Hugh Lindsay Popham passed away suddenly on Wednesday, August 29, 2012. He will be sadly missed by his son Bruce and daughter-in-law Lynn, his daughter Beth, his grandsons Cameron and Colin, his twin brother Clarke and sister-in-law Phyllis, and his large extended family, particularly his niece Sandy Popham. He was predeceased by his wife Helen (née MacDougall), brother Ross Popham and sisters Joan Cooper and Shirley Popham.
Hugh and his twin brother Clarke were born in Winnipeg on August 8, 1922, but were raised in Kenora where their father practiced law before becoming District Judge. They were active members of the Kenora Ski Club. Hugh also spent every spare moment on the Kenora Golf Course.
Hugh served in the Air Force in World War II, learning electronics as a radar technician. After the war, he attended the University of Toronto and competed on the Varsity Blue ski team. He enjoyed success in the “four-way” which included cross-country (his specialty), downhill, slalom, and jumping. He returned to Winnipeg in 1948 but spent as much leisure time as possible in Kenora at Nelson’s Cabins on Tunnel Island near where he had grown up. He met Helen MacDougall at the Young People’s group at Knox United Church. The two of them shared a passion for competitive paddling and were active members of the Y Canoe Club. They were married in 1950 in Winnipeg. As a couple, they were very active in the YMCA, including teaching square dancing, and later involved themselves in their children’s many activities.
In 1951 Hugh joined IBM, and spent his career as a field engineer working with major Winnipeg customers. After retirement, he was a loyal member of the IBM retirees’ breakfast club. He also curled at the St. Vital and Heather Curling Clubs. For years, he volunteered with the St. Vital retired men’s club, coordinating the draw, spares, and generally marshalling the troops. A life-long golfer who organized the IBM and curlers’ summer foursomes at Windsor Golf Course, he joked that every passing year he was closer to “golfing his age.” He was a devoted and engaged member of the congregations of St. Vital United Church and St. Mary’s Road United Church. Hugh generously supported many charities, including a special commitment to the local community through the United Way of Winnipeg.
Hugh had many dear friends from his early years in Kenora, his family life in St. Vital, his sporting and work life, and from church and the Seine River Retirement Residence. Thank you all!
A memorial service will be held at St. Mary’s Road United Church, 613 St. Mary’s Rd., on Friday, September 7, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. A donation may be made to a charity of your choice.
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