04/29/2026
Remembering Wayne Hugli
At this past meeting of the Sudbury Horticultural Society, we took a moment to pause and remember one of our own, Wayne Hugli, whose presence helped shape this Society in lasting ways.
Wayne was more than a past president—he was a steady hand, a generous mentor, and someone who truly believed in the power of growing things. Whether it was nurturing a garden or encouraging a fellow member, Wayne understood that growth takes patience, care, and dedication.
Over his decades serving on the Board of Directors, including his time as president, Wayne gave freely of his time and knowledge. He helped guide the Society through the seasons, supported new members, and reminded us why we come together—to share, to learn, and to find joy in the beauty around us. His leadership wasn’t loud, but it was lasting.
Wayne’s commitment to nurturing growth extended far beyond our Society. He dedicated many years to education, shaping young lives as a teacher at L.J. Atkinson Public School, Robert Jack Public School, and MacLeod Public School, and later as a Media Coordinator with the Rainbow District School Board until his retirement in 2000. He believed deeply in both learning and community, and he lived those values every day.
His contributions did not go unnoticed. Through Scouts Canada, he was awarded the Medal for Good Service for his dedication as District Commissioner and District President. His work in schoolyard regreening and environmental stewardship earned him both the Greater Sudbury Civic Award for Volunteerism and Northern Life’s Community Builders Award of Excellence in the Environment. Within our own horticultural community, he was honoured with the Sudbury Horticultural Society President’s Award and the Ontario Horticultural Association District 13 Appreciation Award. And in recognition of more than 25 years of service to the Ontario Heritage Fairs Association, he received the Lieutenant Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Yet for all these accomplishments, many of us will remember Wayne not just for what he did, but for how he made us feel: welcome, valued, and inspired. His passion for horticulture was matched only by his kindness toward others.
Like any great gardener, Wayne has left something behind that will continue to grow. We see it in the strength of this Society, in the friendships he helped cultivate, and in the gardens that will bloom and trees that will grow, for years to come.
I think many of us can picture Wayne in our own way—perhaps offering advice, sharing a story, or simply enjoying the company of fellow members. Those are the moments that stay with us. As we continue our work together, may we carry forward a little of what he gave so freely: his generosity, his patience, and his quiet dedication.
He will be deeply missed, and fondly remembered every time we gather, every time we plant, and every time something new begins to grow.
President of the Sudbury Horticultural Society
Jennie May Ellis
