Hugh was born December 13, 1917 to Hugh Charles McCormick and Helen McCormick (née Orme) in Detroit, Michigan. He attended Detroit schools, graduating from Redford High School. Hugh enrolled in the University of Michigan, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering in 1939. He then accepted a commission as an Ensign in the US Navy, working through the coming World War as a munitions engineer. During his posting to Dahlgren Naval Proving Grounds in Virginia in June, 1940, Hugh met Lois McGucken, a teacher from Tampa, FL, there visiting a friend married to another officer. A whirlwind courtship led to their marriage following Hugh's re-assignment to the Madison (IN) Proving Grounds on September 12. Hugh and Lois would remain happily married until her death, also on November 2, in 2000 in Belleair Beach. Hugh mustered out of the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander after the end of the war in 1946. The couple moved to Detroit, where the automotive industry offered employment to engineers. There they would raise their three sons.
Hugh briefly worked for Curtis-Wright Aviation, and then accepted employment at the Ford Motor Company, remaining with the automaker until his retirement in 1986. He worked in Body Engineering, eventually leading a task force that introduced computer aided design and streamlined production processes to Ford's factories.
Hugh and Lois acquired their retirement home in Belleair Beach in 1977, and enjoyed the beach lifestyle and stunning sunsets for many years. Until his retirement Hugh would travel to Florida for winter vacations, joining Lois who had escaped the Michigan cold. He took full advantage of the Florida weather to pursue his favorite hobby, golf. He enjoyed many other sportsman activities, including hunting and fishing. The couple also traveled extensively. At age 86, Hugh undertook a solo trip to Europe, visiting Portugal, France, and Ireland, and seeing his grandson act in a play at his college in England. He returned to the US on board the Queen Elizabeth II. He only began to slow at age 98. In 2017 his sons and Lois's Tampa relatives gathered for his 100th birthday, the highlight of which was special recognition from the University of Michigan's Engineering School with a commendation and memorabilia.
Hugh is survived by his sons Dale Patrick, Hugh Thomas (Suzanna Weingarten), and Michael Gene (Gail), and grandson John. Interment will be with Lois at Myrtle Hill Memorial Gardens in Tampa. Memorial arrangements are to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Michigan School of Engineering.
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