HAMILTON,
DR. JAMES ARTHUR VICTOR (HAMISH)
January 7, 1919 ~ July 27, 2015
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Hamish at the age of 96 at the Nanaimo Travellers Lodge. He was predeceased by his first wife Ruth and his brother John Maxwell (Mac) Hamilton in Scotland. He leaves to mourn his loss his loving wife Beryl of 37 years, much loved daughters Claire in Vancouver, Pauline (Zane) in Edmonton, Carol (John) in Nanaimo, and Glenda (Henri) also of Nanaimo, Stepson Douglas Harding in Singapore, and stepdaughter Jill Gordon in Vancouver, plus 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Born in Dalserf, Scotland Hamish attended Glasgow University where he earned his F.R.F.P.S. in medicine, and then received his F.R.C.S. from Edinburgh University. He served in the army as a medic in W.W.2 and later on emigrated to Canada with his family in 1952 where he got his Canadian F.R.C.S in Rockliffe, Ontario and was Surgeon in Charge in the R.C.A.F. from 1952 – 1955.
Hamish and his family escaped the Ontario winters and moved to Nanaimo as a General Surgeon where he joined the practice of Drs. Maneely and Brown and later was one of the founders of the Caledonian Clinic with Drs. Baldwin, Howey, and Dudley. He was Chief Director of Surgery at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital until his forced retirement at the age of 63 due to a back injury.
Hamish was an avid golfer, having played as a youngster with his parents and older brother in Scotland, and played until his 88th year when his back injury was instrumental in his retirement. Hamish was a sports fan, and enjoyed watching hockey, football and tennis on T.V. until the last few weeks before his passing. He belonged to the Nanaimo Yacht Club and the Gyro Club for many years and also enjoyed woodworking in his shed, making hanging baskets, window boxes and patio furniture.
With the help of his good friend and neighbor Maury Loudoun he designed our house on top of the hill and had many happy times with friends and wonderful neighbours over the years.
Many thanks to Dr. Beth Hepburn, and all the kind and caring staff of Nanaimo Travellers Lodge, who helped to make his life easier during the 10 months that he was there. They truly are dedicated to the care of their patients and their families.
There will be no service at Hamish’s request but a family get together will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Nanaimo Hospital Foundation, The Salvation Army or the Alzheimer Society would be greatly appreciated.