HAMILTON: It is with profound sadness that the family of William "Bill" Hamilton announce his death on Saturday, August 13, 2016. Bill was predeceased by his wife Marg, son Billy, and grandsons Kelsey Dane and Richard Bouverat. Bill will be remembered with love by his four daughters: Nancy Hamilton (Rob Lamont), Colleen Funk (Ron), Barb Howe (Brian), Karen Bouverat (Bob), daughter-in-law Stacie Clark, sixteen grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Bill is also survived by his sister Anna May Wharry, sister-in-law Sophia Hamilton and brother-in-law Robert Black, of Northern Ireland. Born on the family farm, Gortin, in Carnlough, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, on October 8, 1929 to William and Mary Hamilton, Bill was the 5th of 8 children. As a young man, Bill worked as a shepherd, blacksmith and welder. He immigrated to Canada in April 1953, and settled in Brandon. When Bill arrived in Canada, he worked for the CP railroad as a brakeman and then as a welder at Canadian Brown Steel Tank and later at Hamilton Jones. Bill eventually bought the business in 1960 with his partner, Cliff Jones, and continued in the steel fabricating business, opening Glendale Manufacturing with Glen Thompson in 1985. When his son Billy opened Hamilton Iron, Bill worked alongside him, providing expertise and support. Following Billy’s death, Bill continued to work at Hamilton Iron with his grandsons until his own death. Bill was very involved in the community. He was a long time member of the Construction Association of Manitoba (CARM), and was a founding member of the Irish Society of Western Manitoba. Bill also held many leadership roles at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, was an Elder representative of the Presbytry of Brandon and served on the Assembly Council of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. On May 24, 1958, Bill married Margaret Harris and together they raised their five children in Brandon. A strong, hardworking man with an energy level matched by few, Bill also had many interests; gardening, farming, genealogy, reading western novels, spending time at the family cottage and winters in Victoria with Marg. Bill was a devoted family man and loved family gatherings, a spirited debate, and good scotch. Bill enjoyed 58 years of love and friendship with Marg, and when she passed away in December 2015, he was heartbroken. Bill’s faith carried him through the risks he took and challenges he faced and he always found a way to find joy in the simple things of life. Bill’s love of his home country, Northern Ireland, has left an enduring mark on his family, along with his principled and positive approach to life. Bill was ready to go when God called, but his conversation was always about living. Funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 339 12th Street, Brandon, on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Glenn Ball officiating. A reception will follow the ceremony. Donations in memory of Bill may be made to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 361 Russell Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 5H6. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com.

May God hold you in the palm of His hand Dad, until we meet again.