The first time the newspaper announced Hugh’s passing was when, as a mischievous boy, he was reported to have drowned while hopping bergs in Charlottetown Harbour. We regret that this second report is more accurate. “Hughie” died peacefully Dec. 20, 2022, at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, with family by his side as his favourite big band jazz played softly. He was 94.

Born June 14, 1928 in Charlottetown, he studied at Prince of Wales College, and served in Canadian Army Reserves after the war. He built a mini-empire of retail stores on P.E.I., including H.M. Simpson Ltd., the Card Shop, Wizard Business Machines and others.

He served as a city councillor in Charlottetown, and was co-owner of the Charlottetown Abbies hockey club. He was a lifelong fan of the Expos and the Habs, and was a champion skeet shooter who represented P.E.I. nationally. He was a pioneer of the cottage community of West Keppoch, and he was a champion recipient of gifts of excellent scotch.

Loving father of Ritchie, Andrea, Janet, Jamie (Marie Power), Timmy and Peter (Jenn Campbell). Grampy of 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Fern and Hugh; his wife and great love, Norma; sons John and David; siblings James and Nancy (Warren), and many wonderful friends.

We give grateful thanks to staff at the hospital, and at Andrews of Stratford.

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. Funeral service Monday, January 16, 2023 from St. Peter's Cathedral at 11:00 a.m. For those wishing to attend virtually, the service will be live-streamed at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDFzXrCQaxe7cj-XFaYSPIQ/live If so desired, memorial donations may be made directly to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation or St. Peter’s Cathedral. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com