Peacefully at home surrounded by his children Stephen (Cassandra), Christopher, David (Holly) and Erin Kee. He is now reunited with his beloved wife Dee (Elrick) and leaves his cherished grandchildren Anastasia, Mariska, David, Devon and Caden. Survived by his siblings, Edward and Deborah, he is predeceased by his sister Eleanor and his parents Stephen and Margaret (Laidlaw). He is also predeceased by Dee’s parents John (Jock) and Nora Elrick and her brother John, all of whom Hugh remained very devoted to after her passing. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins both in Canada and England.
Born and raised in Montréal, Hugh was educated at Lower Canada College where his father taught and was Headmaster for 27 years. He then attended Carleton University in Ottawa receiving his B.A. During one fortunate summer while working as Head Counsellor at Powter’s Camp in the Laurentians, he met Dee Elrick. They married shortly thereafter and remained so for over thirty years. Hugh and Dee lived and raised their family largely in Ottawa where he enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a Literature and History teacher at Ashbury College. Hugh took two sabbaticals, one at Stowe School in England from 1977-79, and the other at the International School of Hamburg from 1985-87. He cherished these experiences not only professionally, but for what they afforded him personally and the lasting influence they had on his children.
Hugh was an enviable athlete throughout his life. Notably, he came off the bench to quarterback Lower Canada College to the Senior Championship in 1960. He went on to coach football at Ashbury among a litany of other sports throughout his career. He had a mischievous joy of competition delighting in defeating his children at anything from tennis to table-hockey to cards.
Another of Hugh’s passions was for reading and writing. He was a voracious reader of literature, history, biographical tombs of historical figures, in particular. Hugh was a staunch believer in the power of the written word. He possessed an intimidating vocabulary, but only used it with benevolence. This command of the language was also the foundation for his intelligent and legendarily dry sense of humour.
This legacy of building a sound body and mind lives on in Hugh’s children, grandchildren and in the generations of students he influenced.
The family would like to extend special thanks to all the dedicated caregivers who made Hugh’s final years more comfortable, with heartfelt appreciation to Winona who went above and beyond in her care.
There will be a celebration of Hugh’s life on Saturday, July 20th from 2pm-5pm at the Champlain Towers, 200 Rideau Terrace. Please use the main entrance. Dress is summer casual and there is no fixed program, thus a flowing start time. Come when you can and enjoy beer, wine, snacks and, most importantly, come ready to share your memories of Hugh. Street parking is available.
Memorial donations can be made to The Children’s Aid Society, an organization for which he did years of volunteer work and one that was close to his heart.
https://cafott.ca/ways-to-give
Digital Guestbook
Peter, Rosemarie, Emily and Neil MacFarlane
Simon Cairns
I was a student of Mr. Penton during the 1987-1990 years at Ashbury College, and had the privilege of graduating with his wonderful son Steve. Please pass on my regards.
Omar Tareen and the Tareen family
Please accept out deepest condolences to the whole Penton family on the passing of Hugh. He had a tremendous influence on all the students he taught. He leaves behind a great legacy, and a life well lived.
Stephen Rigby
I attended Ashbury from 1969 to 1975 and Hugh was a teacher and sports coach of mine for much of that time. He was a wonderful man and a fine teacher. I can only imagine the number of students that he influenced over the years. I shall always hold the abiding memory of seeing him walking home from the school past our house most days, his loping stride, swinging his briefcase. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Rick Parsons
Hugh was a wonderful, kind and compassionate person. As a mentor he was generous, erudite, forgiving and inspiring. He always carried himself with grace and a wry smile that reflected his amiable nature and a sense of insight and wisdom. He enriched so many lives and he will be remembered fondly. My deep condolences to the entire family - and especially David.
Vram Malek
Our deepest condolences to the family on this sad news. Mr. Penton was an example of kindness and compassion. I was a student of his at Ashbury College in the late 80s. Thank you for being such an inspiration.
Salvatore M. Spadafora
I first met Mr. Penton in 1983 during my entrance exams and interview at Ashbury College. He was my IB English teacher, taught me to write properly, and was our Den Master when I was a boarder. Like many of his students his calm presence and influence shaped who I was as a young person finding my way in the world. I saw him several times over the years at reunion events. Always a smile, a kind quiet word, and great interest in what was going on in my life. I am grateful to have had him impact my life and I am saddened to learn of his passing. Rest In peace Mr. Penton and condolences to his family.
Dugald Seely
I remember Mr. Penton well as a superb teacher, warm and caring man at Ashbury College in the late 80s. Wishing family and friends healing contemplation and condolences in this loss to the community.
Nigel Pickering
Fond memories of Mr Penton as my english teacher at Ashbury College...condolences his friends and family...R.I.P, sir.
Martha Butler
Mr Penton was one of the best teachers I ever had. His evident but understated passion for literature made his students want to be better scholars, and his kindness made us want to be better people.
Mr Penton had a huge impact on my education and the person I became. I owe him a great deal.
Hugh was a gentleman indeed. He played a part in improving the quality of life for many. Thanks for the numerous memories our families have shared.
We send our condolences to the entire Penton family.