Howard passed away in his 98th year at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie on Monday, June 17, 2019 after a brief illness. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Louise, his children Laurie (John), Hugh (Joanna), and David (Karen), and his grandchildren Cameron, Elizabeth, Victoria, Emma, Fraser, Claire and Olivia.
Howard was born in 1921 in Newmarket, Ontario and grew up on the family farm. His parents were Philmore Hamilton and Merle (Richmond) Hamilton. He is pre-deceased by his brother Belfry Hamilton. Howard was an all-round athlete as a young man, playing lacrosse, hockey and even racing horses. Howard proudly served his country overseas as a Flying Officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, based in England and Scotland. He had received his orders to go to the war in the Pacific when the news came that the war was over. Howard then returned to Canada where he began his long career in the automotive parts distribution business, marrying Louise and settling in Barrie in the early 1950s. There, Howard served his community in numerous volunteer positions and as a founder and long-time member of the Rotary Club of Barrie-Huronia. Howard’s commitment to his Rotary Club was recognized when the club created the Howard Hamilton Award in 2009, which acknowledges the member “who quietly, consistently and unselfishly dedicates their time and wisdom to every aspect of the club over a number of years”. Dad was the first recipient of the award named in his honour, and the words “quietly, consistently, and unselfishly” very much convey his approach to his family, work, and volunteer activities. Howard loved his family dearly and was always happy when grandchildren and children were around for family dinners.
We will deeply miss Howard’s warmth and kindness, devotion to family, and dedication and service to his community.
In lieu of flowers, our family is asking for donations to The Rotary Foundation Canada, a non-profit corporation that supports the efforts of Rotary International to achieve world understanding and peace through international humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs. Link to the Rotary Foundation Canada
https://my.rotary.org/en/donate
Online condolences can be left at www.steckleygooderham.com.