Obituary of Hugh Horner

With incredible thanks for a life well lived before God, his family, and friends, the family of Hugh Horner announces his passing from this life to his eternal reward, on Tuesday, January 10, 2017. Scripture affirms: "...we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. How do you sum up the life of Hugh Findlay Horner? His life principles were simple and spiritual; loving God and loving each other. Hugh grew up in the Pontiac, in a loving home with Ronald, Neil, George, Wilmont, Kathryn, and Marjorie, his mom and dad, Clifford and Thelma. He loved farming, telling stories, pulling pranks, tormenting his sisters and cousin Morley, and making people laugh, from a young age. He loved the family farm, and, after a short time at Brockville Bible College, came home to farm full time, still a teenager! In his later youth, Hugh made 3 trips out west on harvest excursions, where he and his pals were dropped off in a motel room. A farmer stopped by, and upon hearing Hugh singing and playing his guitar, hired him on the spot as farmhand and babysitter to his kids. Return trip cost: $10. Upon his return, he took on his hardest challenge to date: winning the heart of the girl next door, his lifelong neighbour. He did win her heart, and they married in 1959, raising a family of 5 girls, and finally, that beloved boy. All of Shawville seemed to rejoice upon his arrival! Hugh and Norma invested in the Pontiac County and their church community. They were popular with nieces and nephews on both sides of the family and hosted many a family get together, where food, play and noise abounded. Hugh and Norma had an active music ministry that grew as each new family member was added. Hugh's ministry with guitar, voice, storytelling and humour was an encouragement to many. Together they spent over 55 years in Shawville, ALWAYS together. Hugh was a farmer at heart. He loved his horses, pigs, sheep, chickens, goats. He worked at Bristol Mines for a short stint. He raised his family. He had many friends. He had even more stories to tell. A few years ago, Hugh recorded two CDs, the first with his lifelong pal, the second with his wife, brother and brother in law, a dream come true for him. After selling the family farm, Hugh and Norma retired to their new home in Shawville, and invested ten years with the neighbours and community on Dundas Street. We thank family, neighbours, church, medical and community supports for generously supporting them in these later years. Hugh and Norma made a difficult choice to transition to Ontario to be closer to the support and care of some of their children. They moved into Adair Place Retirement Residence, and blended beautifully into the community life there. In early December, while Hugh's spirit and soul flourished, his body tired markedly. The family determined to make the most of remaining days, maximizing opportunities together with black cherry ice cream, singing, talking, praying, sharing, and honoring him, visits in person and via ipad. As a dad and a Pop Pop, he is a hero; a true gentleman in every way, showing a depth of peace and contentment during this time of change. Recently, he commented he would love to go to sleep and wake up in the Lord's presence. We are confident this is his new reality. Without a doubt, the void in our hearts and homes is huge. We are especially grateful our parents were together to his very last day. We thank the medical and community supports, and the committed staff of Adair Place Retirement Residence for helping that to be possible. We also thank our mom, his devoted wife of 57 years. Recently, dad spoke to the kids and honored mom with words of thanks. She has been both a champion and his lady, supporting him in every capacity. Hugh is survived by his wife, Norma (nee McKnight), daughters Dawn (Bert) McCutcheon, Pattie (Aaron) Patriquin, Nancy (Paul) DeMerchant, Janyce (Mark) Arnill, Susan (Luke) Thomas, and son, Neil (Heidi) Horner, 16 grandchildren and 1 soon to arrive great grandchild, 2 sisters, Kathryn (Ellard) Perry, Marjorie Horner, 1 brother, Wilmont Horner, many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Friends may call at Hayes Funeral Home, 134 Centre Street, Shawville, Quebec on Friday, January 13, 2017 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, January 14, in Bethel Pentecostal Tabernacle from 12 to 1 p.m., service immediately following at 1 p.m. Interment to follow immediately at Maple Grove Cemetery. Reception will be held in St. Paul’s Anglican Church Hall. Donations to New Hope Christian Fellowship Building Fund would be appreciated. For family and friends who are unable to attend, the funeral service will be available to view via Facebook live on his son Neil Horner's, Facebook page. You will need to be Facebook friends with Neil in order to view. Click this link to go to Neil's profile and join us in the celebration of Hugh's life. https://www.facebook.com/?stype=lo&jlou=Afc3LmNd3C20yFmJ9D8Tlis7Oc6iQNKjhiVWB3yCWJ2JwqtwEeKz4WxwVGFpfYPDoy-4vMc3oXI2BmRFLNCOZOBS&smuh=45633&lh=Ac_nWy1mzMaB2nNT