Hugh Tweedie
Born In: Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born: June 22nd, 1941
Passed on: March 16th, 2013
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Hugh John Tweedie announce his sudden passing on Saturday, March 16, 2013, while in Florida.
Born on June 22, 1941, in Amherst, N.S., he was the son of the late Jack and Betty Tweedie.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his parents-in-law, Loran and Bette Shaw and an adored and special grandmother, Sarah King. On February 19, 2011, Hugh lost his daughter, Michelle (Tweedie) Chiasson, to a courageous battle with cancer.
Hugh left this world with the love of his life by his side — his devoted wife of 53 years, Sharon.
Hugh is survived by his children, Loran, Patricia Keagan, Craig (Paula) and son-in-law, Maurice Chiasson; grandchildren, Colin, Shannon, Daniel, Laura, Katrine, Paul, Sarah, Holly, Dillon, David and Erin; and one great-granddaughter, Olivia Michelle.
He is also survived by siblings, Bonnie (Tex) Burris, Fredericton, N.B. and Dr. Eric Tweedie (Lynn), Bangor, Maine; as well as brother-in-law, David Shaw (Bonnie), Moncton, N.B. and a number of nieces and nephews.
Hugh graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 1963 with his bachelor of commerce degree. He achieved first in his class with honours and the Birk’s Gold Medal. He received his chartered accountant designation in 1968 and went on to receive his bachelor of education from St. Francis Xavier in 1971. Hugh was awarded an honorary doctorate of laws from Cape Breton University in June 2005. He was also honoured to be inducted into the Cape Breton Business Hall of Fame in 2008 with his best friend and business partner, Marty Chernin.
Hughie (as his friends knew him) was a leading entrepreneur and a well-known community supporter. He loved Cape Breton and wanted to see the area thrive. He worked tirelessly on many projects and was reluctant to say “no” to any worthy cause. He spent many hours as co-chair for the expansion of the Cape Breton YMCA.
Throughout his professional life, Hugh served as a volunteer board member of several organizations including, Enterprise Cape Breton Corp., Cape Breton YMCA, Junior Achievers of Cape Breton, Coastal Business Opportunities, Rent Review Board and Sydney Steel Corp. He served as a board member at Cape Breton University leading up to his term as chair of the board of governors of CBU. He continued to serve as a board member of Cape Breton University’s Foundation, giving over 10 years of volunteer service to our university. Hughie believed in the power of education and was dedicated to higher learning. He was an educator at CBU before moving into the private sector. Hughie quickly learned to love “the deal.” He had a special interest in the development of Cape Breton Island.
With his partners, Hughie was instrumental in Downtown Sydney development, including such businesses as the Commerce Tower, the Harbour Place — Sydney Justice Centre, 500 George Place, Royal Bank of Canada Building, Toronto-Dominion Bank Building, Joe’s Warehouse, as well as the Stream Call Centre in Glace Bay.
Hughie was a major player in the development of cable television in Cape Breton and in Trinidad and Tobago as an owner of Cape Breton Cablevision, Trinidad and Tobago Transcable Limited and Seaside Cable, before his untimely death.
Up to the very end, Hughie continued to go to his office and was always happy to discuss the next big deal with his business partner and closest friend of 53 years, Marty Chernin. He loved to debate the merits of the next enterprise or anything else with his business partners who also included Allan Henderson, Joseph Salter and others. The loss of his sharp wit, irreverent nature and dry sense of humour will be a void in their lives.
Hughie and Sharon attended Grace Fellowship Church for over 25 years. Hughie was a man of faith and he believed the Lord has a plan for all our lives. His favourite hymn was Amazing Grace, which he spent many hours singing and playing on his guitar.
He was a member of the Cape Breton Canoe Society — a group of close friends who spent many weekends in Forchu, enjoying nature and friendship together.
Our dearest Hughie will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. The mischievous twinkle in his eye will be a happy memory.
Visitation will be held at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Thursday, March 21, 2013 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and Friday, March 22, 2013 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A funeral, in celebration of Hughie’s life, will be held at Cape Breton University, in the Great Hall, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2013.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Palliative Care Hospice Association of Cape Breton County.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or email sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
