We are sad to announce the passing of Hugh Francis Kerrin. Hugh was born in Montreal to Elizabeth and Hugh Kerrin. As a boy, he spent his summers sailing in Beaconsfield. His love for the sport led to a lifelong passion that he shared with his children and grandchildren. Hugh attended Loyola College and went on to get his medical degree at the University of Montreal.
In 1953, Hugh married the love of his life and girl-next-door, Geraldine (Gerry) Guerin. They moved to Michigan where Hugh continued his studies in Internal Medicine at Mount Carmel Hospital. After completing his residency, they returned to Montreal in 1957 with their first daughter, Martha. He set up a private practice and worked out of St. Mary’s Hospital.
Hugh and Gerry recognized the growing political unrest in Quebec and in 1970, they moved their five children to the serene and majestic west coast. Hugh joined the staff of St. Vincent’s Hospital in Vancouver where he eventually became the Chief of Staff.
As part of his vocation to care for the sick, he volunteered at The Salvation Army Harbour Light Medical Clinic in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Despite his busy schedule, Hugh was devoted to his wife and children. He created a rich family life that included his many passions: sailing, canoeing, camping, skiing, tennis, swimming, hockey, and gardening — as well as a love for reading and the arts and a fondness for birds and dogs. Hugh’s early interest in painting and drawing evolved into woodworking. His carpentry skills are evident in the many pieces of furniture he built for his wife, children and grandchildren.
Hugh leaves behind his loving wife of 65 years, Geraldine (Gerry); their children, Martha Mackenzie (Will), Peter (Jessica), Jeffrey, Laurie Carlyle (Fraser), Pamela Bertuzzi (Anthony) and his adoring grandchildren, Stuart (Jil), Alexander, Gregory, Elliott, Jack, Christopher, Christian, Lauren and Aiden and his many nephews and nieces.
Hugh is survived by his brother, Joseph Kerrin of Montreal and predeceased by his sister, Mary Winder, sister, Margaret Kerrin and younger brother, John Kerrin.
The family would like to thank the incredible staff at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. A special thank you is extended to all those on Four South who took such loving care of Hugh, including Dr. Mark Lawson, Dr. Parvinder Birdi, Dr. Tyler Cheek, Natasha, Bless, Kayla, Dave and Go Paul. We would also like to thank his caregivers Janette, Karen, Rowena and Fe.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Association or the Salvation Army.
We will honour Hugh’s life with a Catholic Funeral Mass on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 2:00 pm at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, 740 View Street, Victoria, British Columbia.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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