 2024, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was preceded by his parents Gladys & Arnold Sundquist & ex-wife Anne.

He is survived by his wife Lorraine, daughter Erica (Chris), son Christopher (Stephanie), grandchildren, Alia, Samantha, Sebastian, Poppy, and Nico, sister Brita (David), niece Theresa & nephew Scott (Amanda), Toby, Victoria, & Jessica.

Hugh was born in Deloraine, Manitoba on February 8th, 1945. The family moved to Vancouver, BC in 1949. As a boy he took accordion lessons but switched to the trombone and played in the Weinmaster community band. As a teenager he was a member of the Canadian Army Cadet Corp (Duke of Connaught’s). The highlight of many summers was the train trip to Saskatchewan & Manitoba to visit family & spend time on the farm.

After high school, Hugh joined the RCMP & was stationed in northern Manitoba. When he left the RCMP he returned to Vancouver & joined the Port Moody Police. Eventually, he went to work for the BC Ambulance Service, where he became known as “The Voice” in dispatch.

In 1991, Hugh married Lorraine & the family moved to Kamloops that summer. They returned to Vancouver once Erica & Chris were finished school and were pursuing their futures. When Hugh retired, he stayed active with volunteer work, as the stage manager for Lorraine’s community choir & as a driver for the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Team. He loved music, especially jazz & blues. He was an intelligent, avid reader of Canadian politics, biographies, & history.

Hugh & Lorraine loved to travel to warm places, Barbados, Mexico, & Hawaii. Hugh also loved picnicking at Wycliffe Park in West Vancouver where they went often.

As a proud father, Hugh was actively involved as the volunteer first aid for Venture Scouts & accompanied the troop on a dozen camping trips. He encouraged Erica & Chris to read & challenged them to read more difficult books. He also introduced & developed an appreciation of old movies, British comedy, and his favourite music.

Hugh admired the creativity of his grandchildren with art, music & crafts & encouraged them to pursue their passions.

Hugh was well known by both family and friends for his stories. He enjoyed telling stories of his experiences especially as a ‘’Cop”, “Mountie” & “Dispatcher”. He always had a story about family, friends, the last book he read or the latest current event that caught his interest.

Hugh, “In the hearts of those who loved you, you will always be there, treasured forever in our memories.”

The family wishes to express our sincere appreciation to the nurses and doctors at VGH for their kind, patient, supportive care in the months that Hugh was with them.

Memorial donations to the Parkinson’s Society British Columbia appreciated.