HUGH COLBOURNE NANTON

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HUGH COLBOURNE NANTON Celebration of Life Celebrating a life is a wonderful gift. Hugh Colbourne Nanton at the age of 80 strong years passed away suddenly on March 29, 2010 at his retirement home in Winnipeg. Hugh was born on September 25, 1929 in Winnipeg. Second son of four children born to Edward and Margaret Nanton, Hugh is survived by his loving sister Esme Lyons and predeceased by brother Gus Nanton and sister Diana MacIvor. Hugh was married to the love of his life Aileen Nanton (nee Gregory) on September 15, 1950 at St. Georges Anglican Church. Hugh and Aileen lived a wonderful life having so many friends and family who loved them both. Their three loving and proud sons and daughters-in-law, Geoff and wife Astrid, Greg and wife Irene and Bruce and wife Zeljka will miss him dearly but are forever grateful that he has returned to his one true love who left us May 27, 1997. Hugh was able to spend time recently with the entire family celebrating his 80th birthday with all his children and grandchildren. His loving grandchildren, Taylor, Tessa, Marshall, Trevor, Rebecca and Natalie have wonderful memories that will last their lifetimes of how special Grandpa was to everyone. A proud Manitoban and Canadian, Hugh was born and raised and spent his entire life in Winnipeg. After graduating, he immediately entered the workforce dedicating over 41 years to Great West Life making many friends and ending his career in 1989 as Director, Individual Operations. In addition to his work, he was also active in the community helping with the successful Pan American Games in Winnipeg in 1967. Three years later in 1970 he was also recognized with Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for his outstanding contributions to the Manitoba World Invitational Gymnastics Tournament. A founding member of FOASIIYE (you will have to ask the members what this stands for) Hugh had tremendous friendships that have lasted for years. The Group has been meeting consecutively for over 35 years and Hugh would often tell his children of the hilarious events, games, camaraderie and love that has been shared among all the members over the years. Christmas Eve at the Shannon's was part of growing up in the Nanton family. Christmas carols, music and singing into the wee hours of the evening was something that we all looked forward to and continues today. The annual Christmas parties at either the Nanton home or Gillis clan were legendary with ridiculous games of charades, always too much food and loads and loads of children and grandchildren. For over 38 years these two families have shared their Christmas memories together and Hugh looked forward to each and every year. Hugh's other love was Lake of the Woods where he was blessed to have been able to spend time as a child growing up and years later to purchase land on Mackies Island and build his own family cottage. So many stories of family and friends came from those times at the cottage from Joe and Carolyn Graham's Teddy Bear picnics to relatives from as far away as the UK coming to visit and to see the Lake again. Hugh taught his sons how to build a cottage and a family by doing it all together. He spent many weekends working on the cottage and then taking the kids tubing for just a little ride where someone inevitably was left with some minor injury as he whipped them around and through the waves. Hugh sold the cottage shortly after Aileen passed away and he told his sons it was just the right thing to do. He wanted them to build the same memories that he was able to with their kids and all of them have been fortunate to be doing so. It is a time to celebrate the life of a proud and special man and we invite all of you to attend the service of Hugh Colbourne Nanton to be held: Date: Friday, April 9, 2010 Time: 1:00 p.m. Location: Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church 500 Lagimodiere Blvd. (204) 253-8464 In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in memoriam to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (204) 949-2000 or www.heartandstroke.mb.ca. Treasure each other, the years pass so swiftly.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 03, 2010