Hugh Gordon Dolph of Calgary, AB, beloved husband of Nettie Dolph for over 65 years, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 28, 2016 at the age of 88 years.
Hugh was born in Fort Frances, ON and began his career in his home town at the age of 15 with Canadian National Railway (“CNR”) in the Express Department, where he later met and married Nettie in 1951. Through a series of promotions, his job took him and his young family to Hudson, ON, Atikokan, ON, Winnipeg, MB, Saskatoon, SK and back to Winnipeg, where he finished his 42 year career as Regional Manager of Merchandise Claims Services.
He was an avid fisherman while working in NW Ontario and was an active member of the Khartum Shriners and coordinator and canvasser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation while in Winnipeg, before turning his attention to his two boys and their hockey, soccer and baseball exploits. He was a proud parent, always willing to lend a helping hand, and served as treasurer with the St. Boniface Riels hockey team in Winnipeg.
After retiring from CNR in 1985, he embarked on a 10 year career in the St. Boniface School Division, driving children to and from school and ensuring their safety.
He and Nettie moved to Calgary in 1995 to be closer to their sons and grandchildren, during which time he again drove school bus for a half-decade.
He was a passionate hockey and baseball fan, and watched many a Flames and Blue Jays game. He was the ultimate family man, both provider and protector, someone you turned to for advice and help, and a willing participant in spirited conversation.
If you were fortunate enough to be a friend of Hugh, you were a friend for life. His big heart and winning smile will be missed by all who knew him.
Hugh is survived by his loving wife, Nettie, and their two sons, Gordon and Dean (Susan) of Calgary; three grandchildren, Melissa (Larry) Paice of Sydney, AU, Ashley Dolph of Phoenix, AZ and Hailey Dolph of Calgary; two great-grandchildren, Eden and Mikayla of Sydney; brother, Jim (Shirley) of Thunder Bay, ON and sister, Joyce Cooke of Oshawa, ON; and sisters-in-law, Eileen and Shirley of Thunder Bay.
Hugh was predeceased by his brothers, Ken and Gerald, and brother-in-law, Jack Cooke.
In celebration of Hugh’s life, a private gathering for the family and friends of Hugh and Nettie will be held.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 telephone: (403) 264-5549, or at www.heartandstroke.ca.
Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
In living memory of Hugh Dolph, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., telephone: 403-256-9575.
HUGH GORDON DOLPH
