Dr. Hubert Gabrielse

He is survived by wife Jean, his sister Johanna (Bobby von Bormann) son Peter, daughter Nancy (Owen Broad), four grandchildren, Tanya (Chris Sorrentino), Liam, Clare and Ivy and 2 great grand-daughters Amelia and Ella.

Hu was born in Golden BC to Christian and Lena (van Hoepen) who immigrated from the Netherlands and settled in BC. The family later briefly lived in Port Alice on Vancouver Island before eventually settling and starting a farm in Port Kells on the Clover Valley road, now 176th St.

Hu attended Anniedale School in Surrey and went on to graduate with a degree in Geological Engineering from the University of British Columbia. He then earned a PhD in Geology from Columbia University in New York where he also met his sweetheart and future wife Jean.

Hu and Jean lived in Ottawa until 1968 then moved to North Vancouver where they lived ever since. They shared a full life with children and grandchildren and enjoyed many adventures and travels together.

Hu’s career spanned six decades working as a research scientist for the Geological Survey of Canada. Recognized as one of the foremost authorities on the geology of the Canadian Cordillera, Hu spent years mapping the Northern Cordillera of British Columbia, southeast Yukon and southwest district of Mackenzie and contributed to more than 100 geological publications. He was elected to the Royal Society of Canada and was a member of the New York Academy of Sciences. He is a recipient of both the Ambrose Medal and the Logan Medal given by the Geological Association of Canada for outstanding contribution to the development of the earth sciences in Canada. Hu was also a well-respected and liked mentor to many students and young scientists who worked in the Cordilleran.

Hu loved opera, classical music, the VSO, BC Lions, hockey and baseball (go Yankees!) He was a great lover of the outdoors and nature, enjoyed long walks, golf, skiing and travel. He was an active member of Highlands United Church and in later years looked forward to his weekly men’s breakfast group get togethers.

Everything he did was imbued with his playful sense of humour for which he will be forever remembered.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am March 30 at Highlands United Church - 3255 Edgemont Boulevard, North Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Trans Canada Trail.