Robert "Bob" Knight HamiltonAugust 13, 1937 - July 8, 2012
It is with broken hearts that the family of Robert "Bob" Knight Hamilton of LeRoy, SK, announces his death on Sunday, July 8, 2012, at Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, SK. He was 74 years of age. Bob, the oldest of three, was born on August 13, 1937, to Larry and Annie (nee Knight) Hamilton at home on their farm east of Jansen. Later, the family moved to a farm north of Jansen. Bob attended Illinois Country School until Grade 9, and completed high school in LeRoy. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed football and curling during those years. Bob furthered his education at the University of Saskatchewan, where he attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. While there, wrestling was his main sport, which he excelled at and competed at various locations in Canada and the United States. Bob also took flying lessons, passed his exams, and bought a small plane, which was great entertainment for his family and friends. He also owned an ultra-light aircraft and remote-controlled airplanes that he enjoyed as a hobby. On August 5, 1961, Bob married Laureen Elke at the LeRoy United Church. They lived on Bob's parents' home quarter in a trailer the first summer, and then Bob started to build a house. Bob and Laureen helped his parents farm and later, they bought more land to add to the family farm. They also added leaf-cutter bees and alfalfa to the enterprise. Between 1963 and 1970, Bob and Laureen's marriage was blessed with three children, two sons and a daughter. A community-minded person, Bob belonged to various boards and helped out at a number of functions in both Jansen and LeRoy. He always lived life to the fullest and pursued a number of hobbies and interests including travelling with Laureen to bee meetings, square dances, and shooting competitions. Bob was a member of the Nokomis Gun Club and also had a small silhouette range on the farm that has been used for a provincial competition. A social butterfly, he also loved visiting and going to auction and garage sales, always scouting for a new treasure. He could never turn down a bargain! Bob and Laureen both enjoyed people and company, and always succeeded in carrying on the well-known Hamilton tradition for hospitality. Bob especially derived much joy from his grandchildren, who were all close at hand, and doted on them as much as possible. Eventually, most of Bob and Laureen's farm land was sold. Bob semi-retired about two years ago, but continued living on the farm where he liked to putter and keep his collections. Bob will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife of almost 51 years, Laureen (nee Elke) Hamilton of LeRoy; three children and seven grandchildren: Howard Hamilton of LeRoy and family, Emily and Shannon; Cory Hamilton of LeRoy and family, Janine, Briar and Derrick; and Terri Hamilton (Neil Reimer) of LeRoy and family, Merik and Xander; two daughters-in-law: Ramona Hamilton and Glenda Hamilton; two brothers: Dave (Margaret) Hamilton of Nanaimo, BC; and Don (Pat) Hamilton of Saskatoon, SK; and by numerous nieces, nephews, other Hamilton relatives and in-laws of the Elke family. He was predeceased by his parents, Larry and Annie (nee Knight) Hamilton; and by many other Hamilton relatives and in-laws of the Elke family. A Memorial Gathering will be held for Bob at the LeRoy Wildlife Hall, LeRoy, on Friday, July 27, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. The M.C. will be Terri Hamilton, and the microphone will be offered to anyone wanting to share some memories. Interment will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be directed to either the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Evergreen Country Home, LeRoy. Condolences to the family may be emailed to telmo99@bogend.ca. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK