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Don Hamilton
August 3, 1954 - January 26, 2023
Tribute
On Thursday, January 26, 2023, Mr. Donald (Don) Johnstone Hamilton of Oliver passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family at the age of 68 years.
He was predeceased by his father, Ian Hamilton; mother, Lynette Hamilton and brother, David Hamilton.
Don will be fondly remembered by his loving family, including wife, Celia Hamilton; daughter, Cassandra Thomas; sons, Adam Hamilton (Chantal) and Damian Hamilton (Kailyn); grandchildren, Bryden, Jack and Dawson Thomas and Vanessa, Jessie and Phoenix Hamilton; sister-in-law, Kathy Hamilton; niece, Tessa Draude (Jeremy); great-nephews, Jonathan and Corbyn Draude; nephew, Wyler Hamilton (Halie); sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Keith Gray; nephews, Brandon Gray and Justin Gray (Dylan); mother-in-law, Celeste Antunes and sister-in-law, Lana Antunes.
Don enjoyed a 38 year long career working for the Regional District of the Okanagan Similkameen and was awarded a Personal Achievement Award from the Recycling Council of British Columbia in recognition of personal commitment to waste reduction in the Province of BC.
He loved watching hockey and football, especially going down to Vancouver to watch live games, watching his grandson’s hockey games, hiking in his mountains, listening to music and spending time with his family and friends.
Donations are gratefully accepted for Cancer research to a charity of one’s choice.
Condolences
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From: Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium Ltd.
The Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: karin de Jong
Relation: Don was my friend.
My heart goes out to everyone around Don, I am very sorry for your loss, he was so loved. You are in my thoughts during these difficult times.
I have many good memories of Don, they are my patch for the heartbreak over his passing.
Karin
From: Guvner
Relation: Don was my friend for over 50 years
Don was a true friend who was always there for me through all of life’s ups and downs. He was “uncle” to my children. He and I could sit for hours; singing to the Beatles, sharing witticisms, or just enjoying the view or goings on around us. Sometimes being with him was like being in the “eye” of the storm, in such a good way. I loved him like a brother and he is sorely missed. My heart goes out to Celia and all of his extended family. Hugs to All. Don can never be replaced and I am sure that he will be remembered with smiles by everyone who knew him. https://youtu.be/N0tOm2mjWAw
From: Judy Burton
Relation: Co-Worker - Friend
Don taught me and many others (including the elected folks) many things about waste management at the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen. He was recognized by his peers across BC for his knowledge, innovation, and efforts. Back in the day the RDOS Electoral Area Directors were more involved through separate landfill committee meetings and seemed to understand the need to manage the extremely valuable landfill sites wisely. Don was the teacher at most of these meetings and he really did move the RDOS landfills forward from being “dumps” to being active recycling income networks that helped to keep costs down for landfill operations. Don was easy to work with on many service contracts over the years in spite of a revolving door on the management side of Public Works. The past few years as the departments grew I was more involved with water systems however still checked in with Don most days. He was an avid Canucks fan, no matter how many times they lost, and always celebrated John Lennon and the Beatles music. He had promised Brian and I a tour of his mountain (the Hamilands) when I retired, and we made it up there in the Fall. He treasured his wife Celia and family and a few close friends that made an annual trek up the Mountain to camp out – at first with just the guys but eventually it grew to include the sons, nephews, and grandkids.
Rest in Peace Don – sending love to Celia and the family.
From: Jim Penson
Relation: One of his Solid Waste Brothers
Sincere Condolences to Dons family, everyone of them and it looks like there is lots, I first met Don 14 years ago at my first SIWIMA conference and Don made me feel like an instant friend or more like a brother, we exchanged professional stories as well as personal ones and over the years solutions and collaborations on projects that needed solutions( always said”we don’t need to invent the wheel” I feel a void with Dons passing, those closest to Don must be devastated, hug those that you can. I as will miss and think about him often. We have lost a great man.
From: Cynthia Coates
Relation: Colleague in the field of waste reduction
My deepest sympathies to Don’s family, friends and co-workers. The waste industry is a small one and Don’s passing has left a gapping hole that will not be easily filled. His long career in waste reduction is a true testament to his dedication. He will be so greatly missed by his waste reduction family!
From: Michelle Goldsberry
Relation: Co-worker
Will miss working with Don. He was very passionate about his work and had a wealth of information. He was most helpful over the last couple of years to me when I was learning the ropes in our department. To Celia and family I send my sincere condolences. Thinking of you and wish you strength and light going forward.
From: Roza Aylwin
Relation: Friend and Co-Worker
I met Don when I started working at the RDOS when I started there 33 years ago and I don’t remember a single day that Don didn’t have a smile on his face. His happy go lucky ways and live and let live attitude was refreshing making it a pleasure to be around him. I was lucky enough to have a mutual friend and we would go up Don’s mountain together to cut firewood. Don always made us feel welcome and would sometimes join us. He was always available at the end of our day to shoot the bull and exchange a few good laughs. He had a heart of gold and was there for anyone who needed it, but family was always first. My heart goes out to Celia, the love of Don’s life, and to his family. Don was a good teacher, co-worker and a great friend… Good memories that I will always remember and cherish. RIP, Don…you will always be with us….
From: Marion Thirlwell
Relation: Co-worker
I met Don in 1987 when I started working at the RDOS. I remember Don as always with a smile. He was passionate about his work and always willing to help. Wishing Celia and family peace, comfort and lots of love at this time of sorrow. May the love and support from family and friends help you during this difficult time.
From: Martin O'Connor
Relation: Supplier and friend
I have known Don for over 10 years and considered him to be a mentor and a friend. Don was always very honest, fair, kind, and a pleasure to be around. I always enjoyed meeting with Don and learning from him. Don was very instrumental in my success, and he introduced me to a wonderful group of people in the Waste Reduction arena.
I will miss the times we spend together. Rest In Peace my friend, gone way too soon.
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
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