Hugh Edward Impey passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, in Grande Prairie, at the age of 86 years.

Hugh was born November 30, 1933 to parents Hugh Egerton Impey and Nora Shenfield at Breton, AB (SE ¼ of Sec. 34, Twp 47, Rge 4, W5M). Following high school, Hugh completed the Survey Technology Program at SAIT and attained his ALS designation.

In 1965, the Impeys moved to Grande Prairie when he joined forces with Denis Hosford and Paul White forming HIW Surveys. He was the senior partner in this firm until retirement in 1997, taking his work through the prairie provinces, territories and South America. He got his pilot’s license (1969) to enable him to reach these remote locations. Following retirement, Hugh joined the Canadian Executive Services Overseas (CESO) and volunteered his services in Peru, Chili and Bolivia.Through his work in South America, he became passionate about helping the Indigenous children in Bolivia through Save the Children Canada and got the Rotary Club of Grande Prairie involved as well.

Hugh was heavily involved in Rotary and served on both local boards and district committees.  He received a prestigious “Service Above Self” award by Rotary International in 2006 for his dedication and commitment to the RI Foundation.

Hugh was involved in many boards and committees but was particularly proud of his involvement in city politics and the board of Governors of GPRC. He served as city Alderman from 1971 to 1979 and was Mayor of Grande Prairie from 1980-1983. He was instrumental in visioning the park system in Grande Prairie.

Hugh loved to travel, particularly to Pretoria, South Africa and Kenya where he traced his family origins. He and Jean also wintered in southern Arizona. He enjoyed coffee with the “boys” at A&W, lying about golf and chatting with whoever would stop to listen. He will be missed by many.

Hugh is survived by his wife of 64 years Jean Fraser; children Shaune (Donna), Dale (Sandra), Christine, and Susanne Allan; grandchildren: Benjamin, Robert, Rebecca, and Sarah Allan; and his brother Tom (Velma) and family.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at 2:00pm, at St. Paul’s United Church in Grande Prairie (10206 100 Ave.).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Save the Children Canada (www.savethechildrencanada.ca/survive), Diabetes Canada (www.Diabetes.ca/towardsacure) or Rotary International Foundation (https://www.rotary.org/en/donate); all projects that Hugh was passionate about, or to a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.oliversfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2020-02-11
• Location : Grande Prairie, Alberta

1. Add to favourites