Remembering Hugh Hetherington by Flo Spratt

A wise man, long ago, spoke these words: “A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompense of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him”. (Proverbs 12:14, King James Bible)
This proverb reminds me of Hugh.
Hugh and I worked together in Sound Advice, where we facilitated a monthly support group for keen learners and mentors within the hard of hearing community. We started this group in 2003 in the West Vancouver Seniors’ Centre, and later added a second venue, at North Vancouver’s Silver Harbour. I am particularly grateful for how Providence brought us together, as we complemented each other with our own skills and knowledge.
Hugh also worked in other capacities for the broader Hard of Hearing community.
Let me describe some examples of how this proverb reflects Hugh and his many years of service to our community:
· In our meetings, Hugh eagerly shared his rich and current knowledge of the fast-moving technology in the hearing aid industry. He encouraged us to use tools that he knew could make a difference; for example, specific assistive listening devices that could best fit our needs, maximizing our current aids’ capabilities with assistive listening devices, and other technologies he was familiar with.
· Sound Advice meetings were a highlight for Hugh. After each session, Hugh and I would share reflections of what we learned from those who shared their experiences. He often expressed what he learned from the participants.
· Hugh paid countless visits over the years to homes of those who needed help with connecting their hearing aids to their audio-visual systems. No request for help was too small for Hugh.
· Implementing the loop system in North Shore’s churches, theatres and public meeting spaces was largely due to Hugh’s tireless consulting services for these venues. One only needed to ask; Hugh would fit a consultation visit in his already busy schedule.
· Hugh’s editorship, written articles and publishing the Branch’s “Mountain Ear” newsletter were professionally executed and timely, each issue providing advice, summaries of presentations and notices of upcoming events.
· Hugh worked with and around the various challenges and “obstacles” that appeared over the years. For example, how we could serve the hard of hearing community during COVID with the in-person restrictions. Zoom technology was suggested, and Hugh readily managed and maintained the platform so that we would all stay connected.
· Hugh’s personality, skills and knowledge fitted his role in our branch like a hand in glove. I never witnessed an angry reaction from Hugh to challenging situations; his calm demeanor gave me confidence that the situation would be resolved successfully.

Hugh’s Gifts and His Lasting Impact
Throughout the many years Hugh devoted to our community, he distinguished himself through his exceptional generosity and unwavering commitment. He freely shared his extensive knowledge, always encouraging others and offering reliable support whenever it was needed. Hugh dedicated his time and resources selflessly, ensuring that members of the hard of hearing community had the assistance and guidance they required.
Those who knew Hugh held him in high regard, admiring his kindness and deeply appreciating his efforts. In turn, Hugh responded with the same warmth and affection, continually offering his unique gifts and giving of himself without hesitation. His consistent generosity and caring nature left a profound and enduring impact on all whose lives he touched.

The Proverb
Hugh was content, indeed, satisfied to be used for the benefit of others, especially the many people connected to the Hard of Hearing community on the North Shore and beyond. He often spoke to me that he received more back than he gave! More than once, when offered some recognition for his services, he would decline, telling me he did not need such recognition: his joy was to serve. Fulfilling the proverb above, Hugh was a man who truly was satisfied with good by the gifts that he gave.

About Flo: Flo Spratt joined the North Shore branch in the late 1990s. It was not long before she and Hugh recognized their shared desire to make a greater impact on the HOH community, leading to the creation of Sound Advice in 2002. They formed a strong partnership: Hugh brought his expert knowledge of audio technology, while Flo contributed her background in special education and public speaking. Together, they provided effective solutions to the real world challenges faced by individuals with hearing loss.