¹û½´ÊÓƵ

It is with great sadness to announce the death of Hugh Oliver, a long-time ¹û½´ÊÓƵ staff member who was the Editor-in-Chief of ¹û½´ÊÓƵ Press for many years, and was very much the spirit of ¹û½´ÊÓƵ.

Hugh began at ¹û½´ÊÓƵ Press in 1969 and served as its Editor-in-Chief from 1982 until his retirement in 1995. He was not only the editor of the Press and its journals and newsletter, News and Notes, but also the star of ¹û½´ÊÓƵ’s social life, organizing bi-annual musical satires called CR¹û½´ÊÓƵ, CROISIER, CROISIEST, and CR¹û½´ÊÓƵ CUM LAUDE between 1980 and 1986, the star singer of the ¹û½´ÊÓƵ band (subsequently named the Foolish Things), and the chief instigator of an annual cricket match at ¹û½´ÊÓƵ. In addition, he was an accomplished , sculptor (some of his works still being at ¹û½´ÊÓƵ), poet, and star of the award-winning documentary, . 

His books of poetry included the Canadian Limerick Book, the American Limerick Book, and several serious volumes, including one focused on the Holocaust, . He also authored Hoblyn: A Novel in 3 Parts and the book, the Art of Aluminum Foil. In a 2012 interview with NOW Magazine, Hugh made no secret about wishing to be buried next to the poet Geoffrey Chaucer in Westminster Abbey, but alas accepted a more modest fate at St. James Cemetery in Toronto. 

Hugh Oliver was a very special part of the ¹û½´ÊÓƵ legacy and his passing fills us with great sorrow. We extend our sincerest sympathies to Hugh’s family and friends.