Hugh SEGAL

HUGH SEGAL Hugh was a great Canadian. Since his passing in the early evening of August 9, 2023, Canada's political and public policy community has paid tribute to an extraordinary life spent in the service of his fellow citizens. Prime Ministers past and present have spoken of Hugh's singular contribution to his country. For five decades, Hugh was at the table when history was being made: as an adviser to former Ontario Premier, William Davis, in the early 1980s during Canada's constitutional coming of age; a decade later, as chief of staff to Prime Minister, Brian Mulroney; and later, as a candidate for the leadership of the then Progressive Conservative Party of Canada. More recently, Hugh helped lead the Commonwealth through a difficult period as the Canadian member of its Eminent Persons Group. Hugh was proud to have served and met Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The specifics of Hugh's biography constitute a list of accomplishments that have been recognized by his province, his country and academia. Hugh is a member of the Order of Ontario, is an Officer of the Order of Canada, and is the recipient of multiple honorary doctorates. But the real story of Hugh's life goes beyond the honours list. Family was always first and foremost. Hugh was smart enough to defer to his wife Donna's superior life skills, and unabashedly doted on his daughter, Jacqueline. He shared with them a lifelong love for the Habs (or, in his case, was it the steamés they served at the old Forum?) and getaways to the family cottage on Charleston Lake. Their well-being was all. Hugh celebrated their every success, and he loved them both for their unfailing support and candid advice. Hugh had an unwavering commitment to the Canadian Armed Forces; in particular, The Royal Canadian Navy and Canada's Reserve Force - including all their uniforms. He found joy in salmon fishing, and the hours before and after with his friends, in anticipation of, and recounting the one that got away. He unapologetically continued to love his BlackBerry. Hugh was a thought leader. As an author, pundit, newspaper columnist, political partisan or advocate for specific public policies, Hugh helped shape the nation's political discourse. He embraced the causes of those who had a difficult time finding a voice, or who had no voice. He could speak eloquently and passionately while making the case for a universal basic income, the value of democratic institutions, and needed foreign security and defence policy. Hugh's world was one of ideas, of engagement, not talking points. Hugh was a mentor. Whether he was in a classroom at the School of Policy Studies at Queen's, or the principal's office at Massey College; in a campaign war room or a business board room, Hugh sought out young talent and took a direct interest in their development and growth. He was proud that many of them are now in the news in their own right- leaders in business, in politics, in the world of public policy. Hugh had the courage of his convictions, based as they were on a bedrock of principle - he walked his talk. He championed the causes he embraced, whether he was at a political rally, a policy conference, in the Senate Chamber, or a corporate board room. Loyalty was a given, and generously extended to friends he loved dearly. Hugh's laugh was a defining feature of his persona, his humour at once infectious and, where warranted, mischievous. Hugh was funny all the time, even when he was irritated. His humour was often self-deprecating, always on point, witty and good-natured. Hugh's laugh and steadfast commitment to the causes he held dear, especially when the going got tough, gave rise to the descriptive 'happy warrior.' In all things and throughout his life, Hugh was emphatically both. He will be missed. Hugh is survived by his loving wife, Donna; treasured daughter, Jacqueline (Teaghan); brothers, Seymour (Marjolaine) and Brian (Bunny); brothers-in-law, Roy (Marion) and Fraser (Anna); and will be missed by many nieces and nephews. A private funeral will be held in Kingston at Grant Hall, Queen's University on Friday, August 18th, and a visitation at Robert J. Reid & Sons Funeral Home on Thursday, August 17th. A public celebration of Hugh's life will be held this September, with more details to be shared soon. The family would like to thank the staff at Kingston General Hospital ICU for their incredible and compassionate support. Hugh was a strong supporter of many causes. Consider donations in his honour to Pathways to Education Canada, Kingston Naval Cadets and Lunch by George.