J. Richard HAMILTON

J. RICHARD HAMILTON
C.M., M.D., F.R. C.P. (C).
   March 8, 1934 - April 19, 2016

Died surrounded by loving family.The son of John Russell and Muriel Hamilton, Dick grew up in St. Catharines, ON, where he attended Ridley College and developed an abiding love for Niagara fruit.
  Admitted to the University of Toronto at age 16, he graduated from medical school in 1958. After a period in family practice in the Eastern Townships with his newlywed wife, Patricia as his nurse, he trained in pediatrics and gastroenterology at the Hospital for Sick Children.
  In 1966, he founded the pediatric gastroenterology unit at Sick Kids, one of the first of its kind in North America. He helped train dozens of pediatric gastroenterologists who established careers across North America and in Latin America, Europe and Australasia. His 40-year research career focused on the developing intestine's response to infection and malnutrition, and led to life-saving treatment of diarrhoeal disease in children in the developing world. His longstanding involvement with the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research in Dhaka, Bangladesh included a sabbatical year there in 1994-95.
  After 20 years as chief of gastroenterology at Sick Kids, he moved to Montreal in 1986 to become physician-in-chief at the Montreal Children's Hospital and Chair of Pediatrics at McGill University.
  Recognition of Dick's contributions included two of the most prestigious awards in his field as well as membership in the Order of Canada. Ever the polite guest, he presented Governor General Adrienne Clarkson with a jar of his prize-winning bread- and-butter pickles at the ceremony.
  In retirement, he was an appreciated board member at the Tyndale St. Georges Community Centre in Montreal's Little Burgundy neighbourhood. He loved fishing, gardening, painting and playing cards, and nowhere was he happier than at his cottage on the Ottawa River, where his Old-Fashioneds were legendary.
  He was a loving and beloved husband, father and grandfather who will be deeply missed. He leaves his wife of 56 years, Patricia (Levis); sons, Michael (Tanya Rabinovich), Graeme (Rachelle Henderson) and Ian (Sue Montgomery); as well as an extended family. He was predeceased by his sister, Joan (Alvin Stewart). He took particular pride in his grandchildren: Ellen, Neil, Alec, Claire, Molly and Michael.
  The family will receive visitors Friday, April 22nd from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Hamilton residence, 2333 Sherbrooke St. W. A service in celebration of Dick's life will be held Saturday April 23rd at 3:00 p.m. at St George's Anglican Church, 1101 Stanley St., Montreal.
  In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Tyndale St. Georges Community Centre, 870 Richmond Square Montreal, QC H3J 1V7.
   (www.tyndalestgeorges.com/give.html).