Hugh McMeel

Peacefully, Hugh passed away at the age of 94 on the morning of December 18, 2025, with Yvonne by his side.

Left to cherish his memory are his children Kevin (Lois), Mary (Bruno), Yvonne (Robert), and Michelle (Franck); his grandchildren Daniel, Genevieve, Ines, Paul, Alexis, Adam (Valerie), Madeleine (Braeden), Naomi, and Kevin; his beloved niece Theresa; numerous relatives in Ireland; and many lifelong friends.

Hugh was predeceased by his wife Madeleine (Moreau), his parents Patrick and Mary McMeel, and his eleven siblings. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Hugh immigrated to Canada in 1952 and quickly settled in Winnipeg. The day after his arrival, he headed to Canada Packers and began working there that same day. This marked the beginning of an incredible career at the plant, where he became an active union member and eventually served as the International Representative for the UFCW. In this role, Hugh travelled locally, nationally, and internationally, dedicating his life to social justice in the workplace. Hugh was also appointed for many years to the Manitoba Board of Referees for Employment Insurance, as well as the Manitoba Labour Board.

Hugh and Madeleine were married in 1957 and shared 58 years of devoted marriage. Their life together was guided by a deep commitment to family, friends, faith and service to their community as their guiding pillars. Hugh was happiest when surrounded by family, especially with his grandchildren by his side. As the family grew and spread across different parts of the world, he treasured every opportunity to visit them and kept them close in his daily thoughts and prayers.

Hugh’s dedication to serving others was boundless. Over the years, he was an active member of the Irish Association of Manitoba and the Knights of Columbus, volunteered tirelessly at Holy Cross Parish, was a founding member of St. Timothy’s Parish, donated blood more than 100 times through Canadian Blood Services, and took great joy in tending his large garden, always sharing its bounty with others.

As life changed over the past years, Hugh was filled with gratitude for those who surrounded him and cared for him. Having grown up in poverty, he never complained a day in his life, and when asked, was “never sick a day in his life” and always “100%!”

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of MP2 at Misericordia Place Personal Care Home for their compassion and care.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Timothy's Parish, 135 John Forsyth Road, Winnipeg. Refreshments will follow in the parish hall, with interment to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Hugh's memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, in honour of his dear wife, Madeleine.