Hugo’s family immigrated to Vancouver in 1966. He had plans to buy the cabinet business where he worked, but after recommitting his life to Jesus Christ in 1978, he went to Capernwray Bible School in Colorado instead, where he met Connie. He then pursued undergraduate studies in religious education and history at MBBC and University of Winnipeg.
After graduation in 1983, he worked as an intern at the MB church in Cranberry Portage, Man., and at Simonhouse Bible Camp. While serving as pastor at the MB church in Leaf Rapids, Man., 1984–1987, he also drove bus and worked as a guard. During his MDiv studies at MBBS, Fresno, Cal., he served as youth pastor at College Community Church, Clovis, Cal.
Strongly convinced he and Connie should stay in one community to raise their family and become part of people’s lives, Hugo pastored Nechako Community Church, Vanderhoof, B.C., 1990–2008. In order to connect with the town’s youth, he also served as a substitute teacher. Following a year of helping family, in 2009, Hugo accepted the pastorate at Sardis Community Church, Chilliwack, B.C., where he served until cancer took his life. Hugo loved God, and joyfully served as pastor.
He loved life and had an even greater love for people. He saw the best in everyone he met; he encouraged people with the knowledge that they are deeply valued and worthy of being loved. He was kind and thoughtful, always wanting to do more – no task was too minimal for him, no person unworthy of his attention. Hugo loved downhill skiing, soccer, hockey, hiking and running. He and Connie also enjoyed exploring a tropical location each winter to snorkel and read.
Hugo’s motto for life was taken from Man of La Mancha: “to see life not as it is but as it should be.”
