Hugh Macfarlane

Hugh was born to the late Catherine and Hugh Macfarlane in May 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland. At the age of 18, he met his future wife and partner in life, Jessie Jean McDougall, known affectionately as Seonaid (Shona). They married in Glasgow July 1960.

In August 1964, they immigrated to Canada with their three young children. Their great adventure aboard the SS Empress of Canada took them to Montreal, Quebec, then out to West Vancouver, British Columbia, where they welcomed their fourth child. Eventually the family settled in North Vancouver where they raised their children: the late Michael Macfarlane (Angie) of Victoria, B.C., Douglas Macfarlane (Kerri) of Whistler, B.C., Catriona Shalansky (Thomas) of Kelowna, B.C. and Rhonda Macfarlane (Ronald) of Burnaby, B.C. In retirement, Hugh and Shona moved to Victoria where they resided for close to 30 years.

Hugh is survived by his children: Douglas (Kerri), Catriona (Thomas) and Rhonda (Ronald). He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Justin Macfarlane (North Vancouver), Jamie Macfarlane (Richmond, B.C.), Brandon Shalansky (Edmonton), Mitchell Macfarlane (Victoria), Cara Macfarlane (Victoria), Tyler Shalansky (Victoria) and Callum Macfarlane (Whistler). In Scotland, he leaves behind his brother-in law, Alasdair McDougall (West Kilbride, Scotland), and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Shona in 2020 and son, Michael in 2017, his sister Marie, and his parents, Catherine and Hugh Macfarlane.

Hugh attended the University of Strathclyde in Scotland and earned his degree of Bachelor of Science which led to a long career as a professional engineer in both Scotland and Canada. Most notably leading the electrical engineering department of BC Hydro for approximately 30 years.

Early in his life while attending the high school of Glasgow in Scotland, Hugh was introduced to the sport that would become his lifelong passion, Rugby. Hugh played on some of the top divisional teams in both Scotland and Canada as a top-tiered hooker. After moving to British Columbia, the love of the sport would lead him to the Vancouver Rowing Club in the early 1970’s. He wore many hats at the club over the year’s most notably chairman of the Rugby division. He was instrumental in the raising of the funds to raise the Vancouver Rowing Club’s structure itself along with the complete renovation of the much-loved Carver Room which was his crowning achievement. During his years at the Vancouver Rowing Club he enjoyed many adventures, hosting numerous teams, touring multiple countries and building lifelong friendships.

Hugh and Shona enjoyed returning to Scotland to spend special times with their siblings, extended family and numerous friends.

Hugh was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather. His family and extended family were his passion and delight in life. He was a caring and loyal, compassionate friend who touched many lives and leaves behind many beautiful memories to all who knew him.

The family wishes to thank all those who cared for him during his last months, in particular, the staff at the Amica Somerset House and the Victoria Hospice, Palliative Care nursing staff, counsellors, and the Island Health Community Health Home Support Team, family physician and medical specialists.

Donations can be made in honour of Hugh Macfarlane to:

Victoria Hospice Fund Development

https://victoriahospice.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-donate/donate/