June 23, 1921 - August 28, 2020
Hugh Clair and his wife Ann lived in the Comox Valley for over 60 years, raising a large family and building several local businesses including the Campbell River Farm and Garden Centre, Clair Supply, The Woodstove Warehouse, and North Island Wholesale. He was also a member of the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church and Christ the King Catholic Church.
Hugh was born at Enterprise near Newburgh, Ontario and attended Kemptville Agricutural College. He worked as a cheese maker in Picton before deciding to ride the rails to Western Canada. On this journey he picked tobacco in Tillsonburg, mined for gold in Bralorne BC, and managed the dairy herd at Colony Farm in Coquitlam.
He arrived in the Comox Valley around 1953 and was working as a cow tester when he met and married Ann.
A renowned storyteller, singer of silly songs, and practical joker, Hugh loved to laugh but especially loved to hear the laughter of others. Hugh also enjoyed some healthy competition, particularly when it came to growing huge tomatoes or lush green lawns.
He always enjoyed the huge family gatherings which centred around stories and laughter and Ann's wonderful meals.
Hugh is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ann Clair, along with his 7 children, 14 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.