Gerald (Gerry) Wayne Hamilton, 77, passed away on November 15, 2018 at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, BC due to cancer. He was born on July 23, 1941 in Montreal, QC to Florence Elizabeth (Bigelow) Hamilton (later Campbell) and Eric Lester Hamilton.

Gerry grew up in Montreal and Pointe Claire, QC. He graduated from the University of Manitoba School of Agriculture Diploma Program in 1965. His working career included running his own farrier business in southern Ontario, designing livestock feed mixing and distribution systems for large farms in Manitoba, and selling real estate in Winnipeg. He had a very practical mind and enjoyed solving problems and finding the most effective way to accomplish any task. He took pleasure in helping people and would often extend himself to provide opportunity to those who could use a boost.

Gerry enjoyed action and adventure in many forms, including competitive water polo in the navy, horseback riding, and cross-country and downhill skiing. He played polo for many years with the Springfield Polo Club at Bird’s Hill Park in Manitoba. He loved horses. Sparky was his favorite. Sparky was the equine version of Gerry; energetic and keen to be in the lead, charging through obstacles, with a soft and affectionate side in quiet times.

Gerry lived his last three years in Squamish and White Rock, BC, near his children and grandchildren.

Gerry is survived by his daughters Kelly (Flavio Wasniewski) Hamilton and Janet (David) Boa, his brother Herb Hamilton and sisters Dianne (Bob) Breton, Gayle (Howard) Walters, Vicki Hamilton and Donna (Allan) Primeau, grandchildren Sam and Ella Boa and Tomas Wasniewski, former spouse Anne (Kelloway) Hamilton, and many nieces and nephews and other relatives.

Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Ross Hamilton and Burton Hamilton, and former spouse Yvonne Gervais.

Cremation will take place at Squamish Funeral Chapel and Crematorium on Friday, November 23rd, to be witnessed by immediate family. A Celebration of Life party will take place for family and friends on Saturday, November 24th from 2 – 5 pm at the home of Janet and David Boa in Squamish, BC. Gerry long ago expressed that he would want people to gather for a “good party” and that they would dance, laugh and tell stories, remembering him with joy rather than sadness.

To attend the event on Saturday, please contact Janet Boa to receive directions:

janeteboa@gmail.com
604-897-0778

The family suggests that any memorial donations could be made to the Canadian Red Cross Society, the Canadian Cancer Agency or a charity of the donor’s choice.