Foster Hugh Harvey

It is with deep sadness we share the news that Foster Hugh Harvey (Hugh) passed away peacefully on Dec. 2, 2025, in White Rock, B.C. at the age of 97. Hugh is lovingly remembered by his family: Evelyn, his wife of 71 years; his three children and their partners, Karen (Andy), Grant (Amy), and Laureen; his six grandchildren Ellen, Bill, Aiden, Bryson, Jaspar, Erin; and his three great-grandchildren Juan, Sebastian, and Mateo.

Hugh was born April 15, 1928, in Lethbridge, Alberta. He was the 2nd of eight children born into a family of little means. His father worked as a sheep herder and later in the orchards, when the family moved to Kelowna, B.C. As eldest son, Hugh was made responsible for helping support the family which he continued to do throughout his lifetime.

After completing High School, Hugh became a Navy Cadet - ready to serve should the time come. Eventually he moved to Victoria to attend Normal School (Teacher training) and met Evelyn at a “Young People’s” group at the United Church. Hugh and Evelyn married Aug 21,1954.

Hugh loved being with children and was a dedicated Teacher. He began his teaching career in Bella Bella, where his duties included lighting the fire to warm the schoolhouse before his students arrived. Over several years, while supporting a growing family, Hugh earned a degree in education. Spanning 35 years as a teacher and school administrator he served countless children and their families.

Hugh was devoted to his wife and children. Some of his greatest joy came from camping in the family tent trailer on summer road trips, allowing him to share his love of nature. Always a teacher, every walk included lessons on trees and the hiding places of many forest creatures.

Hugh was a long-standing member of the United Church. Attending church and Sunday school for the children was a regular part of family life, as was his saying a blessing before each evening meal. Hugh worked for several summers as camp director for the United Church, where his family joined him and he introduced hundreds of children to “camp” and the joys of the outdoors.

One of Hugh’s greatest passions was gardening. He created beautiful landscapes and loved experimenting with propagating rhododendrons. His vegetable garden was his sanctuary (Evelyn would often have to holler for him to change his clothes first, as he’d head straight to the garden after work in suit and tie, shovel in hand). Hugh also loved time on the water; annual fishing trips yielded salmon and halibut for the freezer to be enjoyed throughout the year.

A man of many hobbies, Hugh’s creativity was expressed through a lifetime of projects. He dabbled in auto mechanics and auto body work. His most original creation was welding the front end of an old Lincoln Continental to the back end of another from a different year! The extra windshield became the front of a fish aquarium in the basement. The family home was filled with his creations including resin brick work and ceramics fired in his home-made kiln. His love of fine woodwork resulted in several beautiful tables and a cedar strip canoe - his magnum opus.

After retirement, Hugh and Evelyn adventured across North America in their RV and visited many countries around the world. With a video camera in hand, he filmed their travels. He also became the family videographer- documenting family time together and grandchildren’s concerts.

Hugh brought his immense positive and fun-loving energy to his family, friends, and work with children. Hugh’s infectious laugh was ever present. He leaves a deep and meaningful legacy with all of those who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

Hugh’s life will be celebrated with an intimate family gathering in January, 2026.

Donations made in his memory to the African Canadian Continuing Education Society (ACCES), a charity Hugh supported from its inception, would be gratefully received.