Hugh John ROBERTSON
Peacefully, on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at age 85. Beloved husband of Jo-Ann for 57 years. Loving father of Mark and Justin (Pratima). Adoring grandfather of Uma and Zubin. Hugh is survived by his brother, David (Russella). He is predeceased by his parents, Mary and Noel Robertson, and sister, Rosalie. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Australia and the United Kingdom.
Born in King William’s Town, South Africa, Hugh’s earliest years were spent with his mother while his father served in North Africa during World War II. His father was captured and held as a prisoner of war in Italy and Germany until the end of the war in 1945. Hugh’s secondary education took place at Queens College. Upon graduation, he studied at Paarl Teacher Training College for three years. He launched his teaching career at Dale College before embarking on a year of world travel with friends. After time spent working and travelling in Europe, he arrived in Canada in 1964 to assume a teaching position at Dovercourt Public School in Toronto where he met Jo-Ann Elton. Following an international courtship, they were married in South Africa in 1966. After their marriage, Hugh graduated from Rhodes University with a BA. In 1968, he was hired to teach at Ashbury College in Ottawa, where he ultimately led a successful career as a well-respected teacher over the course of 27 years. Mark joined the family in 1970 and Justin in 1972.
At the University of Ottawa, he pursued graduate studies and in 1983 graduated with an MA in History. His master’s thesis focused on the role the Royal Canadian Dragoons played in the Second Boer War. In 1978, his research brought him back to South Africa where his young sons were commissioned to survey South African cemeteries in search of Canadian military headstones. His research led him to speaking with one of the last surviving Canadian veterans of the Second Boer War.
His book, The Research Essay, first published in 1985, entered curricula across the country and around the world. His authorship of three other educational books, The English Essay, The Project Book and Research and Communication Skills followed.
His concern for the environment took many forms including but not limited to avidly reducing, reusing and recycling, devising the most efficient home energy use, writing columns on environmental issues for the Manor Park Chronicle and New Edinburgh News, participating in For Our Grandchildren and supporting local producers, predominantly through the Ottawa Organic Farmers' Market.
His many hobbies included cross-country skiing, Scottish country dancing, attending concerts (a jazz festival regular), reading, walking and tennis. He was an enthusiastic gardener who delighted in growing organic vegetables for his family, friends and neighbours. In more recent years, Jo-Ann and Hugh made hiking adventures their travelling priority, walking Scotland’s West Highland Way and sections of the Camino de Santiago network of pilgrims' ways.
He will be profoundly missed.
The family extends their gratitude to the staff at Garry J. Armstrong long-term care home for their compassionate care and support.
Memorial donations may be made to the following charities: Environmental Defence, Orkidstra and Shepherds of Good Hope.
A service and celebration of life will be held at Ashbury College on April 28 at 10:30 AM.