HUGH COLLINS TURNBULL
May 18, 1939 - April 21, 2014
It is with profound sadness that the family of Hugh Turnbull announces his sudden passing, at the age of 74, at Selkirk General Hospital.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 52 years and his best friend, Patricia, his daughters Beth (Brian) and Allyson (Jason), and his grandchildren Andrea, David, Scott and Eliza. He will also be sadly missed by his sister Bev (Cliff), brothers Bobby (Jean) and Barry (Karen), and many nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Hughie. He was predeceased by his son Michael, mother Eliza, father Harry and brother Alexander.
Hugh was born on May 18, 1939, in Winnipeg to a close-knit family of humble means, and he grew up in East Kildonan and the North End. It didn't take long for him to make his mark as a fine athlete, although as a young boy he had to make do with old, raggedy skates with soft toes, newspapers for shin pads and anything else he could borrow to play the games he loved. A smart, talented baseball player, Hugh was a player-coach with The Pas TeePees team that won the 1959 Polar League Championship and was later inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005. He was also an outstanding football player at Isaac Newton and with the Weston Wildcats, and he even suited up as #56 for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1963. In 2010, he was inducted into the Manitoba Football Hall of Fame. The big, burly left-hander also carved out success on the golf course. A career low-handicapper and long-ball hitter at Rossmere, Elmhurst and Selkirk, Hugh won the Manitoba senior golf title in 1994 and was a three-time member of the provincial senior team.
Hugh passed on his love affair with sports, and the thrill of competition, to his children and grandchildren. Rarely did a very proud Papa miss a hockey game, horse-jumping event or dance competition. His family was absolutely everything to him, and he meant everything to us. He and Patti enjoyed special friendships with many people from Manitoba and also from across Canada and the U.S., who they met during winter months spent in The Desert', ie. Palm Springs, CA. We'll miss the way he carved up his famous baron of beef at Sunday suppers, his great big laugh when telling one of his own jokes and, mostly, those massive arms that offered warmth and safety. The passing of this wonderful man has jolted us beyond comprehension, but we feel blessed to have had him in our lives and will treasure the glorious memories of our time with Hugh... Dad... Papa.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Pulford Community Living Services Inc., 1146 Waverley St., Winnipeg, MB R3T 0P4. It is an organization that was near and dear to Hugh's heart.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Friday, April 25, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen's Anglican Church, 220 Helmsdale Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2K 0V9. A light lunch will follow.
Wojcik’s
FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIUM
1020 MAIN STREET
204 – 586 - 8668
www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com
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