Robert Scott Hughes

July 31, 1960 – Jan 2, 2026

Robert Scott Hughes, known to all as Scott, passed away peacefully at home in Windermere, BC, on January 2, 2026, aged 65, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Calgary, Alberta, to Robert (Bob) Finlay Hughes and Marjorie (Marj) Helen Hughes, Scott grew up alongside his older brothers, Doug and Fred, with countless tales of mischief. From an early age, he was curious about the world—eager to learn, industrious, persistent, and drawn to exploration—qualities that would shape every chapter of his life.

Scott met Susan while working at Lake Louise in early 1982, beginning a partnership grounded in friendship, respect, and shared values. They married in 1988 and were intentional in how they shaped their life together, prioritizing family, curiosity, and learning through experience. Their early years were rich with discovery: cycling across Europe and down the west coast of the US, trekking through mountain ranges, teaching skiing in Switzerland, and travelling through Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia in 1987–88.

One of Scott’s greatest joys was inviting others into these experiences. True to his free-spirited nature, he bought an old VW “hippy” van and set off with Susan and their three young children—Jenni, Michaela, and Connor—exploring backroads and forestry campsites. He was especially proud of coordinating a six-month family journey abroad that allowed their teenage children to continue their studies remotely while learning directly from the world around them.

Scott brought this same spirit of curiosity into everyday life. He had a gift for turning ordinary projects—building a treehouse, constructing a deck, or transforming a carport into a bedroom—into opportunities for connection and confidence-building. He generously passed on his love of skiing, water sports, cycling, and hiking, instilling in his children not only a passion for the outdoors, but also courage, curiosity, and openness to learning. Even after his stroke in 2022, Scott relearned how to ski and found joy riding his recumbent bike along the Legacy Trail by Lake Windermere.

Education and learning were lifelong passions. Scott attended William Aberhart High School and graduated with distinction from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Commerce. Alongside his professional life, he earned his CSIA Level 3 Instructor, CSCF Level 2 Coach, and CADS Level 2 Instructor certifications, teaching skiing in Canada, Switzerland, and Australia.

Scott’s career reflected his values. After co-directing the Cypress Mountain Ski School, he spent more than two decades in banking and social finance with CIBC and Vancity before founding Capacity Build Consulting, which he led for 15 years. Through this work, he partnered with charities, cooperatives, social enterprises, and community.

organizations to help them build resilience and bring ambitious ideas to life. His commitment to social impact extended beyond Canada through microfinance and capacity-building work in rural Cambodia, Malawi, and Mongolia. Generous with his time and expertise, Scott volunteered with Scouts Canada, BC Adaptive Snowsports, Vancouver Adaptive Snowsports, Fresh Roots, South False Creek Community Association, Mulgrave School, and Highlands United Church.

In 2018, Scott and Susan made Windermere their home, continuing a life shaped by community and outdoor pursuits. It became a gathering place for family and friends—a home Scott envisioned as a lasting legacy, formed by time on the lake, ski hills, trails, and bikes. Adventures continued with his adult children, including cycling through Germany and the Czech Republic, celebrating milestone birthdays in France and Italy, and sharing meaningful family journeys together. Above all, Scott’s greatest achievement was his family, showing his children how to live with integrity, intention, and joy.

Generous, compassionate, and full of life, Scott’s smile could light up a room and lift everyone around him. He will be reunited in peace with his parents, Bob and Marj Hughes, and with dear friends Floyd and Kelly. Scott will be deeply missed by Susan; by Jenni and Steven and granddaughter, Avery; by Michaela and Justin; and by Connor and Emma.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Highlands United Church in North Vancouver on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Guests are invited to wear what makes them happy.