Obituary for Richard "Dick" Hubbard
Richard “Dick” Keeling Hubbard
June 23, 1929 – March 18, 2023
SENSATIONAL! That’s how he responded to “how are you?”, and on the not so good days he said “outstanding, bordering on sensational.” He was an inspiration and kind face to the many who crossed his path.
Dick/Dad/Gampa lived 94 sensational years when he passed away peacefully at Credit Valley Hospital with family by his side. Ever present and engaged, asking questions and chatting about family & business until his final days, he left this world knowing he had given everything to his family, friends, and communities.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Dick was the only child of Frederick George Hubbard and Edith Maud Keeling. He treasured 36 years of marriage with his soulmate Jessica “Jessie” Barbara Hubbard (nee Johnston) before she passed away in 1993.
Dick was the number one champion of his children Lianne (Vic Doyle), Drew (Sharon Van Den Elzen), John (Deb Powis). He inspired all his grandchildren with the way he loved and lived: Ceili, Madison, Christine, Rebecca, Sydney, Sean.
Dad/Gampa encouraged his family to see all people & situations through a positive lens, to make family a priority, and to experience new things. He instilled in everyone the importance of maintaining traditions and understanding their roots.
He was an avid sportsman and activity enthusiast - whether it was playing, coaching, spectating (kids, grandkids or pro sports), or a game of cards, he never failed to demonstrate years of skill & uncanny luck even in virtual matches. He was an intrepid adventurer and explorer of the rural routes of Ontario and remained a precision driver, even if it was from the passenger seat.
Dick and his family were lifelong cottagers at YMCA Geneva Park on Lake Couchiching, where his father Fred Hubbard (YMCA General Secretary) was one of the original members of that unique community. Over the span of his 94 years, Dick spent time every summer in this special place with family and friends. Geneva Park played a big role in Dick & the whole family’s lives as it represented all of the values that he held dear – family, fellowship, community, tradition, and a playful lifestyle.
These values were the foundation of the family run company he founded, Hubbard Insurance Group. He carried these values forward
through his role as former president of the Oakville YMCA, member of the Canadian Fellowship Foundation, the Family Enterprise Canada (FEC), Dominion Executive Association (Montreal), and previous chair and board member of Geneva Park Management committee.
An avid golfer, Dick was a member of Summerlea, Mt Bruno and Toronto Golf Club for most of his life. The latter served as a meeting place for family and friends for many years after he retired his clubs.
Dick was a mentor, visionary, leader, truth sayer and knowledge keeper - not only for his family and his wide circle of friends, but also in business and the many volunteer activities that he undertook in his life of service to the community at large.
As Dick was, remember to always be sensational!
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to World Vision Canada, Canadian Cancer Society, YMCA of Oakville, or a charity of your choice.
A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. Condolences may be forwarded through www.ashburnhamfuneral.ca
June 23, 1929 – March 18, 2023
SENSATIONAL! That’s how he responded to “how are you?”, and on the not so good days he said “outstanding, bordering on sensational.” He was an inspiration and kind face to the many who crossed his path.
Dick/Dad/Gampa lived 94 sensational years when he passed away peacefully at Credit Valley Hospital with family by his side. Ever present and engaged, asking questions and chatting about family & business until his final days, he left this world knowing he had given everything to his family, friends, and communities.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Dick was the only child of Frederick George Hubbard and Edith Maud Keeling. He treasured 36 years of marriage with his soulmate Jessica “Jessie” Barbara Hubbard (nee Johnston) before she passed away in 1993.
Dick was the number one champion of his children Lianne (Vic Doyle), Drew (Sharon Van Den Elzen), John (Deb Powis). He inspired all his grandchildren with the way he loved and lived: Ceili, Madison, Christine, Rebecca, Sydney, Sean.
Dad/Gampa encouraged his family to see all people & situations through a positive lens, to make family a priority, and to experience new things. He instilled in everyone the importance of maintaining traditions and understanding their roots.
He was an avid sportsman and activity enthusiast - whether it was playing, coaching, spectating (kids, grandkids or pro sports), or a game of cards, he never failed to demonstrate years of skill & uncanny luck even in virtual matches. He was an intrepid adventurer and explorer of the rural routes of Ontario and remained a precision driver, even if it was from the passenger seat.
Dick and his family were lifelong cottagers at YMCA Geneva Park on Lake Couchiching, where his father Fred Hubbard (YMCA General Secretary) was one of the original members of that unique community. Over the span of his 94 years, Dick spent time every summer in this special place with family and friends. Geneva Park played a big role in Dick & the whole family’s lives as it represented all of the values that he held dear – family, fellowship, community, tradition, and a playful lifestyle.
These values were the foundation of the family run company he founded, Hubbard Insurance Group. He carried these values forward
through his role as former president of the Oakville YMCA, member of the Canadian Fellowship Foundation, the Family Enterprise Canada (FEC), Dominion Executive Association (Montreal), and previous chair and board member of Geneva Park Management committee.
An avid golfer, Dick was a member of Summerlea, Mt Bruno and Toronto Golf Club for most of his life. The latter served as a meeting place for family and friends for many years after he retired his clubs.
Dick was a mentor, visionary, leader, truth sayer and knowledge keeper - not only for his family and his wide circle of friends, but also in business and the many volunteer activities that he undertook in his life of service to the community at large.
As Dick was, remember to always be sensational!
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to World Vision Canada, Canadian Cancer Society, YMCA of Oakville, or a charity of your choice.
A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. Condolences may be forwarded through www.ashburnhamfuneral.ca