JEAN ROGER JOSEPH HAMEL
June 12, 1929 – October 3, 2009
It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our father, brother, grandfather and friend Jean Hamel. Dad was someone special to each and everyone who touched his life; he will be truly missed by so many people. Dad was born on June 12, 1929 in Gravelbourg, SK to Philibert Hamel of Winnipeg, MB and Clara Vachon of Oak Lake, MB. He was the fifth of a family of 10, 3 girls and 7 boys. You couldn’t tell it was the beginning of the worst depression in our history. He would also say that he was “full of the devil” as he grew up. In 1950 having never seen a City in his life dad moved to Winnipeg, MB where he discovered his career. He signed up for an apprenticeship in Commercial Painting with Brothan Painting Co. For fifteen years he worked his way from Painter to Foreman to Superintendent with an office in Churchill, MB. In 1965 an opportunity to join Public Works of Canada came up, the army base in Churchill closed down so Dad took advantage of it. Dad moved to Prince Albert, SK in 1975 where he continued his life. He retired from the Pen in 1991 from 16 years of service. In winter his favorite sport was curling. Dad was very active with the Single Parents Club. Aside from family time, dad also enjoyed entertaining the staff at McDonald’s and Burger King with his story telling and his great sense of humour, he also would play silly jokes on his family and friends it was a favorite passed time. Dad was a very loving and dedicated father to his 3 children; he had a deep faith and loved to go to his parish on Sunday. Dad is survived by his son Phillip (Yvette) and their children Regan and Brenna; his two daughters Lorraine Hamel, Barbara (Shawn) Miller and their children, Taylor-Rae and Byron; his 3 sisters Elly Brisebois, Sister Rita and Sister Margo – Missionary Oblate; 3 brothers Guy, Denis and Ray. He was predeceased by his parents Philibert and Clara Hamel; his brothers Ernest, Eugene and Gerry. The family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff in Ambulatory Care and the doctors in the emergency at the Victoria Hospital. Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 10 from St. Michael Roman Catholic Church - 1505 - 13th Street West - by Father Travis Myrheim. Dad was a person who loved to give, in memory of our father, donations can be made to the Kateri House at 410 –12th Street West, Prince Albert, SK S6V 3B8. Family and friends may send email condolences to www.riverparkfuneral.ca. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Lesley Sully – Funeral Director.