We Remember
ROSE, Hugh Alistair “Rosie”, Colonel (Retired)
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Hugh Rose, 88, of Kelowna, BC, died January 29, 2022, at Hospice House in Kelowna surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years and best friend, Lily; his children Peter (Joan), Richard (Carol), Todd (Mary), and Barbara; and grandchildren Colin (Sophea), Kathleen (Alex), Mitchel, Emily (Katie), Kevin, Scott, and Stewart; stepdaughters Tami (Randy), and Leslie; step-grandchildren children Katie (Jared), Amanda (Corey), Kevin, Sarah and Rachel; several great-grandchildren; sister Heather; and brother John. He was predeceased by his first wife Mary; his parents Hedley and Heather; and his sister Beth.
Hugh was born on November 4, 1933, in Kamloops, BC. He grew up in central BC and spent many happy summers at the family property in Gun Lake.
He began his career with the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1953, earning his wings in 1954. During his career, he flew the F86 Sabre and the CF-104 in Germany and was a flight instructor on the T33 in Canada. He served many command roles, including Base Commander of CFB Chatham. Hugh married Mary (née Gray) in 1956, and they had four children. He and his young family took full advantage of his time in Europe and travelled to Austria, Sardinia, and Cyprus. He concluded his career as the Director of Flight Safety and retired after 35 years of service.
Hugh and Lily met and shared their lives together in Kelowna, BC. In retirement, they enjoyed golfing, skiing, travelling, spending time with family, and dining out. He was heavily involved with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, 243 Ogopogo Squadron as chair of the Sponsoring Committee, and volunteered with Meals on Wheels.
Hugh will always be remembered for his passion for flying, his fierce loyalty, and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He loved deeply, always chose kindness and was a gentleman to the very end.
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local cancer society.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Hugh was a wonderful, kind and wholesome person. A real pleasure to know. Our vivid memory of him is being the flag bearer at the Remembrance Day Parade. He will be missed by all.
Lil:
I was so sorry to hear or Rosie’s passing . I really liked the paragraph telling of your time together. and to say after knowing him since the 50’s, that the next paragraph also tells the world the kind of man he always was..
Nick
So sorry to hear of Hugh’s passing. He was a true gentleman. We got to know him as a neighbour and
friend in Gallagher’s Canyon. We enjoyed fun and laughter in his company. Our condolences to Lil and his family.
Ray and Jenny Wiebe
Our deepest sympathy on your loss.
Dear Lil,
My condolences on your loss. Dan and I enjoyed having Hugh as our neighbour at Gallaghers. Yes, he was kind, and a gentleman for sure but he was also very sincere and dedicated. May you and all of the family find solace in the memories of your years together.. Joan Gallacher
So sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences. Our thoughts are with you.
Jeannine & Al
Dear Lil,
Bryan and I were very saddened to hear of Hugh’s passing. It was a pleasure knowing such a kind, thoughtful, and friendly neighbour on Gallagher’s Lookout. We will remember Hugh as a gentleman, a generous neighbour, and a man of integrity, very much a part of our small, close-knit community. He will be missed. Sending our heartfelt condolences. Lil.
Arlene & Bryan
I met Hugh at the Coast Capri when he would come in to make arrangements for the Air Force Association dinner. We would end our meetings talking about family and what had happened over the last year. I looked forward to speaking with him and his love for his family shone through. You are all in my thoughts as you mourn this true gentleman.
So sorry to hear of Hugh’s passing. We always enjoyed having Hugh as our neighbour at Gallaghers. We miss seeing him out and about. Our best wishes to Lil and all the family.
Dear Lil,
We were very sorry to hear of Hugh’s passing. We miss seeing you both here in Gallagher’s. Although we did not know him well, Hugh always had a smile and a kind or amusing word when we met him. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Audrey and Brian