(November 19, 1929—March 10, 2018) - Doug Hamilton of Barrie, ON, beloved husband of the late Bunny (Josephine Ann Chally 1929—2005). Delighted Father of Cathy (Will McConnell) of Aurora ON; Monica (Stuart Elliott) Algonquin Highlands ON; and Teresa (David Kerr) of Peterborough ON. Proud Grandfather of James, Mary and Helen McConnell; Meredith, Gillian and Gwendolyn Elliott; Emma and Eric Kerr. Will be dearly missed by Brother-in-law Ken Everest, Ken's wife Mildred, niece Dawna Whitehead and nephew Dana Everest, as well as their families.
Doug was born in Toronto to the late Eric and Anna (Cottam) Hamilton, and was the older brother of the late Dorothy Everest. There isn't much in life that Doug missed. As a child he experienced two of Ontario's archetypes: the urban life of Toronto (particularly its public libraries!) along with the rugged beauty of Muskoka. His formative years were spent in Toronto's Leaside, with summers on Paint Lake, near Dorset ON. Thus began two of his passions: the world of books, along with adventures on the shores of the near north.
An underwhelming result in his Grade 13 French (disqualifying him for admission to a Canadian university), along with the promise of adventure "south of the border" with a high school buddy led Doug to pursue chemical engineering at Michigan State University in East Lansing MI. It was there that he met Bunny from Morris, Illinois (5'2" to Doug's 6'3"!) and where the two married on March 9, 1951. Work in a variety of fields, from engineering with Lever Brothers in Toronto to teaching high school science and history in Barrie, reflected Doug's many talents. He enjoyed the immense variety of life, whether it was running a small store, driving a taxi cab (he was known as "The Captain"!) or operating a Zamboni at one of Barrie's municipal ice rinks.
Retirement provided new opportunities! Doug volunteered for such fine organizations as Meals on Wheels, the Community Volunteer Income Tax program, and at community events with both the Knights of Columbus and the Kiwanis Golden K. He also devoted many years to the Barrie Public Library, including his time there as Chairman of the Library Board. His love of history found opportunity at the Simcoe County Historical Association (Past President) as well as the Friends of the Simcoe County Museum. Parkview Seniors' Centre in Barrie was also an important venue in Doug's later years. Doug was especially proud to be recognized as Barrie's Senior Citizen of the Year in 2009. As Doug approached the finish line of life, he found heaven on earth at the Mill Creek Care Centre in Barrie. He was met there with humour, devotion and tenderness, along with outstanding care, for which his family will always be deeply grateful.
There will be a Celebration of Life at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Homes' Worsley Street Chapel on Sunday, May 6th from 2 to 4 pm. Words of Remembrance will be from 3 to 4 pm. A private family interment will take place at Paint Lake Pioneer Cemetery in the summer. If desired, donations may be made in Doug's memory to either the Simcoe County Historical Association or to Mill Creek Care Centre, in support of their recreation programming.