Lloyd Gavin Hamilton:
April 11, 1922 – January 1, 2013
After ringing in the New Year – an occasion which had given him cause for much joyful reflection – Lloyd passed away suddenly but peacefully at home in the company of his wife of 59 years, on New Year’s morning.
Born in Soda Creek, BC, Lloyd arrived in Fernie in 1952, where he met the love of his life, Margaret Hughes. They married in April of 1954 and had five children, of whom Lloyd was extremely proud.
Lloyd was a passionate and scrupulous teacher of English and English Literature, and was fondly known by generations of students to run a tight ship. He was enthusiastically involved in school activities; he coached many a top-notch badminton team and directed the Grand March for hundreds of Fernie Secondary School graduates, including his own children.
Margaret and Lloyd’s journey together continued as Lloyd retired after 40 years of teaching. He delighted in his ever-growing family – he was a caring, inspiring and loving Papa to his ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Retirement allowed Lloyd to dedicate further time to his many interests, which included community services, woodworking, music and literature. He was a lifelong and committed member of numerous service clubs, including the Knights of Columbus, Fernie’s 3300 Club, the Elks and the Canadian Diabetes Association; he spent many enjoyable hours crafting wooden toys and other treasures for his family, and he was especially proud to have been choir director at Holy Family Catholic Church for 50 years.
Lloyd is survived by his cherished wife, Margaret; his children, Moric Ruelle, Lisa (Alan) Westhaver, Colin, Gavin (Wendi), Kathleen (Joe) Hamilton-De Grood; his grandchildren, Shawn Ruelle (Melissa), Chris Ruelle (Deanna), Aimee Ruelle, Devin (Meredith) Ruelle, Rae, Heather (Sam) Heine, Robin Westhaver (Colin), Garrett, Brayden, and Theresa Westhaver; and his great grandchildren, Dylan, Liam and Breannah, as well as several nieces and nephews. Eloquent, kind, generous and convivial, Lloyd will also be deeply missed by his many friends, neighbours, students and fellow parishioners.
Lloyd was predeceased by his parents, William and Evelyn; and his brothers, Clarence (Bea), Theodore (Jesse) and Peter.
Lloyd will continue on in our hearts and minds forever. We love you, husband, Dad, Papa.
A celebration of Lloyd’s long and fulfilled life was held at Holy Family Catholic Church on Saturday, January 5, 2013. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, PO Box 2227, Fernie, BC, V0B 1M0. Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.