Hugh Thompson was so many things, to so many different people: a hockey dad, a skier, a biker, a brilliant colleague, and a role model.
“He was passionate about so much, but his greatest passion of course was his family,” said Hugh’s friend Mike Kucherawy.
“Paige was his rock, he was so in love. And he was so proud of his boys.”
Hugh died Friday, May 7, doing what he loved: mountain biking on a trail at Shawnigan Lake.
“Every time we biked he was always the most prepared, most talented, most experienced rider. It was just a freak accident,” said Kucherawy.
Hugh’s friends say his passion for life was infectious, that he jammed more life into his 49 years than most do in a lifetime.
“Hugh’s passion was always telescopes, even when he was in high school he was building his own telescopes, and his whole life he’s been building telescopes,” said Hugh’s older brother Alan Thompson.
In his adult life, Hugh worked for Canada’s largest space company (MDA) building telescopes for satellites.
Even testifying in parliament against the foreign acquisition of the company by an American weapons company.
“MDA is today a Canadian company, and I’m not sure it would be, had that deal gone through,” said Alan.
His older brother, Alan actually works in the same industry, and while admits to some sibling rivalry, in adulthood, it was all appreciation.
“I taught [Hugh] to ride a bike, to drive a standard transmission car. And yet, in later years I honestly think I learned more from Hugh than I ever taught him,” said Alan, choking back tears.
A GoFundMe, raising money for his 12-year-old son Avery and 4-year-old son Kaito has already reached over $55,000. Many in the community reaching out with stories, and memories with and of Hugh.
“He was the kind of guy that men would aspire to be. As far as a dad and a husband goes,” said Kucherawy. “We’re sure going to miss him.”
Kori Sidaway
