Jim Hughes, a key figure in Canada’s pro-life movement, passed away this week aged 82.
Born in 1943, Hughes dedicated almost 50 years to the pro-life movement, building Canada’s National March for Life and becoming the President Emeritus of Campaign Life Coalition (CLC).
CLC, which seeks full legal protection for human life “from the time of conception to natural death”, hailed him as a “faithful defender of life”.
‘Extraordinary legacy’
In a statement, CLC said: “We are deeply grateful for his decades of service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to defending life and family in Canada.
“His work changed lives, inspired thousands, and helped build a movement that will continue forward because of the foundation he helped create.”
The group added: “Because of his leadership and sacrifice, countless Canadians found the courage to stand for life. As we mourn his passing, we also give thanks for the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind.”
Reflections
LifeSiteNews CEO John Henry Westen, who worked with Hughes at CLC, reflected that he was a man of “tender kindness”.
“Every year on his own birthday, he sent flowers to his mother, thanking her for the gift of giving him birth.”
He added: “As everyone in the movement knows, Jim often joked that you only retire from this calling being carried out ‘feet first.’ And that’s exactly how he lived — never truly retiring, always in the fight”.