William Paul Hughes
1932-2023

Paul passed away peacefully on September 27, 2023 at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, Ontario. Predeceased by his wife Christine of 51 years, he will be sadly missed by his daughters, Paula (Dan) Hardin, Cindy (Rick Lascelles) Hughes, granddaughter Lindsay (Adam) Pevcevicious and great-granddaughters Zoey and Lucy.

Lucky in love, Paul met Alison skiing in Switzerland in 2007 and together they enjoyed a magical marriage for 16 years. Paul will be sorely missed by Alison’s family, David (Mary Lee) Smithers and their children, Keaton and Makaela and by Antonia (Ronnie) Meade and their daughter Sloane.

Paul was the much adored patriarch of the family. He will be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews and friends.

Paul graduated from McGill University, with a Masters of Architecture in 1956, where he was a Sigma Chi Fraternity member. He had a long and successful career and his work spans several continents and includes a diverse range of projects including hotels, ski areas, waterfronts, cottages and concert halls, as well as several well-known pubs, the British Bulldog Pub at Expo ’67 and “Cheers” in Boston.

A passionate and accomplished skier, Paul led family and friends on memorable ski trips to Europe for 36 years. He was a proud member of the Canadian Ski Instructor Alliance (CSIA). In summers, he could be found at his beloved cottage on Kindersley Island in Georgian Bay. A talented watercolorist, Paul delighted in the physical beauty of the mountains and Georgian Bay and he captured many of his favourite sites in his paintings. His annual Christmas cards were treasured by many recipients.

A strong athlete, Paul enjoyed water skiing, wrestling, football, white water kayaking and tennis. He also enjoyed bridge, theater, ballet and wide range of music especially opera. Paul’s zest for life and positive spirit were contagious and endeared him to all who knew and loved him. Ever the gentleman, he treated everyone with kindness and he had a way of looking at you that made you feel special.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the caregivers at Sunnybrook Hospital K1 East Palliative Unit for their compassionate care, with special thanks to Paul’s personal physician, Dr. Mervyn Jackson.

A Celebration of Life will be held November 9, 2023 beginning at 2:00pm at Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre, 375 Mount Pleasant Rd., Toronto, Ontario. A donation in Paul’s memory to the Canadian Opera Company, Canadian Cancer Society, or Georgian Bay Land Trust would be appreciated.