In Loving Memory: Henry "Hank" Mews
In Loving Memory: Henry "Hank" Mews
Posted on October 13, 2022
Henry “Hank” Mews
Feb 28,1937-Oct 2,2022
With sadness, we announce the passing of Hank Mews who left us peacefully with family at his side at the Ottawa General Hospital on Oct 2, 2022. Hank is predeceased by his parents HGR (Harry) and Vera (Sparling) Mews and left to mourn by his sister, Nancy, in St. John’s along with many cherished relatives and friends. Hank was a loving husband to Phyllis (nee Randell) and a devoted father to Beth(Bill), Barb (Greg), Harry (Joanne), and Robert (Jody). Proud advocate and supporter of thirteen grandchildren Drew, Lauren, Sarah, Taylor, Kylie, Mark, Sasha, Bobby, Brett, Henry, Max, Charlie, and Oscar. His large presence and generous spirit will be dearly missed by family, colleagues, and friends at large.
Hank was born and raised in St Johns Newfoundland. A gifted athlete in his younger years found him falling into the lap of an adoring fan at one of his basketball games. Hank loved to share this story as what began the life he then shared with Phyllis for 61 years. Academics were not of interest to Hank as a youth so he left Newfoundland in pursuit of employment on the mainland where he received a pilot license in hopes of a career in the air and sharpened his skills in sales and business. Hank returned to Newfoundland, married Phyllis, and eventually together they put down roots in Ottawa raising a family and building a successful career spanning 50 years with General Motors and the owner and dealer principal of Myers Automotive Group.
Hank believed in hard work and commitment. His sharp aptitude for a no-nonsense approach to business was rewarded with receiving many awards over the years and the opportunity to sit on several General Motors Boards. He was a founding member and President of ONCDA (Ottawa New Car Dealers Association) and founding member and President of LAR Inc., a buying group out of Montreal.
Community-minded Hank’s belief in participation has left an impact within our city of Ottawa. Hank volunteered his time with the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation as a fundraiser and then Chairman as well as serving as Chair of the Hospital Board. He served on committees in his local church and Hank gave generously to causes close to his heart. Hank was instrumental in donating a lead gift to establish the Acute Care for the Elderly Unit at the QCH through Myers Automotive. His impact and his belief in Philanthropy will continue in his absence as demonstrated by the latest gift to the Ottawa Heart Institute.
Hank’s ability to hold court around a dinner table will be missed by anyone who has spent time at the most cherished family cottage. An avid reader with a love for history and conversation that required opinions brought Hank to life. He would open his arms to welcome lively discussions and debates over wine and great food happily sharing his not-so-subtle opinions, words of wisdom, and guidance with friends and family alike.
Hank’s happiest times were spent at the cottage entertaining, pulling grandkids in the tractor, touring the lake by boat in search of land for sale, puttering in the vegetable garden, playing the odd tennis tournament, and enjoying the end of the day on the veranda as the sun sets and G&Ts are poured.
His love story with Phyllis was beautiful and they had the good fortune to travel extensively around the world through his successful career. They shared a love for music, and culture (and Hank for politics) but a perfect day was not complete without fitting in a tennis match or round of golf wherever they could. As a lifelong learner, he enjoyed season tickets to the NAC, attending university courses, discussing books with friends, and a game of bridge when forced to by Phyllis. As life slowed down walks were daily and Hank always could be found searching out for Phyllis’ hand to hold.
With Hank’s passing, we would like to acknowledge the caring approach and support given to Hank and his family by the Civic Hospital Geriatric Psychiatry and the 5th floor North West side of the Ottawa Hospital.
A private family service in memory and celebration of Hank will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. Condolences can be made online through the Capital Funeral Home and Cemetery. No flowers please but donations in his honour can be made to the Queensway Carleton Hospital, The Ottawa Hospital, The Heart Institute, or Ottawa Food Bank.
As Hank would emphasize- the amount doesn’t matter- it is the participation on an ongoing basis that will help build our community to be a better place.