Hugh Michaelson

Hugh Michaelson passed away on August 15, 2025, at 90 years of age, after a long and fulfilling life. Hugh was born on September 29, 1934, the second son of Ross Michaelson and Dorothy Houghton. As a boy, he lived in North Vancouver, Premier, Whitehorse, and lastly, Campbell River where he worked in the pulp and paper mill to fund his education. After one year at UBC, he talked his way into the Vancouver School of Art. He studied typography and design and became a member of a small group of brilliant designers who went on to revolutionize graphic design in Canada. Hugh had a highly successful career as a graphic designer working at the Toronto Star and in the book publishing industry. He won numerous awards for his work, including the prestigious Leipzig Gold Medal for "most beautiful book in the world".

In 1960, Hugh married Harriet Keys, whom he had met in German class at UBC. Hugh's work took them to the Toronto area where they established a happy household with their three children. Hugh developed a passion for sailing, and the family spent many joyful days on Hugh's (progressively larger) sailboats on Lake Ontario. Hugh was a talented woodworker who built one of his sailboats from a bare hull - he loved nothing better than working on his boats and spending time on the water.
When his first marriage ended, Hugh found love again with his second wife, Heather Jordan, who was his cherished companion for the rest of his life. Perhaps because Hugh had never taken more than one week's annual vacation during his working years, he and Heather took early retirement and pursued their dreams together. They sailed to the Bahamas and the British Virgin Islands, built a dream house in the country, travelled to Germany and across Canada, and enjoyed spending time with their friends and family. Hugh also set up his own small, private press (Harwood Press) and printed a beautiful, limited-edition book, The Island of Demons. Hugh and Heather had a happy, loving relationship together for over 40 years.

Hugh was a firm, but kind and loving, father. He mellowed greatly with age and was a warm and gentle grandfather. He was a great friend to his sailing buddies, with whom he maintained close relationships for life. He will be missed.

Hugh is survived by his beloved wife, Heather, his children Croft (Suzanne), Korol (Will), and Troy (Kelly), his stepchildren Linda (Rick), Joe (Joanne) and Bill (Jacky), and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Cameron, Shelby, Sarah, Tayler, Tanille, Gavin, Eric, Joe, Maddy, Abby, Nicholas, Rachael, Alexis, Leah, Lucas, Freya, and Islay. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Ross, and his stepdaughter, Debbie.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral service and a private gathering for family will be held at a later date.