Hugh John King was born in Mossbank, Saskatchewan on November 10, 1922, the second of four sons to Vic and Sarah King. He moved from Mossbank to Smeaton with his family in 1930 where he attended school and helped on the family farm until joining the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1942. He worked as an air frame mechanic, mainly on Mitchell and Liberator bombers until he was discharged in 1945. During his time in the air force, he was transferred across Canada, to bases in New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia. He liked to reminisce about the many friends, events and escapades he had in those years, especially when he was taking his training with one of his best friends, Jim Falloon, and when stationed in the same place as his brothers, Billy and Aaron.
After he was discharged, he came back to Smeaton and worked as a cat operator for the L.I.D. for a year but his love of farming drew him back in 1947, the same year he married the love of his life, Audrey McKenzie. A marriage that lasted more than 69 years but was almost ended in that first year when he was nearly killed in the PTO of the combine. They started their married life living in a 10’x12’ granary on the King homestead. Many years and moves later, they ended their farming on the same homestead but in a much larger and more comfortable home. In 2008, Hugh and Audrey moved to Melfort where Hugh lived out his final days watching TV, playing cards and visiting with friends and family.
Hugh was passionate about farming, family and community. He was happiest when he was on a tractor, combine or cat. The Sunday drive to check out crops was a summer ritual. He loved working with his cattle, horses and pigs but dogs were his favourite animal, especially the family pets, Laddie and George.
Family was the centre of his existence. He loved and was proud of his four children, Terry, Lynda, Ross and Lori. The 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren put a smile on his face and twinkle in his eye. He was especially close to his brothers and felt a deep sense of loss when he was ‘orphaned’ by their early deaths. It drew him even closer to the many King nieces and nephews.
Hugh could always be counted on to help out in the community, serving on many boards, committees and projects. He loved (the sometimes all night) card games with friends; coaching, playing and watching hockey games, even as an old timer, and curling or ‘bonspieling’.
He was an active and life-time member of the Smeaton branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.
He is survived by his wife Audrey, sons: Terry (Elaine) - Jay, Heather (Bryn), Tom (Karla), Bob (Deanndra) and Ross (Joyce) – Bryan, Leanne (Larry); daughters: Lynda - Alan (Bianca), David (Amanda) and Lori (Allan) – Celine (Cory), Kristin (Garett), Brendan (Katelyn), Ashley (Josh), Regan, Robin; 12 great-grandchildren and many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his infant son, parents; Victor and Sarah, brothers; Aaron, Billy and Teddy, sisters-in-law; Alma and Bella, brothers-in-law; Micky, Roy, Art, and Gordon.

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