Obituary - John Clarence Hamilton

It is with deep sadness that the family of Clarence 'Specs' Hamilton announce his passing on Saturday, January 1, 2011, at the age of 97 years. Clarence was born on December 11, 1913, in Medicine Hat, the City he loved, and lived in for his entire 97 years. He received his schooling in Medicine Hat before entering the workforce doing everything from life guarding at the swimming pools, to driving taxi, to working at Nott’s Funeral Home (now Cook Southland Funeral Chapel). Prior to the Second World War, he joined the Militia and took his basic training in both Medicine Hat and Calgary. He was never engaged in active duty due to what the military doctors described as a “heart condition”. Upon his release from the military, he returned to the workforce in Medicine Hat where in 1939, he met and in 1941, married the love of his life, Eldeen Prentice of Abbey, Saskatchewan. At the time of their marriage, Clarence worked for the Post Office on the mail car that ran between Medicine Hat and Nelson, British Columbia. Clarence and Eldeen are survived by their three children: Jack (Brenda) of Rosetown, Saskatchewan; Bob of Montreal, Quebec and Maureen (Ralph) Himmelspach of Medicine Hat. They are also survived by seven grandchildren: Elan (Bruce) Kidd of Zealandia, Saskatchewan, Allison (Trevor) Laughren of Martensville, Saskatchewan, Frank (Natasha) Duchcherer of Medicine Hat, Wenonah Waters of Medicine Hat, Laura (Brent) Mulner of Grand Prairie, Alberta, Tim Himmelspach of Calgary and Laura (Tom) Magdziarz of Calgary; twenty-one great grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by his brother, Gerald (Peggy) Hamilton; sister, Beulah Devin all of Medicine Hat as well as numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and close friends, Brenda Slater, Val Ballance, Peggy Davis and Angie Waldner. Clarence was predeceased by his wife, Eldeen; his parents, John and Hazel Hamilton; sisters, Wenonah Hamilton, Eunice Hamilton and Bernice Fortune. Clarence will be remembered for the many years he spent in the auto industry. He was a mechanic at Beny Motors and a car salesman at both Amos Motors and Jack Stephanson Pontiac Buick Ltd. At the age of 65, he retired from JSPBL and within 24 hours, was working at Cook’s Funeral Chapel, a career that lasted almost 25 years. Following Eldeen’s passing in 1992, his main interests were his family, his car, his career and the many hours spent with friends at the Legion. Clarence was a member of Fifth Avenue United Church, The Masonic Order and Branch #17 of the Royal Canadian Legion here in Medicine Hat. He was a very generous man who loved his children and was devoted to his family, often going without so that others were comfortable and looked after. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very special to him. He always showed an interest in what they were doing with their lives. A Celebration of Specs’ life will be held in the Ortona Room at the Royal Canadian Legion, 702 - 2 Street S.E., Medicine Hat on Saturday, January 8, 2011, at 2:00 P.M. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Legion Poppy Fund, Box 517, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 7G5.