Hugh Matthias McInnis

Hugh Matthias McInnis, (88), of London Ontario, quietly passed away on Monday, March 27, 2023, after struggling with dementia. Hugh was born on October 19, 1934, in Florence, Cape Breton, N.S. to Roderick Francis and Mary Florence (Hosking) MacInnis. 
Hugh is predeceased by his parents, Roderick and Mary Florence (Hosking) MacInnis, his wife Ann (Young) McInnis, along with his brothers and sisters, Emma (Lloyd) Will, Frances (Russell) Johnston, Viola (John) Dunlop, Mary (Kenny) Cartwright, Angeline (Harry) Dunlop, John (Hazel) MacInnis, Bill (Betty) MacInnis, Elmer (Vonnie) MacInnis, Annette (Roy) Oslund, Duncan "Buddy" MacInnis, Roderick (Kay; Marie) MacInnis. He is survived by his brothers Farrell (Frances) MacInnis, Tom (late wife May) MacInnis, sister-in-law Yvonne (Duncan) MacInnis

Hugh lived in London for 65 years, raising 6 children with his late wife, Anne (Young) McInnis. His surviving children are John (late wife Lynda), former daughter-in-law Dianne, Hugh (Tina), James, David (Denise), Donna, and Kimberly (Hennion) McInnis. His grandchildren include Kenneth, Jennifer, Christopher, Matthew, Dylan, Lauren McInnis Dartch, Marc and Natasha Hennion, along with 6 great-grandchildren that he was so proud of. Hugh will also be missed by his extended family of in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, many friends, including Tessa Obermuller and her family, and his neighbours, both in London and in Cape Breton.
Hugh worked 40 years for General Motors Diesel Division (GMC) in the London plant before retiring in 1996. Hugh was also an avid horseman, initially working with his brothers John and Farrell, all working with Standardbred horses. Later, Hugh went on his own, buying, breeding, and training Standardbred horses. He was later joined by his son, Hugh, and together racing their horses across southwestern Ontario. 

On a personal note, when Dad retired from GMC, he took time to relax with our mother, enjoying their grandchildren and summering at their farmhouse in Christmas Island, Cape Breton. Mom and Dad had an active life, always on the go; growing vegetables, rhubarb, pears, and apples at their London home, and sharing this bounty with family, friends, and neighbours. At the Christmas Island farmhouse, they also grew vegetables and had blueberries “everywhere you step” (Dad’s words). They were often ‘out and about’, visiting family and friends, enjoying cèilidhs, music festivals, fishing or just driving around the island. There was always someone who’d come to visit; mom would serve tea and food, and my parents always felt their best when being gracious hosts. Many parties were held at the Christmas Island farmhouse, with good food,  music, and good times for all.

After our mother passed away, Dad continued to be an active parishioner of Saint Justin’s Church of London, donating often to many causes and charities. At home, Dad was not much of a cook, and while Donna did her best, Dad just liked to dine out and be with family and friends. Dad, Donna and Tessa, a close friend of Dad’s, often went to restaurants, his favourite being the Mandarin, an all-you-can eat smorgasbord. Perhaps Dad just missed the wonderful meals our mother made, and this was just the next best thing for him.

Our parents were proud to be from Cape Breton, and each summer vacation was a visit to paradise for them. They were happiest when ‘going home’. And so, to honour our parents, we will be taking their ashes back to their beloved Cape Breton to be with all our kin.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Hugh’s memory at The Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners www.allzswp.ca .

A celebration of life will be held at St. Justin’s Parish, 855 Jalna Blvd, London, Ontario on April 21, 2023, at 1pm. 

Online condolences at www.oneilfuneralhome.ca