The Ven. Hugh Hamilton, 1941 – 2026
The Diocese of Algoma joins in prayerful sorrow and Christian hope in announcing the death of the Venerable Hugh Hamilton, who died peacefully at home on Friday, April 17. He was 85.
For generations of clergy and laity across Algoma, Hugh was a steady and beloved presence: a faithful priest, wise pastor, trusted archdeacon, and man of deep prayer whose life was unmistakably centred in Christ.
Archbishop Anne Germond, reflecting on Hugh’s life and ministry, said, “He was a deeply faithful priest whose prayer life was centered around the daily offices.” She recalled that whenever she visited him in hospital, his Bible and prayer book were always close at hand, and even near the end of his life at home, they remained beside his bed.
Born in Toronto on February 11, 1941, Hugh was ordained deacon on April 12, 1989, at St. Luke’s Cathedral, and priest on May 12, 1990. His ordained ministry began at St. Joseph & St. George, serving the communities of St. Joseph Island and Echo Bay. What began there became a long and faithful vocation of service to the people of this diocese.
From 1991 to 2006, he served as Priest-in-Charge of St. Joseph & St. George. He was Regional Dean of the Deanery of Algoma from 1994 to 1996, and Territorial Archdeacon from 1996 to 2006, later returning to that office from 2009 to 2017. In 2006, he became Incumbent of Lake Superior Parish, serving communities including Wawa, White River, Schreiber, Marathon, Hawk Junction, and Manitouwadge. He also served as Interim Priest at St. Matthew’s (Emmaus), Sault Ste. Marie, as Honorary Assistant at St. Luke’s Cathedral, and later at Holy Trinity, Sault Ste. Marie.
Archbishop Anne noted that Hugh understood ministry as both call and obedience. “Wherever the Church needed him, he was ready to go. Whether serving island communities, northern towns along the Lake Superior corridor, or parishes in the city, he answered that call with humility and devotion.”
Those who knew Hugh also remember the constancy of his worship. He seldom missed Sunday Eucharist, even in retirement and even as his health declined. Parishioners remembered that in stormy weather he would still make the journey from St. Joseph Island so as not to miss the Eucharist.
He is also remembered as a calm and prayerful leader in difficult moments. Archbishop Anne shared the memory of a parishioner who recalled a time of upheaval in her congregation when Hugh, then archdeacon, came to visit. “Sensing the tension in the room, he called everyone to silence and said, ‘We are going to spend some time in prayer.’ In that simple act, he brought people back to the heart of the Church: when we do not understand what is happening around us, we turn to Jesus in prayer.”
Hugh is survived by his wife, Anna, and by their daughters, Heather and Barb.
Please remember Hugh, Anna, and all who mourn in your prayers.
Service Details
- Visitation: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
at Arthur Funeral Home – Barton & Kiteley Chapel - Funeral Service: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
at St. Luke’s Cathedral
Officiant: Archbishop Anne Germond, Preaching: Dean Emeritus, The Very Rev. James McShane - Reception:
A light lunch will be served in the Cathedral following the service. - Interment:
Holy Trinity Anglican Cemetery. To be announced at a later date.
Memorial Gifts
The family has requested that, If desired, memorial donations be made to Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides or to a charity of your choice.
Obituary
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family through the obituary notice:
https://www.sootoday.com/obituaries/hamilton-the-venerable-hugh-melville-12177257
May Hugh, with all the saints, hear the words of Christ: Come, you blessed of my Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.