Hugh H Strachan

Hugh was born on August 25, 1933 and grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey. He graduated from Swarthmore College in 1955, where he met his wife of 55 years, Martha Elder.

After serving in the Army, Hugh spent most of his career working at IBM. As you may know, “IBM” has also been known to stand for “I’ve Been Moved.” The family lived in places like Hawaii, Japan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Maryland (twice), finally landing in Boca Raton, Florida, where he continued to live for the rest of his life.

Hugh was well known for his sense of humor. He loved puns and wordplay and was very quick witted. He was a proud, sentimental, and stubborn man who had high standards. He wasn’t one to sit back and relax; he was always active and loved to travel both locally and globally. Before and after his retirement from IBM, he was involved in a number of activities, including:

• The Steven Ministry

• The Men’s Spirituality Group at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church

• The church choir at every church he attended since he was in his 20’s

• Master Chorale of South Florida

• Florida Life Care Residents Association (FLiCRA)

• Running marathons

• Central Virginia Battlefield Trust

• Tutoring students in his spare time

Hugh is preceded in death by his wife Martha and his two brothers, Richard and Peter. He is survived by four children: Andrew Strachan, Catherine Huppe, Susan Davis, Karen Cwalinski, 6 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. He also was very close to his nephew Joe Strachan, who was like a second son to Hugh, and Joe’s two sisters, Shona Chapman and Mary O’Duffin.

The family would like to thank Ellie Lingner for being Hugh’s constant companion, friend, and partner in The Fragments singing duo for the past 7 years and especially the last few months of his life. Her care, compassion, and fabulous sense of humor are very much appreciated.

Family and friends are invited to attend a service remembering Hugh on Tuesday, March 11th at 2pm at St. Andrews Estates North in Boca Raton, Florida. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Boca Raton or the Central Virginia Battlefield Trust.

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