Edward Stephen McHugh

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Edward Stephen McHugh on February 12, 2020 at the Saint John Regional Hospital.  He was born in Grand Falls-Windsor, NL on September 3, 1931 to the late John and Johannah (Aylward) McHugh and was the loving husband for 63 years of wife, Agnes (Barker) McHugh.

Ed worked in the paper industry for his entire career, beginning as a Paper Tester at 17 in his hometown mill.  He quickly got involved with the union and rose to become the longest serving president of Local 63 of the Canadian Paperworkers Union. In 1976, after careful consideration about leaving his native province, he accepted a position as the Union’s representative for southern New Brunswick until his retirement in 1993.  Ed was always very concerned for the working person and their environment.  Many people benefited from his efforts, and he was also deeply respected by the management teams that he worked with throughout the years.  A handshake from Ed McHugh meant you had a deal.  

Ed and Aggie spent wonderful years in various campgrounds including Ocean Surf in Shediac, NB, Terra Nova Park, NL, eventually wintering in Zephyrhills, Florida.  Ed was a lifetime and 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a diehard fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and was so looking forward to them winning their next Stanley Cup.  He avidly cheered them on over the years, and his favorite player was, and always would be, Syl Apps.  In his later years, he became an ardent golfer.  He loved a good card game of “Growl” (Auction), to sing and dance (especially to Irish and Newfoundland music) and a stiff drink of rye.  He was a fiercely proud Newfoundlander and, even though he didn’t like the ferry or flying, he went back home whenever he could, including a recent visit to his hometown. A huge thanks to niece Barb Gill for ensuring the trip was one to remember! He was a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, and he was ever-so devoted to his wife Aggie, especially in recent years.  He had a heart of gold and created a lot of lasting memories throughout his lifetime.  Ed will be deeply missed and always loved and remembered.  

In addition to his loving wife, Aggie, he is survived by his son Edward Jr. (Shelly) of Bedford, NS; daughter Joanne (Grant) Cornfield of Hampton, NB; four grandchildren, Jocelyn (Christopher) Goldsworthy, Kate (Alistair McDougall) McHugh, Colin (Leslie Mosher) McHugh, and Christine (Nathan) Crawford; three great grandchildren, Cole and Quinn Goldsworthy, and Ace Crawford, along with many nieces, nephews and friends. He is also survived by his caring sibling Sr. Mary McHugh of Saint John, NB. 

Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Dermot, Tom, Jack, Firm, and Eric and sisters Bridget and Dorothy.

A huge thank you is extended to the staff of the Saint John Regional Hospital for their wonderful care and efforts during the time that Ed and Aggie shared a hospital room for the past six months. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (506-646-2424) where visitation will be held on Saturday from 6-8pm.  A funeral liturgy will be held on Sunday, February 16, 2020 at 1 pm from the Fundy Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will take place at a later date.   For those who wish, memorial donations can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada or Diabetes Canada in his name.  

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