HUGH COMACK

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

• May Hugh rest in peace. He will be missed. - Posted by: Ric and Nero (Pet Visitor at Deer Lodge) on: May 19, 2013

• Although our family had anticipated the end of my Dad's life for some time, as his failing health had been a continued stress both for him and my Mom, his death a few weeks ago has precipitated a depth of grief that is hard to contemplate. He was a great man, for all of us and many who had contact with him over his lifetime. I am left with the eternal feeling of gratitude for his courage in fighting against the odds that were presented to him as a small boy, the challenge he volunteered for as an 18 year old when he joined the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders and the indominatable strength of character that had him survive the landing at Dieppe at age 21 in 1942. His enduring legacy will always be that he fought the good fight to the very end and that he valued truth and integrity all of his life. Without his determination to succeed, we would not be who we are today, because really he was fighting for us and our future. He will always be remembered for his high expectations, his incredible sense of humour and to the last moments of his life, his ability to stay in command of his situation. Commander to the end. Life will never be the same without him. - Posted by: Margret Comack (eldest daughter) on: May 01, 2013

• I remember Hugh and Agnes with great affection. When they came into my store at West Hawk lake there was always a good laugh. When Hugh was unable to get around easily in later years, I would visit with him as he sat in the car while Agnes shopped. It was at those times that I got to know him a lot better and to appreciate his sense of humour. He will be missed. - Posted by: Beverley Mason (Majors Service Centre Store West Hawk Lake Owner) on: Apr 25, 2013

• Beloved Uncle Hughie. I have so many wonderful, happy memories of time spent with you. As a little girl in Port Arthur, I remember the days when we were told Hughie and Agnes were coming for a visit. The happy excitement filled our little house on Rupert Street. My dad, Caryl Byers, would then start working on his "next" trick, in order to get "one up" on his "brother-in-law" from Winnipeg. They always tried to outdo each other in the joke department. The Comacks would arrive and laughter would fill the little house on Rupert Street. We would sit around the dining room table and then, with breathless anticipation would come the opening of Uncle Hugh's "famous" bottle of liquers. Hughie would pour a "wee" one, and then light a match. The flames would rise, and then "ooh's and Ahhs". We didn't want to go to bed for fear that we would miss something. Once in bed, we could hear the roar of laughter coming from downstairs. Always happy memories surrounded time spent with the Comacks. Summers at Winnipeg Beach, long, dusty drives to Winnipeg, 91 Hazeldell, all bring a smile to my face. I envied my cousins for having both you, Hughie and Agnes as parents. I so looked up to Hughie that I decided that I wanted to join the Port Arthur Girls Pipe Band. In my little girl's mind, I wanted to somehow pay tribute to my sweet, loving uncle. The uncle who always made me feel special and loved. God Bless dear special man. I know my Dad was waiting to greet you and the funny thing is that you got the last laugh. - Posted by: Carolyn (Byers) Easter (Niece) on: Apr 22, 2013

• Met Hugh Comack by fate chance in the late 70s to find out he had saved my grandfather's life at Dieppe. Nester Orlesky had been severely wounded and Hugh dug him into the beach at Dieppe until he could be carried off of it. Thanks General for sharing those pictures. Say hi to grandpa Nero for us. God Speed sir!! - Posted by: Shane Hardwick (Friend) on: Apr 21, 2013

• I was a member of 407 Queen's Own Cameron Highlander Cadet Corp in the mid-1960s. Although I never actually met Brigadier Comack, his name was very familiar to me and any time he inspected our corp was preceded by late nights spent polishing brass and making sure our kit was immaculate. At the time, I knew little of him. But after reading his obituary, I am comforted in the knowlege that the respect I had for him at the time was well-founded. Deepest sympathies to the family. - Posted by: Dunc Malcolm () on: Apr 21, 2013

• Nice tribute, Roger Currie. Thank you for your service, Mr. Comack. God Bless You. - Posted by: Charlie (A grateful Canadian) on: Apr 20, 2013

• This past week I lost a dear friend who served with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders on that stony beach at Dieppe. It was August 19, 1942 – Canada’s darkest day in World War Two. Hugh Comack was a young signalman that day, and I guess you could say he was one of the lucky ones. He wasn’t seriously hurt, and he didn’t end up in a German prison camp. But the horror that he saw as a 21 year old stayed with him until he died at the age of 92. Hugh Comack continued to serve his regiment for many years after the war, rising to the rank of Brigadier General. I first met him almost 40 years after that dreadful August day. He sat down for an interview that left me speechless. He said “Imagine standing at center field in Winnipeg Stadium, with machine guns firing at you from the upper decks on both sides. That was the scene on that beach.” We chatted several more times on the 19th of August, and Hugh would often be commemorating the occasion at his family cottage in the Whiteshell. A few years ago he was knocked down by a stroke, and he spent his remaining days at Deer Lodge Centre in Winnipeg. He married Agnes Bardal just after the war. She had been a nurse at Deer Lodge, and they were together almost 67 years. I first visited them just about a year ago. Hugh said he was honoured that I came to see him. I told him it was I who was honoured, as all Canadians should be. I shall miss him. - Posted by: Roger Currie (friend) on: Apr 20, 2013

• My uncle Hugh always made me feel special and important. He would take the time in his busy life to talk and tease and show his love for all of his family in many special ways. Even last October when I was able to visit with him and my favorite Aunty Agnes he rose to the occasion with his love and appreciation for my being there to visit with him. We have all lost a wonderful human being. Good bye "Best Uncle". - Posted by: Karla Thomson (Niece) on: Apr 20, 2013