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Hugh Geoffrey Worthington Wilmer left his post at the age of 93 after a courageous battle; he slipped away surrounded by loved ones. He leaves behind his wife Phillippa of 67 years, his four children, Phillip (Nancy), Fergus (Jennifer), Roderick (Jennifer), and Juliet (Steven) and his beloved grandchildren, Morgan, Angus, Cameron, Rory, Vivian and Stuart. He was predeceased by his brother Andrew (Lyndal), and leaves his nephew Giles and niece Jessica in Australia. Hugh had a generous life. Born in London UK, he attended Wellington College and RMA Sandhurst during the war years. He served with the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) in Trieste, Aden, and in active duty in Malaysia where he met his future wife, the daughter of his commanding officer. Hugh retired from the British Army to farm in Kenya and once that adventure became too dangerous for his growing family he returned to Scotland to begin a career in finance. In 1966, he jumped at the opportunity to immigrate to Canada and his career flourished in Montreal and Toronto, as did his young family who never looked back. In 1998 he retired to focus on one of his passions, farming in Grafton ON, “Old soldiers never die they just fade away”. Hugh came from a generation that just got on with it, never complaining and faithful to the end. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at the Golden Plough Lodge. Memorial donations may be made to MAOCP Mzuzu Children’s Fund https://stpeterscobourg.org/outreach/international/mzuzu-2/
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
MAOCP Mzuzu Children’s Fund
So sorry to hear of Hugh’s passing. I commuted with him to toronto on the bus many years ago and he was interesting and so engaging… Four of us went to night court in toronto to testify on behalf of our bus driver, who had been charged unfairly while descending the DVP. I think the bus driver drove us up in his volkswagon. There was tension on the way up, as we weren’t sure if our bus driver would lose his job over the charge. We were all determined to see him walk. But when we appeared in court, the policeman who had charged our driver didn’t show up, so it was mission accomplished. Case dismissed. we rode home chattering like jubilant school boys, who had pulled of a daring prank.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
MAOCP Mzuzu Children’s Fund
I had the pleasure of working with Hugh Wilmer in investment banking for nearly ten years. That is not an easy business. Hugh always had a positive disposition. He never hesitated with a kind and meaningful word to say. That rubbed off on our colleagues and also our clients. After we closed one large transaction, my wife and I decided to visit him in Hermanus South Africa where he and Phillippa would spend a month or two every winter. We had a great time visiting local sights and the nearby wine districts. Hugh will be sorely missed by many.
Dear Juliette Just wanted to let you know I’ve been thinking of you. I’m feel very blessed to have met you and I enjoyed our quick conversations before going to visit you Dad. My condolences to you and your family.
Dear Phillippa, we were so sorry to hear this news and send our sincere condolences. One memory of Hugh was one of great surprise to bump into him in the most unlikely place - the gift shop at the Chemainus Theatre here on Vancouver Island. We were browsing the store during intermission, I looked up I saw Hugh and, I hope I didn't shriek, I asked him what he was doing so far away from Grafton! It was a happy coincidence, he was visiting your son and so we four ended up in an unusual place at the same time. We hope to visit Cobourg soon and would enjoy the opportunity to share more memories, like the time we adopted one of your kittens!
Dear Phillippa, I just wanted to pass on our condolences to you and your family. Hugh and you were such good friends of my parents and as I read Hugh’s obituary I can almost hear his distinctive accent talking to Angus in our back yard. Always an interesting conversation was had when the 2 of them got together. Sorry to hear of his passing. Brian and Kym Read
Dear Phillipa; We’re are so sorry for your loss. We have such fond memories of you and Hugh from our bike and barge holiday in Holland. With sincere condolences, Jennifer and David
Dear Juliet, I am so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. Sending hugs your way. I’m here if you need me. Love your friend Sibylle
Phillipa and family, we are so sorry to hear of Hugh's passing - a gentleman of the first order. May your memories sustain you in the days to come. Daphne & Bill King
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of Mr. Wilmer. I had not kept up how he was doing since leaving the bank, but think of Phillippa and Juliet quite often. I am sending hugs and thoughts your way. Joyce
Dear Phillipa and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. With sincere condolences, Patricia
Sincere condolences to Hugh's family. His African experience made him a valuable member of the MAOCP committee, providing assistance to 250 AIDS orphans through St Mark's Anglican Church in Mzuzu, Malawi. His gracious and kind manner made it a joy to know him. May God bless and comfort each of you in your loss.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
MAOCP Mzuzu Children’s Fund
Well, Hugh "just got with it" and cut all sorts of branches to decorate the St. Peter's when I asked him. Such an enjoyable time out around the property on those fall days! I'm so thankful for the memories. What a great life he had! He will be missed. With sympathy, Liz
Dear Phillipa, Phil, Fergus, Rod and Juliet, We are so sad to hear about Hugh and our sincere codolences go out to you all. We are thinking of many wonderful times shared. Love, Peter and Wendy
Sincere condolences Phillippa to you and your family on the passing of Hugh. He was a true gentleman and we have wonderful memories of times spent together. Sending love your way. Tony and Carol Farren
Phillippa and family; sorry to hear of Hugh’s passing. A life well lived.