Hugh Fraser Townsend Winsor, CM

Beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend, Hugh Winsor died peacefully surrounded by his immediate family on March 14, 2026 following a devastating stroke. His was the epitome of a life well-lived, both publicly and in private. His work as a political journalist and columnist at the Globe & Mail, and founding member of CBC TV’s flagship public affairs program The Journal, established him as one of the most prominent journalists of his era. As comfortable quizzing prime ministers as he was the most junior party staffer, he sought information relentlessly, arrived at key insights before anyone else, and delivered trenchant commentary.  He earned the highest recognition from his press gallery peers in receiving the Charles Lynch award in 1998. In 2005, he was made a member of the Order of Canada in recognition of his contributions to media, and proudly wore the snowflake on his lapel at every chance.  His television appearances made him a minor celebrity in every corner of the country, and he would happily stop and talk with viewers about politics, or anything else, long after he retired. He was generous with his time, even while being a little loose with it when it came to deadlines, appointments or catching planes.  Hugh’s curiosity was insatiable, and his interest in people was genuine.  His energy, optimism and the twinkle in his eye were infectious.  He loved parties, meaningful rituals and reasons to celebrate, none more so than enjoying sunsets on the ‘gin dock’ at the beloved Rideau Lakes cottage he shared with Christina, his wife of 41 years. His life-long passion for sailing never waned, nor did his love of tennis, both of which he pursued well into his eighties. He became a keen Ottawa Sens fan, or at least gave the appearance of it, when taking the opposite side of a bet from his Toronto-based son. Hugh remained active and involved with a number of organizations through retirement, including the Canadian Journalism Foundation, World Press Freedom Canada and the Cardiac Arrhythmia Network of Canada (CANet). He was very proud of his role on the Board of the Ottawa Heart Institute, having also experienced his own frequent heart-health interventions there. But perhaps he was most proud of his grandchildren, with whom he developed special relationships in later years. Hugh leaves his wife Christina, children Christopher (Mary), Megan (Aaron) and Stephanie (Roberto, and his children Nicholas, Christian and Charlotte), grandchildren Nathaniel, Madelaine, Josephine, Lauren, Kaitlyn, Thalia and Arden. He is fondly remembered by Christina’s niece Bea and Ben Chappell and their girls (Tara and Madeleine) as well as nephew Hugo Cameron and Tammy Maclean and daughter Callia.  Deeply mourned by his remaining siblings Margaret (Bill), Elizabeth, Pamela, brother-in-law Maurice (Barbara, d.) and nieces and nephews Michelle, Kirsten, Erica, Celia, Jessica, Stephan and their partners and children. The family thanks Dr. David Birnie, cardiologist at the Ottawa Heart Institute, and the medical team at the Neurosciences Clinic of Ottawa Civic Hospital for their compassionate care. A celebration of life will be held Sunday April 19, 2026 at 1 pm at Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa. Gifts in Hugh’s name may be made to the Ottawa Heart Institute, or a charity of choice.  “Fair Winds and Following Seas, Dear Soul.”