Obituary of Hugh Dunsmuir

Our beloved father Hugh McCrone Dunsmuir went to sleep in death on Friday, Sept. 25, 2015. He was blessed by his Creator with special mightiness and was 94 at the time of his death. Dad was a quiet and kind man, a man of deep faith in his God Jehovah and a wonderful father and friend to all. Hugh was the last surviving member of his family and was predeceased by his parents Hugh and Jane (McCrone) Dunsmuir and his siblings John, Jean, Annie, Jessie and Allie. Hugh grew up in Montreal, Quebec and became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Sept. 24, 1955, during the Duplessis years when Witnesses were persecuted for their religious beliefs. Hugh married his wife Evellen (Andrechuk) in 1958 and that began a life of adventure and a road less travelled. Shortly after their marriage, Hugh and Evellen travelled to Singapore and Malaysia by freighter to serve as volunteer ministers involved in a public ministry work. Daughter Heather (Dunsmuir) McLaughlin was born in Malaysia. They returned to Canada when they were expecting their second child, son David Dunsmuir who was born in Saint John, New Brunswick. The rest of their married life was marked by a continued zeal for their ministry work and they served in various locations in Canada and in Honduras over the course of their married life. Hugh was treasured by his many friends for his wisdom, his kindness, his ability to listen carefully and offer sage advice when needed. In spite of recent illness, Hugh never lost his sense of humour and his ability to view and live life positively. He will be missed by all. Hugh is survived by his son Peter Dunsmuir (Lynda) from his first marriage; his son David (Deanna) Dunsmuir; his daughter Heather McLaughlin (Robert); two sisters-in-law, Zigrida Andrechuk and Eva Andrechuk, both of Winnipeg, MB.; his grandchildren Heather Martin (James), Andrea Purscell (David), Leann Wisthoff (Brad) and Daniel Dunsmuir; grandchildren Hilary Dunsmuir, Colleen Dunsmuir, Jonathan Dunsmuir; great-grandchildren Ethan Wilder, Kailee Wilder and Emma Wisthoff. Hugh would want to acknowledge a special bond with his “other” daughter, Kim Turgeon and her husband Charles. Kim cared for dad and mom over many years and became an integral part of the family. Also, cousin Brenda (Bill) Hewitt who were especially fond of “Pops.” A special thank-you to Dr. Scott Robertson who provided wonderful care to dad over many years. A thank-you also goes out to the emergency room staff and nursing staff of 3 East, 4 Northwest and 4 Northeast at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital who cared for Hugh with dignity and respect. A memorial service will be held at a later date. York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, is caring for funeral arrangements. Interment will be in Andrechuk Cemetery, St. Norbert, MB at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Watch Tower Society or charity of donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com