Hugo Charles Vanberg, resident of Clairmont, AB, formerly of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital, at the age of 80 years.

Hugo was born on June 18, 1943, to his parents Charlotte and Hugo Vanberg. He had 2 older sisters and 5 younger brothers. He was raised on a farm and grew up with strong family values, and work ethics. While going to school he would help on the farm and stack lumber with his father. Once he graduated he attended university, then returned home as his heart was with the farm and his family.

Hugo started his lumber career with Canfor in Hines Creek, AB, then relocated to Grande Prairie, where he then continued with Canfor. After 35 years he retired at age 63. In his retirement years, his focus was his family and faith.

Hugo married Eileen (nee Speed) and started a family. He was truly a family man, leaving behind a legacy of love and warmth through his beloved children: Sheila, Eldon, Larry, and Lavern (passed in 2004). As a father, he was a constant source of support, love, and encouragement. He dedicated himself to imparting his children with the same values of kindness, compassion, and the importance of faith.

Hugo enjoyed exercise and would spend hours out on a bike ride, or a fast (never slow) stroll around the trails. He also enjoyed Ping Pong, and would always be up for a challenge.

Hugo’s love and dedication extended beyond his immediate family, to his brothers and sisters in faith. Hugo’s passion was evident as he selflessly committed himself to spreading the teachings of love, faith, compassion, and understanding to all who crossed his path.

Hugo will be sadly missed by his daughter Sheila (Dallas) Hiron; sons Eldon (Kelly) Vanberg and Larry (Anna) Vanberg; grandchildren: Sheila’s children: Shawn, Dustin (Emma), Michael (Jessica), Darcy, Taylor (Dustin), Jessie, Kenadie, and Chelsey; Eldon’s children: Svealand, Ture, Alicia, Caitlin, Ivor, Violat, and Hugo; and Larry’s children: Brendan, Jaydon, Kianna, Emily, and Emerson; great-grandchildren: Dustin and Emma’s children: Ellis and Dawson, and Taylor and Dustin’s children: Mya and Maddison.

Hugo was predeceased by his dad Hugo; mother Charlotte (nee Pratt); brother in-law Robert Cox; son Lavern; brother David; sister in-law Margaret (nee White); as well as son in-law George Wall.

As we remember Hugo, let us remember the lessons he taught us though his actions and the love he shared.

A Viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, from 6:30-8:30pm, at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 107 Ave.).

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at 11:00, at the Sexsmith Civic Centre (99 Ave.).Interment to follow at Hinterland Cemetery in Hines Creek.

Memorial Donations may be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada (202, 11227 Jasper Ave., Edmonton, AB, T5K 0L5).