James Wilfred Hough

10-Jul-1927 - 19-Jun-2023

Obituary Overview

Hough, James Wilfred


Bill or Zeke was the third child of W.J.Hough of Renfrew and Gwendoline Prosser of York, England. He was born and raised in Sudbury, ON. After a brief stint at St. Michael’s College in Toronto which he was forced to leave after contracting scarlet fever, he graduated from Sudbury High School and went on to Royal Military College as part of the first returning class after the Second World War. After graduating with an Engineering Diploma from RMC and a BSc in Civil Engineering from Queen’s University he was stationed at several RCAF bases in Canada before going to Europe as part of the Canadian Air Division attached to the NATO forces. From April 1953 until January 1957 he was stationed with 2 Wing at Grostenquin, France where he flew F-86 V and VI ‘Sabres’ with the 421 ‘Red Indian’ Squadron. Stationed both at Rockliffe and Uplands bases in Ottawa in 1957, he returned to Europe in December of 1957 after having been selected to train at the Empire Test Pilot’s School at Farnborough, England as a member of the course of 1958.
In January 1959 he began to fly with the National Aeronautical Establishment, flight research with the National Research Council at Uplands. He remained there until he was released from the RCAF on October 31st, 1963. Shortly before, in September of 1963, he had entered Medical School at the University of Ottawa. He continued to fly as a bush pilot and guide with Laurentian Air Services during the summers while attending medical school.
When at the NRC he met Beverley MacKinnon whom he married on December 28th, 1959. They had two sons, Allan and Jeff.
He graduated Summa cum Laude from the U of O Medical School in 1968 with a gold medal in Pediatrics. After specializing in Radiology he entered private practice with Drs. Bociek, Wickware and Lyle with whom he practiced for 25 years until his retirement.
Bill lost his wife Beverley in February of 2020. He is also predeceased by his brothers Tom and John, as well as his sister Pat. He is survived by his brother David (Ruth) of Sudbury.. He will be missed by his sons Al (Joanne) of Russell and Jeff, as well as by his grandchildren Allison (Kent) of Crysler, Mark (Kayla) of Russell, Jeff (Alyssa) of Ottawa, and Sarah (Austin) of Victoria, as well as by his great grand children Elizabeth, Theresa, and Thomas by whom he was affectionately known as ‘Pops’.

Condolences from family and friends

Posted by Don McKinnon | 27-Jun-2023


My sincere condolences to the family. Willy was a close friend at RMC. Although life eventually took us into different paths, I will always remember his good humour, helpfulness and ability to do things his own way.

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Posted by Karl and Trudy Richter | 24-Jun-2023


We are so sorry to hear of Dr. Hough's passing. He was a wonderful and friendly, longtime neighbour. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time. Our sincere condolences to the whole family.

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