HUGH VALLERY
May 3, 1919-Dec. 29, 2007
VALLERY, Hugh : In his 89th year, passed away peacefully on December 29th, 2007. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Marjorie, his daughter Linda and husband Ralph Edwards of Belwood, and his son Douglas Vallery and wife Lauree of Toronto. He will be missed by grandchildren Pam, Debbie and Mark Edwards, and Braden, Robert, Jacqueline and Ellen Vallery. Hugh is the brother-in-law of Doris (Hutchison) Vallery of Peterborough, Jean (O'Neill) Emery of Ingersoll and Doris (Emery) Richardson of Anthony, Florida. He is also survived by a number of beloved nieces and nephews. Hugh was born May 3, 1919 in Peterborough and graduated from Queen's University in 1942 with a Masters Degree in History and an officer's appointment out of the COTC. As a Lieutenant with the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment, Hugh saw action with the Canadian First Infantry Division, Allied Eighth Army in Italy. He was captured in the fierce fighting south of Ortona in December 1943, and was held as a Prisoner of War at OFLAG VIIIF (Mährisch-Trübau, Czech Republic) and OFLAG 79 (Brunswick, Germany) until April 1945. After the War, Hugh served in the Canadian Reserve Militia through the mid-50's, in which he attained the rank of Major. An active and successful career in public education with the Toronto and Metro School Boards following graduation from OCE in 1946, included: teaching at Harbord CI (46-58); Head of History at North Toronto CI (58-61); Vice Principal at Parkdale Collegiate (61-63);foundingrincipal at Monarch Park SS (63-66); Academic Director of SEF (Study in Educational Facilities, 66-69). A member of Phi Delta Kappa, Hugh was an Associate Teacher with the Ontario College of Education (51-60) and also lectured at OISE on educational administration. He co-authored two text books: The British Epic (Ontario Grade 9, 1960), and The British Heritage (Manitoba, 1965). Hugh completed his career by serving as Superintendent and Assistant Director of Education for the Metropolitan Toronto School Board from 1970 until his retirement in February, 1977. Leading up to his retirement, Hugh received recognition and awards for his longstanding contribution to education in Ontario. Hugh was active with the East Toronto Rotary Club through the 60's and 70's. Through active enquiry and contributions, Hugh has played a role in the betterment of several communities including Lake of Bays, Ontario where the extended families enjoyed many wonderful summers together. In retirement, Hugh and Marj also spent winters in Ocala, Fort Myers and Clearwater, Florida. Hugh was an active contributor to Islington United Church through the 50's and 60's and to many worthy charities and causes. Hugh was a compassionate, private person, a voracious reader until late in life, and an inquisitive student of the rushing events of our times. He was a gentleman, a man of integrity, and a generous, trusted advisor and friend to those close to him. A celebration of Hugh's life will be held at th YORK VISITATION, CHAPEL AND RECEPTION CENTRE, 160 Beecroft Road (north of Sheppard Avenue, first street west of Yonge Street), Toronto, 416-221-3404 on Saturday, January 5, 2007 at 11 a.m. Visitation one hour prior with a lunch reception to follow the service. For more information and to place online condolences please go to www.etouch.ca
Email: LoneWolfy@hotmail.com
