Hamilton, Keith Allister - 76, Lower Onslow
With great sadness we announce the passing of Keith Allister Hamilton on May 16, 2010 in Colchester Regional Hospital, Truro, following a short illness. Born September 27, 1933, he was a son of the late Fred and Effie (Fletcher) Hamilton. He was a loving husband to Ellen (Ross) for 57 years; devoted father to Judy (Bruce) Langille, Larry (Karen) Hamilton, Linda (Charles) Harrington and cherished grandfather of Erin and Kyle Langille, Charles, Daniel, Thomas and Amy Harrington, Brittany and Rachel Hamilton and three great-grandchildren. Keith is also survived by sister, Faye (Hamilton) Giddens. He was predeceased by brothers, Fern and Dorlan and grandson, Ryan. Keith attended the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, graduating in 1952. He was a retired employee of LaFarge Canada. In 1987, he and his wife started Hamilton Sod Farm. Keith was a founding member of the Onslow Belmont Fire Brigade and continued as Fire Chief for 39 years. He was past president of the Chief Fire Officers Association and past president of the Colchester Firefighters Association. He was awarded the Fire Service Exemplary Service Medal in recognition of 30 years of loyal service. He was invested with the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in 1973 in Ottawa by Governor General Ronald Michener. His family always came first and he took a great interest in what his children and grandchildren were doing. He loved to camp at Brule Point and later was a member of the Nova Scotia Road Runner Trailer Club. Keith had a lifelong love of music playing in the Firehouse Four and Old Smoothies and took a great interest in developing young musicians. A Memorial Service beginning with a Firefighter's Tribute will be held on Wednesday, May 19th at 1:30 pm in the Onslow Belmont Firehall, 12355 Highway #2, Lower Onslow. Interment in the Lower Onslow Clarke Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Colchester Regional Hospital Foundation. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses who took excellent care of Keith during his time at the Colchester Hospital and to the Onslow Belmont Fire Brigade for making our extra time with Keith possible. Arrangements entrusted to Colchester Community Funeral Home, Truro. On-line condolences may be made at www.colchestercommunity.com