March 4, 1965 – May 19, 2014
The MacGregor Ostler family announce with sad hearts the death of our much loved son and brother, Hugh MacGregor. He suffered in later years with the effects of both diabetes and other health issues and passed away quietly at home in New Westminster.
Hughie was a musician for most of his life and was considered to be a very gifted guitarist, singer and composer. He was born in Campbell River and attended elementary school here. During a move to West Vancouver he attended West Bay School where his love of music first blossomed. Upon returning to Campbell River his interest in music developed more fully and he and friends formed The Elements at Campbell River Junior Secondary. Moving on to CARIHI, Hughie connected with other serious musicians who formed a senior school dance band, Big Rock. The group played at many high school functions. After graduation the band toured around B.C. and Alberta. During Expo ’86 Big Rock members joined Randy Friskie’s Elvis Show and played nightly to large crowds. Later they joined the Roy Orbison Tribute Show and toured North America accompanied by Sam Orbison, Roy’s brother.
Hughie was raised in a large, happy, blended family. He leaves behind his mother Morgan K. Ostler and many brothers and sisters and inlaws including Jackie and Scott (Sally) MacGregor, Karen (Paul) Tate, David (Shelley Jo .d), Steve (Cheryl), Jeff, Murray, Kath (Will .d) Klassen, and Bill (Sadie) as well as his maternal aunts Shelagh John and Grace Moreau. Also missing him very much are his nephews and nieces Jasmine and Nick MacGregor, Tamara and Jason White, Tanner and Dillon Klassen, Stephanie and Matthew Ostler, Angus and Henry Ostler and their mother Barb, and Madison Ostler. He was predeceased by his father Howard MacGregor, stepfather Robert Ostler, aunts Pamela Scott and Maureen Taylor and uncle Terence Scott. He was also predeceased by his paternal uncles and aunts John, Bob, Aline and Kitty MacGregor. His many cousins on Vancouver Island and around B.C. also cherish good memories of hanging out with Hughie, who always had a guitar in his pack ready to join the music.
To celebrate Hughie and his love of music, the family will hold a Ceilidh (music, dancing & story telling) at the Maritime Heritage Centre on Sunday evening, June 22 from 8-11pm. The original members of Big Rock , Clayton Hill, Steve Hillis and Dave Hillis are still playing professionally and will be together again to play the music of their old band. Members of the 1983 CARIHI grad class are especially invited to attend as well as those who loved dancing to the special sound of the Big Rock band.