Hugh Robert Stratton Garnham
October 21, 2022
Hugh Robert Stratton Garnham passed into the presence of his Lord and Saviour October 21, 2022 in his ninety-fifth year. He is remembered by many as their Principal or English teacher or mentor. He loved history and literature. For many, their Sunday School teacher, or Hugh who taught them at Children’s Meeting Friday nights at “George’s” in St. Marys. Others remember him as the man who was always at the meetings, steady, ready to help however he could. The one who was happy for a few extra people for Sunday dinner or giving a room for a preacher to stay in even for a long series of meetings. Uncle Hugh to many, some not even related. The man who made sure he got his family to bigger gatherings because family was important. He is remembered as Dad by his six children and their spouses, not always agreeing with him, but appreciating his wisdom, fairness and consistency. He would wrestle on the living room floor or do gymnastics, and play ‘Androcles and the Lion’. Remembered as Grandpa by eighteen grandchildren and thirty-nine great grandchildren. Each have their own special memories of him because he took the time to read to them or drive them to school or tickle them until they fell asleep. He loved to barbecue a mound of burgers and hotdogs while they rode around him on trikes or used the stilts in the backyard. Especially remembered as a husband and partner for sixty-nine years by his wife, Ruth, who quietly helped him to accomplish so much. Loving father of Ruth Ann Rodgers (David) of Chile, David Garnham (Debbie) of Bothwell, Liz Loft (Keith) of Ilderton, Tim Garnham of London, Grace Kundert (John) of Wisconsin, and Rebecca Desgroseilliers (Mitch) of London. Also loved by his eighteen grandchildren and thirty-nine great grandchildren. Predeceased by his father Lewis Garnham (1962), his mother Edna Garnham (1972), his siblings, Margaret Brown (1982), Donald Garnham (2011), Doris Humphrey (2011), Ruth Thackston (2015), his granddaughter Marlene Rodgers (1984) and daughter-in-law Louise Garnham (2020). Surely you would agree that a great man has passed away.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 27, 2022 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the funeral service being held at Northview Funeral Chapel and Cremation Centre, 1490 Highbury Avenue North, London on Friday, October 28, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Robin’s Hill Cemetery, Thorndale.
For those unable to attend the service, the family wishes you to participate in the service via a livestream here: Livestream for the Funeral of Hugh Garnham
Special thanks to the Doctors, Nurses, PSWs and the cleaning staff at Westmount Gardens, London, for their compassionate care of Dad and his family.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Hugh, are asked to consider Childcan or Gospel Trust Canada.
Leave a tribute for Hugh Robert Stratton Garnham
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Liz, Keith and Family Our sincere condolences to your family on the passing of your father. Keep your memories close to your heart .
Our sincerest sympathies to all the Garnham family. Hugh was instrumental in the beginning of the St. Marys Gospel Hall Childrens meetings on Friday night in the 1950's. Tonight we continue with the Friday night Childrens meeting and we will remember Hugh for his exercise along with Uncle George and others who made the journey to St. Marys. A faithful man in Christ, who will be missed. John and Sharon Hackett
My old principal at Byron Northview Public School. Last seen driving a school bus out in front of Catholic Central.
Our family will always remember Mr. Garnham with fondness. His welcome smile and kindness to us as newcomers at the gospel hall will always be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family at this time.
I remember the day over 50 years ago that Mr Garnham arrived at the Chelsea hall with a brand new station wagon - the kind with the back seat facing backwards. Come summer, he would drive that boat all the way from north London to south-east London (East Park) and back to north London and then on to the gospel tent at Lakeshore so that his children - and a few more kids of immigrant parents - could hear the gospel in their youth. Thank you, Lord, for Mr Garnham.
Just a thank you for being you. You were (and are) an inspiration.
So sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences. I was a former student of Mr. Garnham
I was very sad to hear that we have lost 'Mr. Garnham'. I remember all of the special Sunday School Treats and Picnics that he arranged during our young days at the Gospel Hall. He also supported me as a young, nervous teacher, trying to get my foot in the door, when there were very few jobs available. More recently, he spoke comforting and reassuring words at the memorials for my Mom and Dad. My thoughts are with you, Ruth Ann, and the rest of the family, and hope that you receive the same words of love and peace that your Dad gave to me and my family.
So sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing, Liz. Thinking about you, Keith & the whole family. We hope your treasured memories will help you navigate this difficult time. Hugs🥰💔
Dear Garnham Family, Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your husband Ruth, dear father and grandfather. He was a kind gentleman and great neighbour to my parents. May he rest in peace.
Dear Garnham Family, Please accept my deepest heartfelt condolences on the passing of your husband, Ruth, and your father and grandfather. He was an amazing gentleman and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Dear RUTH AND FAMILY I am so sorry to hear of Hugh’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
I will always remember Mr. Garnham as a man who had a love for children. As a child, his jolly laugh and infectious smile always made Sunday school and Children's meetings fun. He always took his time and made us feel heard and cared for. Even though I haven't seen him in many many years, he was a man that made a huge impact on my young life and will always hold a special place in my heart.
"Uncle Hugh" met my dad George Patterson, when he first got off the boat from Ireland and arrived in London, Ontario. He was the best man at my parents wedding and our families were inseparable . My brother James and I, were close to the Garnham children, growing up together as our families attended Sunday School and every Friday night in St Marys. I have to believe that my Dad will be one of the first in that heavenly throng waiting to welcome "Uncle Hugh". May God comfort and bless all of the Garnham family at this time with treasured memories of a truly great man. Blessings from John & James and Fran Patterson
Liz, Keith and family My deepest sympathies to your family. What a wonderful life he shared with you. And such great memories. Beckie
Liz, Keith and family and the entire Garnham family. Sending our sympathy to all. After reading the obituary for Hugh it definitely appears he educated many, brought many smiles to family and friends and touched alot of people's lives throughout his life of 96 years. May he rest in peace.
Liz, Keith and Families Very sorry to read about your dad's passing. Sending condolences to you and all of your family at this time. Thinking of you at this difficult time. John Elston and family
Mr. Garnham was a Man of God and a dedicated shepherd; he will be missed. I am very thankful to the Lord to have met him. He was a great example for many of us. My sincere condolences for his family. I rejoice in the fact that he is home now.
Services for Hugh Robert Stratton Garnham
Visitation will be held at:
Northview Funeral Chapel
1490 Highbury Avenue North,
London, Ontario
October 27, 2022 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Visitation will be held at:
Northview Funeral Chapel
1490 Highbury Avenue North,
London, Ontario
October 28, 2022 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Funeral Service will be held at:
Northview Funeral Chapel
1490 Highbury Avenue North,
London, Ontario
October 28, 2022 11:00 am
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Mr. Garnham was principal and my Grade 8 teacher at Byron Northview many, many years ago. His encouragement and support to my 12-year-old self is something I have never forgotten. He was a kind man and a wonderful, patient teacher. May his soul rest peacefully in Eternal Light. Most sincere condolences to all his family.
~ Anita Usaty Minov