Died in Ottawa on October 29, 2022. Survived by his sons Sean, Toronto, and Dan, Sooke British Columbia, daughters Anne Vaughan, St.John’s Newfoundland and Labrador, and Colleen Barnes (David), Ottawa; grandchildren Malcom (Laura) and Stuart (Claire) Vaughan, Toronto; Deirdre, Los Angeles California, and Keely (Will) Barnes, Russel Ontario, and great grandchild Mikko Vaughan, Toronto. Predeceased by wife Mona (Rice), his parents and his sisters Peggy Wallace and Margery Fitzgerald and Marie Ratcliffe.
Born in Bathurst, New Brunswick on July 8, 1925, son of Wilfred and Corinne (Elsliger) Whalen. He served in the Canadian Army (1943-46), studied at the universities of New Brunswick (UNB) (Fredericton) and Alberta (Edmonton) and attended the London School of Economics as a Beaverbrook doctoral fellow during 1952-54.
Professor of Political Science at UNB and the University of Toronto from 1954-1967. He became founding Chairman of Political Science at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s in 1967. He did extensive work with the Canadian Statistics Association, the Canadian Political Science Association, the Canada Council, and the Institute of Public Administration of Canada. In addition to a teaching career, he engaged in a wide range of research activity, including the Chairmanship of two Royal Commissions. He undertook numerous research studies in the fields of Canadian local government and the natural resource policy sectors (e.g. agriculture, forestry, minerals, tidal power).
Always a man on the periphery and never of the centre, his writings highlight the complexity of Canadian public policy-making consequent upon the nation’s regional diversity. He accepted life’s challenges and found great enjoyment in his students and in the arts, particularly the fine arts and the rich traditions of western classical music. In retirement, he pursued these interests with great and sustained satisfaction.
A private service will be held at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, ON), with interment in Beechwood Cemetery to follow.
The family wishes to thank the staff at the Carleton Lodge for their wonderful care during Hugh’s final days.
Livre de visiteurs
Debra (Parsons) & Gary Nagle
Charlotte Winters-Fost
Anne, may you and your father's family find comfort and peace in fondly remembering his long life and legacy. Sincere condolences.
Patricia Tangney
Sean, Dan, Anne and Colleen
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your wonderful father. When I was a child there was no bigger party in Streetsville than when Aunt Mona and Uncle Hughie were in town meeting up with all the siblings! He was always interested in what was going on in our lives and was very happy to sit and chat. His stories were legendary. Again deepest sympathy on your loss.
Colleen & Family, So sorry to hear about your Dad. When we saw him last in 2017 we were amazed how well he was (and that he remembered me from class!). I wish we had lived closer these last 35 years so I could have enjoyed more of his stories and commentaries. You are fortunate to have so many years of fabulous memories. Condolences to your entire family.