January 6, 1935 - June 1, 2012
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, Dad, Papa and Great Grandpa.
Hamer was born in Vancouver, BC to Vi and Roland Chasney. After the passing of his father at the age of 4 years old, his mother remarried a short time later and Dad was consequently adopted by Roy Hamer-Jackson.
He spent all of his years growing up in North Vancouver where he attended school at North Star Elementary, Kingsley Private School and North Van High. Dad had a wide variety of jobs, was never without work and as he would say, "There is no replacement for W-O-R-K". After courting Mom for 5 years Dad proposed and lucky for him, she accepted. They were married in 1956 and spent a colourful, happy life together for over 56 years. They welcomed their first child, Vicki, into the world in 1957, next a son, Reid in 1958, then Randy in 1959, Lorne in 1961, Loni in 1962 and then after a 3 year break had their 6th child, Calvin in 1965.
To care for his family Dad worked 2 jobs driving for BC Electric Bus as well as driving taxi for North Shore Taxi which he later purchased his own fleet and ran a successful business until deciding to move his family to the interior. Dad along with a partner purchased the Central Hotel in Kamloops in 1972 until 1980. He then took his Real Estate course and began selling Real Estate in 1981, a career that he had a true passion for. Through this he created many friendships with his charismatic personality and strong work ethic. As his advertising slogan said, "He Loved to Sell Real Estate"!
In 1989, Mom and Dad purchased their dream property at Reedman's Point on Shuswap Lake. In 1996, they had son Randy build their dream home in order to accommodate their growing family and find a peaceful place to retire to. We all loved the many summer days we spent tubing on the lake and laying on the wharf as well as the hours spent in Dad's Boat House reminiscing and creating years of memories. Christmas was always a special occasion for Dad and he spent days stringing up hundreds of multi coloured lights around the property.
In 2007 Mom and Dad made the decision to move back into Kamloops to be closer to health care, which Dad needed on a regular basis due to his heart condition. Dad was a big believer in working hard but playing even harder, so with that, he and Mom spent many years travelling to various parts of the world, enjoying life to the fullest.
Dad was so proud of his family and loved our Sunday Night dinners to share in all our stories. We will miss him dearly every day and every moment and will always leave his place setting at the table.
Hamer is survived by his devoted wife Diane; daughter Vicki (Wayne); son Reid (Lori); son Randy (Leandra); son Lorne (Fran); daughter Loni (Cliff); son Calvin (Karen); grandchildren: Tina (Todd), Dustin, Dallas (Kevin), Karlee, Kale, Ashley, Hailey, Tyrell, Melissa, Kayla, Amanda, Spencer, Brooke, Tanner, Jaclyn, Courtney, Taylor, Jordann and Rylee; great grandchildren: Bailey, Matthew, Mikayla and Hudson; as well as his brother Ron Hamer-Jackson (Victoria) and many other extended relatives.
He was predeceased by his dad Roland; mother Vi; grandchildren Nikki and Colton; and uncle Ted.
The family cannot express enough gratitude to Dr. Jacobus Steyn and his assistant Sheila for their excellent care and commitment to Dads health, and we truly believe that you provided us extra time to have Dad in our lives. Also to Dr. Terry Simpson, Dr. Lennard Pretorius, all of the Care Teams on 7 North at RIH, and the many 'angels' that attended to Dad in the emergency ward over the years.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 9th, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at the Calvary Community Church - 1205 Rogers Way, Kamloops, BC. The family would also like you to join them for a reception at the Coast Hotel and Convention Centre - 1250 Rogers Way, Kamloops following the Celebration.
Should friends desire, donations to the Royal Inland Hospital, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or BC Children's Hospital in memory of Hamer would be appreciated.
Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenings.com
Arrangements entrusted to Schoening Funeral Service, 250-374-1454.