Hugh Alexander McLaren

On Wednesday, March 5th, 2003 at the Portage District General Hospital, Hugh Alexander McLaren of Portage la Prairie, widower of the late Laura May McLaren passed away at the age of 83 years.

Funeral service will be held in the Chapel of the Omega Funeral Home on Saturday, March 8th at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Steve Wilson officiating.

Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery.

Hugh was born on July 10, 1919 son of Donald and Barbara McLaren at Portage la Prairie. He was raised and received his education in the Gainsborough district. During the war years he was employed at C.F.B. Southport. In 1941he married Laura Case and they purchased a farm in the Gainsborough district in 1943. They farmed until 1980 when they retired to reside in Portage. As well as farming he was employed at C.F.B. Southport during the winter months. He also did construction work as well as operating the farm during the summer months.

Hugh was an adherent of the First Presbyterian Church. His interest included cattle and especially horses. He was a gifted carpenter and could build almost anything and he enjoyed his work in construction. In his earlier years he played baseball. He also enjoyed hunting. During retirement he enjoyed doing small carpenter jobs and in his spare time he liked watching T.V. Also during his retirement they enjoyed taking trips in their Motor Home to the West Coast and into the States to visit family and relatives.

Predeceased by his parents, his wife Laura in 1997, two brothers; John Bell (Ian) McLaren in 1944, Stanley in 1945 and one sister; Margaret Finley in 1979. He leaves to mourn his passing his six children; June McLennan of Vernon, B.C., Doris Overton of Kelowna, B.C., Leslie and Erma McLaren of Portage, Grace Swidnicki of Portage, Larry and Rita of Brandon, Robert McLaren of Calgary, thirteen grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, relatives and in-laws.

Should friends so desire memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer society of Manitoba, Box 574, 21 Royal Road South, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, R1N 3B9. Funeral arrangements are in care of the Omega Funeral Home.