Hubert (Hugh), age 85, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in Victoria, British Columbia. He is survived by his loving wife, Joan, his children, Julie and Gregory, and his grandson Alexander.
Born on February 18, 1941, in what is now Poland, Hubert came to Canada after a long journey through Eastern and Western Germany, enduring considerable hardship along the way. He initially settled in St. Ouens, Manitoba, in 1953, before eventually moving to Winnipeg, where he grew up alongside his three brothers and sister.
Hubert earned his Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Manitoba. He first worked for the CNR, and then as a Systems Engineer with IBM Canada from 1966 to 1991, with postings in Victoria, Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver, before ultimately making Victoria his home. In 1992, Hubert moved to Victoria with his wife and son, where he worked for Wescom Computer Services until 2006. In 2008, he retired to his country home in Sooke, BC.
Hubert married Joan Lorna Wuerch on May 6, 1961, in Winnipeg. Together, they shared many happy years raising their family. Summers were spent camping at favourite locations such as Elephant Lake, Ontario, Timothy Lake, BC, or hiking and exploring around Thetis Lake in Victoria. Hubert deeply enjoyed the West Coast lifestyle and had a lifelong appreciation for outdoor activities such as camping and fishing.
An avid reader, Hubert spent countless hours educating himself across a wide range of subjects, including world affairs, business, science, and medicine. He also led children’s Sunday school groups while living in Vancouver, where he was an active member of his church community. Hubert was occasionally invited to give speeches at weddings. He was appreciated for his dry, intelligent wit and understated humour—delivered with a sophistication that often drew warm laughter and the occasional good-natured groan from audiences.
Hubert will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Joan; his children, Julie and Gregory (Gioconda) Wirch; his grandson, Alexander Wirch; his brother, Erwin (Isabelle) Wirch, and by his extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his brothers Adolph and Arthur, and his sister Meta.
A virtual celebration of Hubert’s life will be held at a date soon to be announced.
Donations in memory of Hubert can be made to the BC Cancer Foundation:
https://bccancerfoundation.
This obituary is the property of the “Wirch” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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5 Comments To "Hubert (Hugh) Wirch"
#1 Comment By Cheryl On February 27, 2026 @ 9:46 pm
Dear Auntie Joan, Julie, Greg and family; We are very sorry to hear of Uncle Hugh’s passing, he was such a kind Uncle to all of us! You are in our prayers, may God give you peace in your heart as you walk through this valley.
Much love,
Dan and Cheryl Phillips (nee Glazer)
#2 Comment By Doreen Glazer On March 1, 2026 @ 3:41 pm
Dear Joan Julie and Gregg, so sorry for the loss of your beloved Father. Sending Condolences and prayers as you say farewell and Gods
Strength in the absence in your lives and home. God’s comfort in your time of mourning.
Love and prayers, Aunt Doreen 🌈🙏🏻🌹💜
#3 Comment By Berkley & Arliss Glazer On March 1, 2026 @ 6:48 pm
Dear Auntie Joan, Julie, Greg and family; We are very sorry to hear of Uncle Hugh’s passing. We send our love and prayers of comfort during this sad time.
#4 Comment By Garry & Gloria Storsley On March 2, 2026 @ 5:34 pm
Dear Aunty Joan, Julie & Greg, sorry to hear of Hugh’s passing. My memories go back first to Hugh’s St. Ouens days, later to the wiener roasts by the river on Kelbert’s farm – where, I believe Joan, you first laid eyes on Hugh.
Joan, you both were a God send during my Winnipeg university years while boarding at Grampa and Grammas, spending many cold winter weekends together with Shirley, playing card games and eating pizza. I am grateful and thankful for those awesome times and memories.
Years later we connected in Vancouver where our boys became close with Julie and Greg. Ocean fishing trips with Hugh, Greg and our oldest, Jason, were always a blast.
May our Heavenly Father be your comfort and support at this time. We do not sorrow as those who are without the hope of eternal life but rejoice through the redemption of the saving grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
#5 Comment By Cheleen Lam On March 15, 2026 @ 12:14 pm
Dear Auntie Joan, Julie, Greg and family, our deepest sympathies for your loss. Uncle Hugh will be missed. Our prayers are with you all for comfort and peace during this difficult time. You’re in our thoughts. Take care and God bless.
Cheleen, Henry and Jett