Hugh Edward McColgan

1929 - 2022

Aug. 4, 1929 - Feb. 24, 2022 Hugh Edward McColgan, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and long time resident of South Pasadena died peacefully on February 24, 2022 at 92. A gifted attorney, tennis player, avid reader and history buff, Hugh was married to Lily McColgan for 35 years and spent most of his law career at his private practice, McColgan and Vanni in Pasadena. Born on August 4, 1929 in Alhambra, Hugh was one of five children born to Hugh John and Katherine McColgan. He graduated from South Pasadena High school in 1947. He spent time at Pasadena City College and Glendale Junior college where he played water polo. In 1950, he was drafted into the Army where he served in El Paso, TX, Fort Gordon in GA and at the Presidio in San Francisco. After his service, he attended USC before enrolling at Loyola Law School. In 1954 he married Diane Hayward. They resided in West Covina for a few years before moving to South Pasadena where they raised five children, Kathleen, John, Kerry, Leighann and Erin, the first two while attending law school. During this period, he took care of his family by roofing until graduating and passing the California State Bar in 1957. He joined a large Los Angeles law firm for a few years, before moving to A.J. Industries where he worked as their legal council. His job required extensive travel to Juneau, Alaska, resulting in a life long love of the state and its history. He collected memorabilia during his frequent visits which he displayed on the walls of his home office. In 1970, he opened his law firm in Pasadena, McColgan & Vanni, with his law school friend Larry Vanni, that would continue to thrive for over 40 years. For much of his life, Hugh could be found playing tennis on the weekends at Live Oaks Tennis Club. He had many friends there and enjoyed their regular poker games. Until recently he preferred to care for his own yard and gave extra attention to his cherished avocado tree. Watching football, baseball, tennis and basketball were passions of his, as well. There was always a game of some sort on his TV and lots of cheering and other commentary throughout! He was a big fan of USC Football, the LA Dodgers and the Rams. Hugh combined two of his favorite things on Saturday mornings: his family and Costco. With his family in mind, he would buy thoughtful gifts to let his loved ones know he was thinking of them. He had a Christmas tradition of buying the men who had reached the designated age of twelve special athletic socks. He also routinely bought classic children's books and presented them to his great grandchildren and extended family. An avid reader himself, he could usually be found in his home office reading. Hugh was fascinated by history, especially anything related to the World Wars including the various types of aircraft and ships. World geography was also an interest of his and he could pinpoint by memory most any location in the news. In more recent years, he continued his love for reading by listening to books on tape for hours every day with his dog Emily by his side. He prided himself on being up-to-date on current events and enjoyed reading the newspaper cover to cover. Anyone that spoke with Hugh recognized his remarkable sense of humor and "sparking" wit. He loved entertaining at his home, and especially looked forward to his annual Christmas party. He was a master story teller and always had an entertaining tale to share from his past! Hugh truly loved being an attorney, so much so that he rarely took vacations. He reluctantly retired at 85, after being semi-retired and working from home for five years. He was a force in the lives of those who knew and loved him and he will be deeply missed. Hugh was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Diane, his sisters, Helen, Ann, Patricia, Catherine and his grandson Ryan. He is survived by his wife Lily, his children Kathleen McColgan, John McColgan, Kerry (Mark) de Raad, Leighann (Bob) Faley, Erin (Bob) Chetwood, Jeff (Leah) Avila, Mark Avila, 13 grand children-Madison, Brennan, Nicole, Bradley, Hannah, Jeff Jr., Kylie, Riley, Mallory, Brian, Kendel, Kyle, Thomas, 17 great-grandchildren-John, Connor, Weston, Faith, Johanna, Hudson, Theo, Cayden, Julius, Lennon, Adley, Brooklyn, Gavin, Henry, Jessalyn, Asher Hugh, and most recently Mason, who entered the world on the same day that Hugh left us in a perfect circle of life moment. In lieu of flowers, we kindly request that donations be made to City of Hope or Braille Institute. The service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, April 22, 2022 at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena, 393 N. Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101. Celebration to follow. Cabot and Sons Funeral Homes