Colonel (Retired) Gregory George Hug, CD
Greg passed away at age 70, on Friday, June 16, 2023, at St. Vincent’s Hospital with his devoted and loving wife, Maria, by his side. His life changed drastically in February 2016 when Greg had an accident, while on vacation in Barbados, which left him a quadriplegic. Last year a cancer diagnosis further limited the amount of time Greg had remaining on this earth.
Born to Shirley and George Hug in Montreal on December 24, 1952, Greg is survived by his wife Maria, his daughters Laura (Alexander), Christina and Angela (Ben); his grandchildren, Gus, Kate, Eamon and Pippa. He will be missed by his brother Stephen (Nancy) and sisters Cheryl (Jamie) and Heather (Neil), also by his brother-in-law Peter (Miae) and sister-in-law Grace (Charles). His many cousins, nephews and nieces will also miss his presence in their lives.
Greg was physically active. He loved cycling, hunting, fishing, swimming, was an accomplished skier and loved to travel. He was an avid camper and created lasting memories with his daughters of family camping vacations. His love of the outdoors began at his grandparent’s camp on the Rouge River where he spent summers fishing with his brother and reading on the screened porch.
Greg was intelligent, candid, dedicated, courageous, and a loyal friend. He made lasting friendships especially during his military career. He had a deep sense of family responsibility. He was a very loving husband, father and grandfather. He was extremely proud of his daughters and their accomplishments. Greg loved roughhousing with children of all ages, he would tease his grandkids that he would “flatten them like a pancake”, and make them giggle!
Greg had a distinguished 30 year military career which began in 1969 at College Militaire Royal. He graduated from the Royal Military College in engineering management in 1974. The highlights were his years as Commanding Officer of the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) in Calgary from 1991 to 1993 and his posting as the Chief of Staff and Canadian Contingent Commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force on the Golan Heights from 1995 to 1997.
Greg made a difference in people’s lives. His perseverance and determination were an inspiration for all. In 2015 Greg was named Colonel of the Regiment, a huge honour of which he was immensely proud. After his accident he tried to tender his resignation because he felt he could not physically carry out his duties. The Regiment refused and asked him to fulfill his term in whatever capacity he was able. This opportunity provided the impetus and purpose Greg needed to carry on. For his many years of work with the Strathcona Board of Directors, Greg received the Governor General’s Volunteer Award in May 2022 at Rideau Hall.
Greg’s civilian career began in 1999. He created his own company, MAGI Consulting, to provide advice and training in strategic planning, project management and performance management. He found this job very fulfilling and mentored others. He retired in 2015.
In 2020 Greg moved from The Ottawa Hospital to the Complex Critical Care unit of St. Vincent’s. He and Maria, as valued members of the Patient and Family Advisory Committee, made significant contributions to the lives of patients at St. Vincent’s by influencing the easing of Covid lockdown conditions. In an unprecedented move, the hospital administration invited Greg to join their Operations Committee where he was instrumental in steering the hospital to become more patient-centric.
The family requests that donations be made to The Ottawa Hospital Foundation.
Digital Guestbook
Kimberley ( Fletcher) Brideau
Maryanne Kelly
Dear Hug family,
We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Greg. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. We often think fondly of our Christmas visit to Canada when we stayed with Greg and Maria. Greg took us under his wing, taking us cross country skiing and treating us to his pumpkin pie and goose sausages!
His strength, determination and perseverance were an inspiration.
May he rest in peace.
Maryanne, Marcus, Sophie and Henry
Richard Bickley
Deepest condolences to the family and close friends. Our path separated after college but I was fortunate enough to see him at our 50th anniversary in St Jean. It’a a privilege to have known him.
Robert Hicks
I did not serve with him, but I heard of him and his energy. My condolences to his family and friends.
You're a soldier,
So be bolder,
To give your best.
Live life with zest.
Peter & Marian Furnell
Greg, a fine soldier, but more importantly a great friend. From our days as subbies all the way to CO and 2IC, we shared a bond that will never be broken. Rest in peace my friend.
To Maria and family, our condolences and of course HUGS and kisses.
Rachel and Bryan Forsyth
Greg was an outstanding man in so many ways, but it is his courage I will remember most. Faced with a terrible challenge he not only persevered but set an example of how great people confront adversity. His passing leaves a hole in my heart but also pride that I had the opportunity to know him.
Larry and Donna Found
Rest in peace my friend. I met Greg in 1974 when the Strathcona’s were based in Calgary. Greg was a recent RMC grad and Regimental veteran of a few months, and I was a lowly OCdt on contact training between BOTC and Phase trg in Gagetown. We were both 21. Very early in our tour, Greg and I spent a couple weeks together as Umpires for a US Marine Company on Ex Potlach on the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Seasick, HMCS Provider, USN Barber County, jack stay transfer ship to ship, 10 days in the Island jungle...Greg and I became great friends during that experience. I return to Regiment in late 1975 following Phase trg in Gagetown as a Tp Ldr in C sqn. Bill Fox was our fearless leader and Greg was the sqn AO. Those were some of the best years of our lives; Steve M, Peter F, Cam R, Sterling K (Too many others to list everyone) all lived beside each other in PMQs, appropriately on or off of Moreuil Wood Drive. We were all newly married (Steve?), had our first kids and dogs (Rastis was Greg's canine pal) together. Greg and I spend hours playing fetch with our dogs. We had no money and few possessions, but we were all great friends. Greg and I managed a few fishing trips, and the group did organize a number of camping excursion. We worked together and played together. After I resigned my commission, I wish Greg and I had kept closer contact, other than a few phone calls. Had the opportunity to see Greg and Pete while they attended Staff College in Toronto (late 80s) and then after Greg’s horrible accident, we spent a few hours together in hospital in Ottawa reminiscing. Greg was a great officer and an even better friend. He was intelligent, fearless, and never backed down from an opportunity to challenge dogma. He was representative of our moto, perseverance. Deepest sympathy to all of Greg’s family and friends.
Chris Dawson
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Hug family. Wishing you peace and comfort during these difficult days.
James Lloyd 10444
I remember Greg fondly from our time in Hudson squadron. Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori. From the comments I have read, this can truthfully be said of him. My condolences to his wife and entire family.
Peter Hoes
Once Greg could have visitors after his accident, I was honoured to be able to visit him fairly regularly and stay in near daily e-mail contact with him. I was always in awe of his mental strength and how he used it to adapt to his situation.
It was always truly inspiring for me and we will not soon forget the example he set for us with his care snd concern for Maria and his family, his friends, his RMC classmates, his Regiment, and his fellow patients at St Vincent’s. We are all better for having known him. Rest in Peace my friend. Your work is done.
Trish and I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Maria and family.
Maria, I am at a loss for words to convey my deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Greg and you are the truest example of perseverance, courage and love.
Rest in Peace Greg