Obituary of David Clinton Hamilton

David Clinton Hamilton April 16, 1932 - September 27, 2010 Dave Hamilton passed away September 27, 2010 at the age of 78. The fourth child of Walter and Hulda Hamilton, Dave Hamilton was born at the Pouce Coupe hospital and spent his childhood years on the farm at north Swan Lake. It was here that he developed his passion for music and animals that would continue on for the rest of his life. In 1958, Dave married Isabel Manhalt and together they raised three daughters: Kathy was born in 1959, Shelley in 1961 and Vida in 1966. Starting when he was 17 years old, Dave played music in numerous dance bands. It didn’t matter what name was given to the band, it inevitably became advertised as Dave Hamilton’s Orchestra. His career in music spanned decades, and he was honoured to play at weddings for different generations of the same family. The band played in every community hall in the region. They also had the opportunity to play in Watson Lake one weekend. "The Band” was comprised of many musicians over the years, all of whom Dave gladly spent his time with. The girls were often taken to these country dances and after playing themselves out on the dance floor, would curl up on the coats in the corner to sleep, watched over by Dave’s family, friends and wives of the band mates. Dave bought his hobby farm in the early ‘60s where he grew barley, canola and alfalfa. He also had a small herd of cattle for several years. At one point Dave decided to buy a horse for the girls. Beethoven the pinto pony arrived. This was not the only time Dave brought home or allowed the girls to keep strays needing a home. Snoopy was found at McDonalds Consolidated where Dave worked for most of his life. Kathy managed to bring home Rastus and Marty the cats. Shelley brought home a flock of ducks for Dave to release out at the farm. Each time he would say "no more” but more kept coming. Marty really liked Dave and would join him for a nap on the couch. He would also make sure to be sleeping on Dave’s bed when it was bedtime, only to be unceremoniously dumped out the bedroom door. Dave’s first retirement was from McDonald’s Consolidated. He had worked there since the ‘60s. After a short retirement, his friend, Herb Nodes, offered him a job as parts runner. This job was perfect for him. He got to talk to all sorts of people every day. Isabel died in 2002 and after some soul-searching, Dave decided to take a second retirement. He then started keeping company with Lorna Lewko. Together with friends, they did some travelling around North America which he really enjoyed. Dave was predeceased by his parents Walter and Hulda Hamilton, sisters Madeline and Diana and wife Isabel. He is fondly remembered by his partner Lorna Lewko, daughters Kathy (Lary) Garnett, Shelley (Jim) Chute and Vida Hamilton, grandchildren Cody, Leigh-Ann, and Kaylyn Garnett, Michael and Becky Chute, and Andrea and Megan George. Also survived by his brothers Bob (Melina) Hamilton and Charlie (Carole) Hamilton; sisters Bess Lombardo, Anna (Gordon) Wright, and Heather (Ross) Robertson and many nieces and nephews. Donations in Dave’s memory can be made to the Dawson Creek SPCA #637 - 114 Avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 1A3. A Celebration of Life will be held on October 16, 2010 at the Tupper Community Hall from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.