“In the end, it is not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years.”
Abraham Lincoln
Hugh Gordon Ellis passed away peacefully at home with his partner and family by his side on Thursday, June 25th, 2026. He was born in 1957, in Bathurst, New Brunswick to Gordon and Norma (Payne) Ellis. He grew up in Janeville, NB where he was an active child who participated in school, church, and neighbourhood activities.
He attended Bathurst High School, where he excelled and graduated with honours in 1975. From there he was accepted into the College of Pharmacy Dalhousie University in Halifax (graduating in 1979). He also obtained his Hospital Residency Certificate at Camp Hill Hospital, Halifax, N.S. (1980) and completed the Executive Development Program York University- Schulich School of Business (1996).
Over the course of his lengthy career, Hugh had significant experience as a practicing clinical pharmacist in both hospital and community pharmacy settings, working at both staff and management levels. He developed in-depth corporate management skills as the Director of Pharmacy Professional Services for Shoppers Drug Mart. Hugh's broad experience also included being a franchise owner of multiple community pharmacies. His professional background included, but was not limited to, working at Ottawa General Hospital as a clinical pharmacist specializing in oncology and hematology, working with Eli Lilly, a multinational drug manufacturer, along with dedicating substantial volunteer time to provincial and national professional pharmacy organizations over the past thirty-five years at both the executive and presidential levels, including being a member of the Ad Hoc Committee of NBPS to write the NB Pharmacy Act. In later years, Hugh shared his expertise in government policy analysis, project management, and e-Health initiatives through his role as the Director of Drug Program and Systems with the New Brunswick Department of Health, completing his career as an independent Senior Health Care Consultant.
Hugh had a boundless love for life that drew people to him. He delighted in a wide array of pursuits including reading, storytelling, traveling, cooking, the hunt for a good bargain, being in the company of family and friends. And shoes – oh the shoes! There was nothing like a good party (one that included delicious food – often consumed following his rousing impression of Julia Child with the words “Bon Appetit!”) and he was known to be the life of any he attended. Music also held a special place in his heart, not least of which was his involvement with In Harmony a group that came together as friends and quickly became family.
Another space he found joy was with his work in the United Church being actively involved with both Central United Church in Clifton, NB and First United Church in Bathurst, NB. He was a choir member, committee member, elected delegate for the Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters region (FSLDW) to regional conference, chair of pastoral relation (FSLDW), and President of FSLDW for 2025-26.
He is survived by his loving and devoted partner Randy Breckenridge, his pride and joy daughter Lauren Blinn (Stephane), cherished granddaughters Ellie and Lexi Blinn of Moncton, NB, brother Peter (Shari Smith-Ellis) of Janeville, NB, uncle Gordon “Buzz” Payne (late Agnes, late Margot), Hampton, NB, aunts Elizabeth (Zib) Craig (late Scott) Chestermere, AB and Marjorie Buchanan (late Robert) of Saint John, NB, and several cousins who were lifelong friends, mother-in-law Ruth (Mama Ru) Breckenridge, brothers-in-law Robert (Tina) Breckenridge, Ross (Natalie) Breckenridge, Roger (Elisabeth) Breckenridge, and sister-in-law Rhonda (Denis) Chiasson, thirteen nieces and nephews, and five great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Lauren’s mother and his dear friend Jane Crozier of Fredericton, NB and sister-in-law Diane Crozier of Charlottetown, PEI, He was predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Norma (Payne) and infant brothers Darryl Albert and Harlan Mark.
There will be visitation at Elhatton’s funeral home on Thursday, July 2nd from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Funeral service will be held at First United Church in Bathurst, NB on Friday, July 3rd at 2 pm. A reception will follow the ceremony in the Donald Eddy Memorial Hall.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Mission & Service United Church of Canada, Affirm United (e-transfer to: treasurer@ause.ca citing in the message box: Donation in memory of Hugh Ellis), or a charity of the donor’s choice.
The family are grateful to Tina Breckenridge (Extramural) for her compassion, kindness, and care during his last days at home, Dr. Rébecca Arseneau of Palliative Care for her guidance and support throughout the past year, the oncology teams at Chaleur Regional Hospital and Georges L. Dumont Hospital, and amazing family and friends for their love and support during the past year.
Over the past year, Hugh fought his battle with pancreatic cancer with courage, grace, hope, and utmost dignity. Even in declining health he exemplified strength, faith, a positive outlook, and quick wit. He continuously fulfilled his commitments, gave to others, and brought joy to those who had the good fortune of knowing and encountering him.
“Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality."
— Emily Dickinson
Arrangements have been entrusted to Elhatton’s Funeral Home, Bathurst, NB.
