HUGH BLAIR MCLENAGHAN

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HUGH BLAIR MCLENAGHAN
December 31, 1927 - June 21, 2021

It's with heavy hearts we all say our goodbyes to (Hugh) Blair McLenaghan at age 93 in West Vancouver, BC.
Hugh Blair McLenaghan was born in Swan Lake, Manitoba to Lillian Blair and Frank McLenaghan. He lost his father at an early age and spent most of his youth on a farm in Glenboro, Manitoba with his mom who was a nurse. They later moved to Winnipeg and lived with a wonderful family where his mother provided nursing care and Blair attended Gordon Bell High School.
Blair excelled in sports (mainly track and field/even ran marathons into his 50s). He attended the University of Manitoba, becoming a Civil Engineer.
Early career was spent surveying, then onto different Engineering projects with Wardrop and Associates and BACM, Northern Construction, etc. where he was valued and shone as a hard working young man who made friends easily. Over the years he was also a coach, and Cub Scout leader, a golfer, a curler, a runner, and loved his fishing, and time camping with family and friends. He was proud of his Irish roots and enjoyed his Guinness, on occasion. His cooking skills were basic, but he loved to barbeque and in later years picked up the taste for Venison. His love for that beer and meat turned into "Guinesson" and when he quoted the term, we'd smile and love him all the more.
He was a real family man to the end and the whole family spent a wonderful and memorable week in Vancouver just before the Covid-19 pandemic arrived in Canada. The sun was miraculously shining for most of our stay during that late winter stay. Dad was taken care of very well at Revera Hollyburn House in West Vancouver in recent years then Amica Lions Gate and we thank all the staff for all they did for Dad.
A close family friend was asked by my dad decades ago to read "The cremation of Sam McGee" at his funeral. If you are inclined, look it up, read it and think of Dad. Dad is being cremated as he wished. We have chosen not to have a live memorial service at this time based on Covid and travel restrictions.
Dad's wife of 67 years, my mom Gaynelle predeceased him in April of 2018 for a similar ailment, then son (my brother) Patrick exactly six months ago to the day. Blair is survived by his son Bob, his grandchildren, Shayla and Devan, his partner Sabine and their new baby boy - great-grandchild Jaylen.
If you care to make a gesture in memory of Dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, Hugh Blair McLenaghan, please donate to the Dementia/Alzheimer Society.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 10, 2021