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
Neil Charbonneau
Jason Spotswood
So sorry to hear about Hugh Penton's passing. He was a well respected teacher at Ashbury, and while I never had the pleasure of attending his lessons, I did benefit from his guidance and advice in the later part of my time at Ashbury.
My thoughts go out to his family and in particular Stephen and Cassandra.
Annelies Jesmer (née Fujarczuk)
Truly one of the greatest educators, and responsible for some of the most devastatingly hilarious one-liners the English language could deliver. Wishing him eternal rest, and peace and comfort for his family.
Andrew Sommers
I was fortunate enough to have Hugh (Hank) Penton as my housemaster from 1981-85 and grade 12 history. All of us on the flats were far better off with him than we were without (as we found out while he was on sabbatical). Thanks for everything you made a difference!!
Pierre Coupey
Our condolences to all the family. Hugh was one of our finest classmates at LCC, we were both in the class of '59, and he will be sorely missed by all his surviving classmates at our upcoming 65th reunion at Lower Canada College in Montreal this coming September. Ave atque vale. Pierre and Patti.
Jodi Turner
Love and hugs Penton clan ❤️
Nick Hamilton
Mr. Penton was an amazing teacher to me while at Ashbury College and trying to find my direction as a young adult. He had a unique way of empowering me to discover a passion and ability with the English language which I had not done successfully until I was under his wing. As such, I had great respect for him and therefore approached the subject much more seriously- instead of my sometimes class clown tendencies. I think he knew this and took an approach which engaged me. A truly talented teacher and I still remember his smiles at me on occasion almost as though he knew that I had ways to self sabotage myself but hopefully the talent and ability to rise above that. His patience is a virtue I am again reminded of and his effect on me is larger than I realized. I am sad but so grateful and hope to carry that forward to others. 'Oh Captain, My Captain'. Sending my love and respect to the family.
Frank Richer
Mr. Penton was an incredible person and an amazing teacher. He guided many of us at Ashbury College with his ability to listen and provide guidance that helped me, and many more, navigate our journeys through teenage and ultimately adulthood.
Thoughts and condolences to the Penton family.
Andy Moore
Hugh was a wonderful mentor, friend, and colleague for almost 20 years. He helped to define what academic excellence meant at Ashbury College, while never losing his sense of humour. Watching Hugh work helped me see how to enjoy teaching.
I had the life-changing privilege of attending Ashbury College from 1989 to 1994 and Hugh was instrumental in making that happen. A man of great intellect and wit, Hugh was also a true gentleman and a humanitarian. He will be sorely missed. My sincerest condolences to the Penton family.