Warning: This article covers sensitive topics including school violence, sexual assault, and suicide.
The family of a student from Ottawa who tragically lost his life in a historic high school shooting is reflecting on the upcoming 50th anniversary of his death. The family of Mark Hough, who never reached his 19th birthday, will gather at a memorial bench dedicated to him by Ottawa’s Rideau Canal. This commemoration serves as both a tribute to Hough’s life and a poignant reminder that unfortunate events can occur anywhere, even in Ottawa.
In 1975, Hough was among the students shot by a troubled classmate at St. Pius X High School, resulting in his passing over a month later. While the shooter took his own life, Hough’s family and friends have come together to remember him and the legacy of the tragic incident.
As the anniversary approaches, Hough’s loved ones, including his sisters and a cousin who admired him, are sharing their experiences with CBC as part of a series exploring the profound impact of the event. They express a desire to move forward from the grief and trauma of that fateful day.
Mark Hough, a promising young man with aspirations to follow in his father’s legal footsteps, left a lasting impression on those who knew him. His family and friends have found unique ways to honor his memory, including establishing a memorial hockey tournament and presenting a plaque recognizing his friendship and spiritual qualities.
Despite the deep emotional scars left by the tragedy, Hough’s family and friends are coming together to celebrate his life and focus on positivity moving forward. They aim to leave behind the pain of the past and cherish the memories of a beloved individual.
This article is part of a series recounting the events of the Ottawa high school shooting 50 years ago.
