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Hugh Charlton RENNIE

1940 - 2022

Hugh Charlton RENNIE obituary, 1940-2022, Toronto, ON

BORN

1940

DIED

2022

FUNERAL HOME

Hugh RENNIE Obituary

HUGH CHARLTON RENNIE "You have failed only when you have failed to try. Act as if it is impossible to fail, and it will be." The motto of a remarkable man - HUGH CHARLTON RENNIE May 11, 1940 - January 2, 2022 Surrounded by his family at home, Hugh, or more affectionately known as Hughie or Bumpa, peacefully passed away from a very brief battle with cancer. Born to Walter and Margaret Rennie, Hughie grew up in Toronto with his sister Penny (Harris). He attended Upper Canada College and went on to become a teacher - a profession that followed him throughout his life. In his early career he taught High School and physically challenged children. He then transitioned to Motivational Speaking and Business Writing Skills that took him into corporations across North America. Hughie was the master of bullet points and short sentences! Hughie's passion in life was Camp Oochigeas, a residential summer camp for children with cancer; the first of its kind in Canada. As the charismatic founding Camp Director in 1983, the first summer had only 38 campers. Today over 1,600 lucky children experience the magic of Ooch throughout the year. A former camper described Uncle Hughie as a superhero - "a superhuman being that had such a positive impact on my life and so many others". His greatest love was his three ladies - Janice, the love of his life for 63 years: and his two adored daughters, Julie Stanton and Katie Osler. And nothing brought Bumpa more joy than the company of his two sons-in-law, Tom Stanton and Matthew Osler and his five grandchildren - Madeline, Charlie and Allie Stanton, and Megan and Cameron Osler. They were the light in his life, and he would do anything for them! His generous heart was boundless. Bumpa embraced two simple things in life: sitting on his white sofa with a roaring fire at Ski Inn and standing on his dock at sunset at Ren's Nest with a drink in hand giving his garden one last water for the day. Bumpa, we promise to keep the fire burning and the daisies well-watered. Hughie lived his life to the fullest. Anyone who was lucky enough to cross his path became a friend for life. He built a lifetime of friendships with his positive attitude, infectious energy, and generosity of spirit. Everyone felt better after an encounter with Hughie! When permitted, we will host a celebration to honour Hughie. In the meantime enjoy a "Bumpa pour" of "What's on Hughie's Mind" and toast a most remarkable husband, dad, Bumpa and friend - our beloved Hugh Rennie. "If you can dream it, you can do it!" Hughie. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Hughie's honour to The Hugh Rennie Memorial at Camp Oochigeas - https://campfirecircle.org/hugh-rennie. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.
Published by The Globe and Mail from Jan. 8 to Jan. 12, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Hugh RENNIE

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30 Entries

Dorothy Hall (mom of former ooch camper, Jamie Hall

March 9, 2023

I first met Hugh Rennie at a ski day my son, Jamie Hall, was invited to because he was an Ooch camper. It was a charity event & because my son was skiing a friend & I volunteered to sell raffle tickets. We didn't know anyone, but Hugh was kind and welcoming and made us feel special. We had so much fun we returned the following year. At a camp reunion I chatted with Hugh and asked why he started Camp Ooch. He simply replied, "because I could" So sorry for your loss.

Jim E Cox

September 9, 2022

Was reflecting and wondered what about Hugh Rennie? ... Just saw posting of his passing ladt January and I am so sad ... I was fresh out of school ...b Business Manager of Rosseau Lake College in the summer of 1988 ... wow what a passionate guy I had to balance from his visions of Ooch and me a 22 year old saying ya Mr. Rennie I think it's OK if we put 50 tents up in back soccer field this year. He never stopped and his passion was contagious ... u will notice nearly 35 yrs later I adapted and continue today with the .... dot dot dot ... bc back in late 80,s every correspondence I got from Hugh was like talking to him ... Jimmy can we do this ... people arriving ... did u confirm ... and always ending with Jimmy you are the best! Jimmy you make so much happen!!!! Best motivator!
Sorry to hear ... you are a Legend Hugh Rennie RIP my friend
Jim Cox
Business Manager
Rosseau Lake College
1988 - 2011

Joel Schulz

August 8, 2022

Hugh was my home room teacher in 61-62 and 62-63. No teacher ever impacted my life in a positive way as he did. I had many learning issues and he helped through them in such a way that what I learned from him took me throughout high school and university. A giant of a man has passed away. My condolences to all those impacted by his life.

John Wildman

February 1, 2022

Hughie was a wonderful, always enthusiastic personality. We old timers at "the "Whiff of Grape" always jostled to sit at his table to hear his great stories and those he brought out in others.
God bless your family at this sad time. John

Peter Cohen

January 30, 2022

You were a good teacher.

Jerry Rynda

January 28, 2022

I am so so heart broken. This man taught me to make the perfect martini and how to be the most confident in any situation. To tell stories and to remember how we will be remembered. Hugh will be so remembered and always hold a place in my heart. Xo jerry

Michelle & Marty

January 25, 2022

We are saddened by your loss. Sending you lots of love.

Trevor Currie

January 17, 2022

Hugh was a force. I was fortunate to experience the wonder of Hugh Rennie in many ways. As a participant in one of his seminars at Niagara on the Lake. As the most enthusiastic of clients when Rick, Nico, John and I did some maintenance at the Rennie cottage over thirty summers ago. And as a leader who helped to chart the course of a remarkable charity where I volunteered. "What do we think of Hugh?!"

Tim Carter and Suzanne Hughes

January 15, 2022

Camp Ooch only became a reality through Hugh´s direction and leadership.

Frank Huggins

January 13, 2022

Jan- I´m so sorry to hear of Hugh´s passing. I have such warm memories of " the most enthusiastic guy in Canada!" It was so great to see you and Hugh last month at Currie´s. All the best to you and your extended family. Frank

Pat & Pat Kiely

January 12, 2022

Janice, Julie and Katie: We are so saddened to read today that Hugh died. Please accept our condolences and know you are in our thoughts! Hugh was bigger than life itself and he will always be with you. Much love from too far away!

J. Kirby best

January 12, 2022

The world has lost a great person. You could always count on Hugh to brighten your day. He was bigger than life and made everyone at Ooch feel special no matter what their position. We shared a cabin one year at Ooch - he would drop into bed at 2:00 am after a staff meeting and would be going full tilt by 6:00am the next morning with more enthusiasm and life every day. His energy was infectious and his love for every child was limitless.
Janice, Katie, Julie, we are so sorry for your loss but thank you for sharing him with all of us. Loads of love, Kirb

Bonnie Otto

January 10, 2022

I am so saddened to learn today of the passing of this remarkable man in every way .My deepest sympathy to the whole Rennie family.I first met him as my Grade 7 teacher ( all of his students loved him) .. Five of us were delighted to have visits with him in recent years . He stimulated smiles and great conversation and was genuinely interested in us and was always so animated when talking about his beautiful family.He will be missed so so much.
Bonnie Otto

perla sellouk

January 9, 2022

To Janice, Julie, Katy and family.
We were so saddened to hear of Hugh´s passing.
Our deepest condolences to the family.
May he Rest In Peace.

Gaby and perla.

Victoria Tait

January 9, 2022

To Janice, Julie, Katie and family,
I'm so very sorry to hear this news. I have such fond memories of Hughie from my HC days - what a warm, generous, comforting human he was. Fortunately, his loving and positive spirit lives on in all of you, in your friends, and in everyone touched by Ooch.

Hugs from Vancouver to you all.

Vic

Bob and Kathy Metcalfe

January 9, 2022

Hughie was without a doubt one of the most enthusiastic guys we have ever had the privilege of meeting. We had a lot of fun as well on Team Sunday at Osler Bluff. Kathy and I will plant a lovely Pine tree on our island in Georgian Bay facing due west where he can watch the wonderful sunsets and it will be called Hughie´s special view.

Spencer Lanthier

January 9, 2022

Janice and Family: We were deeply saddened to learn of Hugh's passing. He was a good man. Our sincere sympathies on your loss.
Spencer Lanthier & Diana Bennett.

Jim Dykes

January 8, 2022

Thanks for all the incredible memories Hughie and your leadership and vision!

Neil Mens

January 8, 2022

Hughie was an inspiration for so many of us on the volunteer staff and board of Ooch. Like the north star burning brightly. I will never forget him walking into every cabin at camp each morning playing playing Louis Armstrong's song " What a wonderful world". He was the epitome of a community builder. My condolences to the family.

Laurie Ogilvie Melbourne

January 8, 2022

Our sympathy to all the family. I always loved seeing Hugh. He was never without his infectious smile and genuine interest in how everyone was. He was cherished and will be truly missed.

Michael Brewer

January 8, 2022

Many great encounters with Hugh, always fun, curious and generous. Smiling as I think of him. So much heart. My condolences Janice, Julie and Katie.

Cailey Heaps

January 8, 2022

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I hope your years of happy memories ease the pain. Sending love to you all.

Hilary Kaplinski

January 8, 2022

I was lucky enough to know Hugh thru Oochigeas as one of the first campers and I was in love with him from the moment we met. He was a larger than life person who made you instantly at ease and part of his Oochigeas family. I will never forget him and I offer my deepest condolences to the entire Rennie clan.

Martha (Hart) McDougall

January 8, 2022

I know I am a better person for having known Hughie for so many years. He always made me feel so welcome in his home. I have so many warm memories of Hughie, but I will always be so thankful to him for stepping up to be my keynote speaker at the OCA conference I ran many years ago in TO when I directed Mooredale Day Camp. Not surprisingly, we wowed the audience with his incredible speech and was true inspiration to everyone in the audience. I have never forgotten that generosity- that was Hughie

Anna Miller

January 8, 2022

The world was a better place with Hugh in it. I am heartbroken, but at the same time, I am thankful to have known him. My deepest condolences to the family. Rest in peace, Hughie.

LORNA DALE PARKINSON

January 8, 2022

Friday evening..a long trip from N. Ontario, 2 excited girls,,and there was Geneva Park..L.Couchiching..and a man in a red shirt..His welcome, as big as that great smile, embraced us all..From that evening , before FirstCamp officially started next day,"Uncle Hughie" became an integral part of our lives.....Thank you, Hugh..Thank you, Rennie family, for sharing this beautiful soul with all of us.

Beverley & James Williams

January 8, 2022

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Pamela & Larry Stevenson

January 8, 2022

Truer words were never said: Once you'd met Hughie, you had a friend for life. With our deepest condolences, to Jannie, Julie and Katie, plus all the grands. Love, Pamela and Larry

Pat Davidson

January 8, 2022

This is such a wonderful description of all the aspects of Hughie´s exceptional life. He has touched countless people in so many ways. Ooch is the outstanding example of his enduring legacy.

Jane Mehlenbacher

January 8, 2022

My deepest sympathies to you all. It´s so very sad.

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Memorial Events
for Hugh RENNIE

Funeral services provided by:

Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles - Newbigging Chapel Limited

1403 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4G 3A8