Obituary of Rev. Dr. Leo Hughes

Rev. Dr. Leo Hughes

September 8, 1930 - April 11, 2026

With deep sorrow and enduring gratitude, the family announces the peaceful passing of Rev. Dr. Leo Hughes of Arnprior, who died at the Ottawa Heart Institute on Saturday morning, April 11, 2026, at the age of 95. He has gone to join his beloved wife Margaret, whom he always described as “the loveliest girl the Lord God ever created.”

Leo was a devoted and loving father to Colin (Gaetane), Tom (Vicki), Murray (Cheryl), Kim (Peter), Robert (Lori), and Catherine (Randy). He took immense pride in his grandchildren—Nadine; Vincent (Diana); Adam and Melissa (Jordan); Jared, Logan and Mason; Autumn and Elizabeth—and delighted in his greatgrandchildren Scotlyn, Poppy and Walt. He carried throughout his life the profound sorrow of losing his infant daughter Elaine, his infant grandson Joshua, and his cherished grandson Brodie.

Born in Montreal, Leo met Margaret there and later attended Knox Presbyterian College, where he embraced his calling to ministry. They were married on October 27, 1956, at CôtedesNeiges Church, beginning a partnership marked by faith, service, and unwavering devotion. His pastoral journey led him first to Dalkeith (Kirkhill), then to Rosetown, Saskatchewan, and finally, in 1967, to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Arnprior, where he served with steadfast commitment until his retirement in 1998—though he never truly stepped away from the work he loved. He also taught Religious Education at Walter Zadow Public School, where his warmth, humour, and gentle guidance shaped generations of students.

Leo’s life was defined by a remarkable blend of independence, compassion, community spirit and unwavering support of the Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Blue Jays. He found genuine joy in offering counsel, prayer, encouragement or a giggle to anyone who crossed his path. Even in his final days, his dedication remained undiminished; just days before his passing, he preached a full Easter Sunday service at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Kilmaurs. His service to the broader community was equally distinguished. He served as Padre for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #174, was a charter member of the Rotary Club, and an active member of the Lions Club, to name a few. He was a familiar and comforting presence at countless community events and delivered the Remembrance Day prayer at the Arnprior Cenotaph year after year. His tireless volunteerism earned him significant honours, including the Governor General’s Volunteer Award, the Arnprior Town Crest, and the Arnprior Senior of the Year Award.

Leo is survived by his dear siblings Walter, Geraldine, Brian and Mary, and was predeceased by his brothers Gerald, Ted and Owen. He was the son of the late Hugh and Olive (Douglas) Hughes.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Boyce Funeral Home Ltd., 138 Daniel Street N., Arnprior. Friends may pay their respects on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 7:00–9:00 p.m. A Lions Club service will take place Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m., followed by a Legion service at 6:45 p.m. A Commemorative Service celebrating Leo’s life will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Arnprior, with interment to follow at the Arnprior Malloch Road Cemetery. A reception will be held afterward at de Renzy Hall, the lower level of St. Andrew’s.

The service will be held via Live Webcast for those unable to attend. 

Live Webcast ~Click Here~  (To access the Live Webcast, please select the Live tab under the St. Andrew's Church Photo)

In honour of Leo’s lifelong commitment to service, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arnprior Regional Health Foundation or St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Kilmaurs.

And should you meet Leo again when you are approaching the Pearly Gates, keep your pocketbook close—he will surely be organizing the next grand charity event in heaven. “Do you have your ticket?” Until we meet again, Leo.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
— Matthew 6:33