Donald Hamilton

Donald Hamilton

Donald Hamilton Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jul. 29 to Aug. 2, 2011.
HAMILTON, Donald T.
November 26, 1924 - July 27, 2011
It is with profound sadness that the family of Donald T. Hamilton announces his passing at the age of 86.
Don will be lovingly remembered by his daughters Lynn (Paul Lane) of Edmonton and Janis Welsh (Chris) of San Jose, CA and by his eight grandchildren Margaret, Jack, Tom, Anne, Martha and Paige, Andy and Graham. Don was predeceased in 1995 by his wife of 37 years, Georgene.
Don was born in Havelock, Ontario on November 26, 1924 at the homestead of his grandparents. He grew up in the Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan area during the depression years. Don enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943, graduating as a Pilot Officer navigator. After the war Don enjoyed life as a bush pilot in Northern Alberta, flying fish, trappers and supplies throughout the North. Eventually Don settled in Edmonton to raise a family and to establish his forest fire suppression company, Air Spray Aviation, based in Red Deer, Alberta. Air Spray is recognized as a leader of aerial forest fire suppression around the world.
Dons passion for aviation continued throughout his life. His achievements in the field of aviation were recognized in May of this year through his induction into Canadas Aviation Hall of Fame, an accomplishment of which he was truly proud. Don was a true aviator and lived for every opportunity to get up in the air. He continued to fly his Cessna 340 right up to the time of his passing.
Don did much to serve his home community of Edmonton. He remained an active Rotarian and served on several charitable Boards. In 1998 Don joined the Edmonton Oilers Investors Group simply to help keep the Oilers hockey team in Edmonton. As a result of his business success Don was able to make a number of significant donations to various charitable organizations and established the Donald Hamilton Family Foundation. In particular, Don was a significant supporter of the Alberta Diabetes Institute at the University of Alberta. With two grandchildren diagnosed with Type I diabetes, it was his dream that a cure for the disease would be found. Don was also an active member of the Edmonton Golf and Country Club and the Edmonton Bridge Centre.
Dons was a life well lived. A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. at the Alberta Aviation Museum at the Municipal Airport (11410 Kingsway Avenue). A private family funeral has already taken place.
In lieu of flowers donations to Canadian Diabetes Association - Camp Jean Nelson Summer Camp for Children with Diabetes would be appreciated.

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November 26, 2011

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August 30, 2011

Sharon Weltman (Pickett) posted to the memorial.

August 17, 2011

Jason Stephens posted to the memorial.

27 Entries

November 26, 2011

My father, Jack Grosnick, just called to ask me to try to locate his dear old friend and best man, Don Hamilton. Today would have been Don's birthday and dad's is on Monday,28th of Nov. Dad wanted to wish him a happy 87th birthday. With great sadness, my folks, Jack and Jean Grosnick and I send our condolences. If you'd like to contact dad, he can be reached at 250-474-5819. Diana Varadi, Calgary, Ab

Sharon Weltman (Pickett)

August 30, 2011

Dear Lynn and Jan,
So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I remember your dad from our younger days. What an honor to know that he was inducted into the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame.
Please accept my deepest condonlences. Sharon and Lee

Jason Stephens

August 17, 2011

Wishing the Hamilton Family all the best and my sincerest condolences on your loss.

Robert Ells

August 9, 2011

My Dad told me stories of flying with Don to Cold Lake in the mid 50's. I was very glad to have met Don at the CAHS Convention in June and hear his stories. My sincerest condolences.

Cecil Rhodes

August 9, 2011

Don Hamilton is"cleared" right hand departure. "Cleared" to climb on course. "versum solem mi amicus"

Rob Bernshaw

August 4, 2011

I met Don through Envisions Edmonton as we carry the torch forward. I did not know Don for very long but have been touched by his energy and drive. I was blessed to attend a dinner hosted by Envision Edmonton to honour long-standing Edmonton Businessman, Don Hamilton, founder of Air Spray Ltd on Tuesday, April 5th 2011. A great honour for a great gentleman. It is sad to see one of Canada's great contributors pass away from our sight. His flightpath while on this earth was one of great accomplishments and benefit to all.
It was nice that we were all able to have been touched by his generosity and good will.
His passing will be missed by all of us.

Condolences to the Hamilton Family for your loss and may Don's spirit and drive live on to help you on the flighpath you will be flying into the future.

Don was born to fly as his love of aviation and flying was extraordinary. It was great to see the Electra L-188 heavy tanker plane do a flyby with a Turbo Commander 690, a “bird dog” spotter aircraft at our Edmonton City Centre Airport on Wednesday Aug 3, 2011.

Thank you to Lynn and the Hmilton family for the celebration of life that will continue on in us with the example that Don has set for us, as we travel our current individual flightpaths.
Please check out this Poem:Impressions of a Pilot -by Gary Claud Stoker
Sincerely with faith and a belief in my heart that Don's spirit will be around to help us into the future, as that is the way Don treated everyone, by giving hope and courage to dive in and just Do It. Full Speed Ahead, throttle wide open and embrace life with gusto and joy.

Kimberly Brenner

August 3, 2011

On behalf of the Board of Governors and employees of the Edmonton Petroleum Club, I extend our deepest condolences to the family.

He always had a great story from his pilot days and I loved hearing them. Don's presence here will truly be missed.

orhan Candir

August 3, 2011

To the Hamilton & Airspray family;
So sorry to hear Don's passing.We will miss thrue gentleman and also real airman. Orhan Candir and Turkish Aviation Assocations

Lynne McGoldrick

August 2, 2011

Dear Janis, Lynn and Families,
The friendship Joe and I shared with your Mom and Dad went back many years. I was so saddened to hear of your Dad's passing. He was a good friend and a true gentleman. I will miss him a lot.

Larry Ohlhauser

August 2, 2011

So sorry to hear of Don's passing. Am working out of the country and was informed of teh sad news. Will not be able to attend the service. Had such good times with Don in the Citation and a few great pictures in the jet. Thinking about all the family.

August 2, 2011

Janis, Lynn and families:

We were so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. He will be greatly missed. He will always be remembered for his many contributions to our City.
Our thoughts are with you all.
Take care.
Don and Sandy Sprague

Dan and Darren Stannard

August 1, 2011

Jan and Lynn,
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you.

Linda Peterat

July 31, 2011

To Lynn, Janis and families:
So saddened to hear of the loss of your father. Many wonderful memories of times with your family years ago remain. My condolences at this time.

Allan & Gloria Runck

July 31, 2011

We extend our condolences to the family.
Quiet,friendly, unassuming, respectful,and a true gentleman, Don will be missed at the Edmonton Country Club.

July 30, 2011

We wish to offer our condolences to the Hamilton family. We will be donating to the diabetes foundation.
Fitton Family

Ghislain Boivin

July 30, 2011

July 30, 2011
I wish to offer my sincere condolences to all of Don' family members.
Don was a man of his word, a true dedicated aviation man.
Au revoir my friend !!

Dave Langridge

July 30, 2011

I wish to offer my sincere condolences to Lynn, Janis and all of Don’s family. Don was a champion in the world of aerial wildfire fighting and I had the distinct pleasure of being associated with him for over twenty years. His passion for flying was only overshadowed by his love of his family. He was a gentleman, a friend and he will be missed.

Julie Hamilton

July 30, 2011

I came to know Don through his dedication in the support of research for the cure for diabetes. He loved his grandchildren and wanted to help. Don was a very kind man who I greatly respected. I enjoyed our conversations over the years. To Lynn and Janis and members of your family, please accept my deepest sympathies. Don will be missed.

Judy Krupp

July 29, 2011

I will miss my friend Don.

Hector Lefebvre

July 29, 2011

My condolences to the Hamilton family. I did not know Don but my grandfather and father and his brothers shipped fish out of Cold Lake with him. We heard many stories of a good friend and good pilot. Here is a picture you may not have. http://www3.telus.net/jhector/Don%20Hamilton%20with%20Fairchild%2082%20Hauling%20Fish%20in%20Cold%20Lake.jpg

Byron's Plumbing

July 29, 2011

Our deepest sympathy for the loss to your family. May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead

JC Kotwicz Herniczek

July 29, 2011

Don Hamilton was a man of his word, a real pilot living his dream.
His dynamism inspired me. Thank you.
My deepest sympathy to the family.

Jean LeMay

July 29, 2011

My heartfelt sympathy for all. He will be missed. Don's enthusiasm for aviation was contagious and many shared that joy.

Doug Gerrard

July 29, 2011

I really enjoyed working for Don.

Richard Jasmin

July 29, 2011

To the Hamilton family; I wish to convey my upmost respect to a gentleman whom truly set the standard in aviation. Mr. Hamilton's love for life and flight is exemplified through his family and evidenced through his vibrant enterprise. Mr. Hamilton will be missed; Safe travels Sir.

Pete Loeffler

July 29, 2011

My deepest sympathy for your entire family, Don has been a life and aviation inspiration to me and will be truly missed

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November 26, 2011

Someone posted to the memorial.

August 30, 2011

Sharon Weltman (Pickett) posted to the memorial.

August 17, 2011

Jason Stephens posted to the memorial.