Obituary of Hughes Harry Hambly

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Hugh Hambly on June 1, 2020 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital. Born on February 9, 1943, in St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, he was the son of the late Walter "Bud" Campbell and Bealah Emily (Knowles) Hambly. Hugh was trained as an automotive Mechanic and, subsequently, as a heavy equipment diesel Mechanic. He worked as such in Quebec then transitioned to Mechanical Superintendent in Manitoba for 4 years, before landing in Nackawic, NB, in 1973. While in Nackawic, Hugh was manager of Equipment & Roads Maintenance for St. Anne-Nackawic Pulp Company Ltd., Valley Forest Products Division where he stayed for 28 years. Upon retirement, he started his own Consulting business, Hugh Hambly & Associates Inc., with his life partner, Lucie Laperrière, where he delivered courses throughout the Maritimes (Road Maintenance, Watercourse Alteration, etc). Hugh was a pioneer in mechanical equipment maintenance, believing every member of his staff were important. The use of his problem-solving skills to make them attack the cause of the problem, not just the problem itself, was quite valuable to the industry. He initiated all kind of programs related to road maintenance, bridge building and problem solving. His managerial style was well known across the industry. Also, his booming voice could command a room full of forestry people and vendors at the Annual Conference of the Canadian Woodland Forum (LOG -Logging Operation Group, which he chaired for years) and everybody would learn something in his sometimes heated exchanges. He was also an inventor and always found a way to make things work more efficiently. With these skills, Hugh showed not just throughout his industry advancements, but with his various awards and honorary memberships received, such as his UNB award for Quality in Maintenance Management. He will be greatly missed by his life partner Lucie Laperrière; children Julie Heslop (Kevin) and Grant Hambly (Jeannette Arseneault); grandchildren Hailey and Emma; a sister Merle Murrell (Ted); as well as several in-laws and cousins. Due to the present pandemic restrictions, there will be no services. A celebration may be held at a later date. For those who wish, donations in Hugh’s memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Society, Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of the donor’s choice.