Donald S. Hughson
July 7, 1962 (Lachine, QC) – June 13, 2026 (London, ON)
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Hughson on June 13, 2026, at the age of 63. A beloved husband, father, brother, son, grandfather, friend, and mentor, Don passed away surrounded by the family he so deeply loved.
Don graduated from Seneca College’s Aviation and Flight Technology program in 1985. His flying career took off shortly after graduation, quickly moving from the right seat to Captain. Over a distinguished 35-year career, he flew for several airlines—including Sound Air, Air Toronto, Ontario Express, and Canadian Regional—all of which eventually merged into Jazz Aviation. Over the last 25 years, he commanded the FK28, and CL65.
From April 1998 until his retirement in August 2021, Don was a pillar of the Flight Operations Training Department, serving as a check pilot on both the FK28 and CL65. He was incredibly passionate about training and dedicated to helping his fellow pilots succeed, always ready with a word of encouragement or a piece of wisdom to lift others up. Throughout his career, he made a lasting impact across the country, holding positions at the YUL, YYC, and YYZ bases, and was a proud member of ALPA.
Beyond his professional achievements, Don was a force of nature. A man of faith, he possessed an unbelievably quick wit and an infectious laugh—one where he would throw his head back just to add a little more joy to the room. He brought endless laughter, vibrant energy, and plenty of perfectly placed F-bombs to every conversation. He was funny, inspirational, and a truly great storyteller. His brother Greg captured Don’s spirit perfectly by describing him simply—and accurately—as a wordsmith.
Don loved to travel by any means necessary; it didn’t matter how, as long as he was on the move, seeing new places and meeting new people. He and his wife Kelly were the ultimate travel companions, embarking on countless adventures. During the pandemic, at a time when the world was distancing, they chose to draw closer, driving across most of Ontario together. This desire to simply be together ultimately led to Don’s decision to retire. When he wasn't in the air or on the road, Don was a talented home renovator, an avid gamer (ranking as a top World of Warships player), and a man of varied intellect who loved astronomy, music, military, and aviation history.
Above all, Don’s main focus was always his family. He is survived by his loving, devoted wife and soulmate of 29 years, Kelly, who beautifully balanced the roles of wife, partner, and his favorite personal chef.
He was the fiercely proud father of Robert (Priya), Ryan (Andrea), Sean (Victoria), Colin (Carlie), Genevieve (Davy), Kathleen, and Victoria. To his children, Don was a constant source of strength and a positive role model, teaching them through his own actions what it meant to live with passion, integrity, and a deep devotion to family. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, who affectionately called him Papa, Papa-Don, or G-Don.
Don is also survived by his mother, Valerie Hughson; his brother, Andrew (Natalie); his sisters-in-laws, Wendy Hughson, Juanita Hughson, Tanya and Kim Martin; his brother-in-law, Ted (Jan) McDonald; and mother-in-law, Renee McDonald.
He was predeceased by his father, Bruce Hughson; his brothers, Carl and Greg Hughson; his niece, Sarah Hughson; and his father-in-law, Ted McDonald and mother-in-law Frances McDonald.
In keeping with Don’s vibrant spirit, a Celebration of his Life will be held in early September.
A special thank you to Ros, Dr. M. Parent, Jennifer and the team at St. Joesph’s Hospice London.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Joesph’s Hospice London Ontario.
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