We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Hugo John Eppich.

Hugo, and his twin brother Helmut were born in the German-speaking region of Gottschee, then Yugoslavia, on May 14, 1933. Their family moved to Nürnberg in 1938. After the war, Hugo trained as an electrician. In 1953, he emigrated to Canada and began his career in the manufacturing industry.

In 1956, twin brothers Hugo and Helmut, and Stefan Burger founded Eppich & Burger Manufacturing Co. in Vancouver. Within a year, Stefan stepped away and the company was called Ebco Manufacturing Ltd. (Eppich Brothers Company). By 1969, Ebco had outgrown its premises and built a plant in Richmond under the name Ebco Industries Ltd. By 1990, the Ebco Group consisted of 15 companies and employed people from 80 different countries. Its services included tool and die manufacturing, electroplating and galvanizing, machining, and heavy and light metal fabrication, as well as diversified operations in school and office furniture manufacturing, data collection systems, aircraft parts machining, and cyclotron construction.

A successful entrepreneur and astute businessman, Hugo was also a philanthropist who supported many causes. He was a passionate supporter of the Jewish congregation in Richmond, BC. He commissioned architect Arthur Erickson to design a 25-foot menorah and donated it to the community; its first lighting took place in 1988. In 1990, he served as Honorary Chairman of the Richmond Caring Place fundraising campaign, supporting local non-profits, their staff, and volunteers who work to improve the lives of Richmond residents.

Hugo’s achievements were widely recognized: Entrepreneur of the Year, an honorary Doctor of Laws from Simon Fraser University, membership in the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem, received the Confederation Metal from the Governor General of Canada, and appointment to the Order of Canada. 

He served as the contractor for his West Vancouver home, Eppich House II, which was designed by Arthur Erickson with landscape design by Cornelia Oberlander. Erickson and his partner, Francisco Kripacz, designed much of the furniture for the home, which was manufactured by Hugo’s furniture manufacturing company, EIF Sales Ltd. Eppich House II is considered Arthur’s “most complete work.” Hugo later authored a book, Eppich House II, The Story of an Arthur Erickson Masterwork, chronicling the home’s history and significance.

As a husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, boss and friend, Hugo was often the quiet force, and what a force, behind the scenes—generous, modest, and willing to help. Hugo was well-respected and trusted, and took care of matters with no questions asked. 

He enjoyed the simple things in life: smoking cigars, classical music, family barbecues, picking wildflowers while taking long walks at the cabin, playing chess, gardening, painting Easter eggs with his children and grandchildren, ice cream, watching Formula 1 car racing at 2:00 a.m., calling his family in Germany, vacationing in Maui and Mexico, and reading history—especially about Charlemagne. 

Hugo leaves a lasting legacy. He is survived by his beautiful wife, Brigitte (née Fietze), of 62 years; his children Gordon, Monica (Alex), and Sonia (Brandon); seven grandchildren; and three great‑grandchildren.  He will be missed by his twin brother, Dr. Helmut Eppich and family.  We were grateful to celebrate his 93rd birthday together. The room was full of laughter and love, and we even braved the elements with him to enjoy his last cigars. 

We love you so much, Dad/Opa, rest in peace.

A private funeral service will be held at the family’s request.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Hugo’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice.