William HAMMINGA
William HAMMINGA
Obituary
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William HAMMINGA Obituary
December 8, 1956 – September 16, 2012
Bill Hamminga passed away suddenly at the age of 55. Bill is survived by his sister, Moira MacLoughlin (Hamminga), Calgary, his niece, Morgan Fields, Calgary, his cousins and his many loyal friends.
Bill was an award-winning journalist with credentials in radio, television, print, and on-line media. He had extensive experience producing news and current affairs, as an editor, a reporter, a writer/producer, an on-air analyst, a political columnist and a documentary producer. He also managed radio newsrooms for CKUA and CBC (Edmonton). A two-time president of the Alberta Press Gallery, he specialised in coverage of the politics of oil and health care.
The family offers special thanks to Bill's long-time friends – John Cotter, Randy Reichardt and Ruth Blakely. A private memorial for family and friends will be held.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
23 Entries
Dorothy V
September 28, 2012
The last time we saw Bill was about 5 years ago when we had lunch together. It was an opportunity to catch up on old times as we were young together in Ontario. You will be missed by your dear sister and niece who always spoke so fondly of you. Rest well my friend. Peace and love
September 26, 2012
In life we may weep at the thought of death. In death we may weep at the thought of life.
Thank you Bill for your beautiful offerings...
Love, Light & Bliss..
DV
Kevin Anderson
September 25, 2012
Hard to believe it was 1982 when I first met Bill as we both took broadcast news at SAIT. He always had time to listen to people and went to the wall and back for me on a couple of occassions. I will remember him for his passion for broadcasting and politics.
Nora Deisman
September 24, 2012
People knew Bill as a political journalist, a pursuer of truth, a lover of things rational, but I think he had an artist's heart. He liked old school country music, poetry and loved the Irish countryside, and he wrote beautiful poetry, including that for an online Poetry Slam he founded and ran successfully for years, under the name “minstrel boy”, which I think he borrowed from Rod McKuen. Or McKuen stole it from him. ;)
His poetry was unaffected and guileless. Like him, it was genuine. A simple opening of his heart: unabashed, a little innocent. I learned from him.
I admired Bill and loved him, and I know others loved him too. Many people will miss him! He was the worst housekeeper ever (he would wholeheartedly agree with me on this I know), and he was also a very dear friend, with a big cup of tea, an easy laugh and a great big heart.
"The end of art is peace" says his beloved Heaney, and so my friend Bill is now at peace, after such a journey. We will miss him.
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Anne-Marie Laban (Gantly)
September 23, 2012
Moira,
I was very sad to hear of Bill's passing. I have many fond memories of our family get togethers and Bill was always like a 2nd Big Brother to me. I hope that your memories bring you and Morgan some comfort during this difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Ken Davis
September 23, 2012
I had the pleasure of working with Bill on a couple of investigative projects and shot the breeze after-hours at the old Martinis on many occasions when we were both hanging out at the legislature. You will be missed, good sir!
Mark Gantly
September 22, 2012
Moira,
My deepest sympathies to you and Morgan.I know we have lost touch over the years but hopefully this a good way for us to start to keep in touch again. Is there going to be a memorial service being held in Edmonton?
Love to you and Morgan
Krysia Jarmicka
September 22, 2012
I always enjoyed working with you Bill........and thank you for showing me how to set up my first ever email address back in the 1990's.....good memories all around........thank you Bill.
Garth Roberts
September 22, 2012
As a student at SAIT, Bill brought maturity and thoughtfulness with him every day. It was my pleasure to be an instructor who learned from him.
September 22, 2012
I am Randy's mother and Randy's dad and I met Bill several times when we were visiting Randy. My aches for your loss and for the hurt Randy must be feeling in his heart right now. He truly loved and respected Bill so much. I will keep you and your daughter in my daily prayers and wish you much peace in the days ahead. God bless you.
Stuart Serediuk
September 22, 2012
I worked with Bill at the legislature press gallery for most of the 90's. We yucked it up a lot and shared many stories and jokes. I missed him when he left the leg, and now shall truly miss him now that he has left us all. Rest in piece Bill. My condolences to the family.
Amy Santoro
September 22, 2012
I met Bill in 1990. As my first mentor, he taught me the true meaning of journalism. I was instantly drawn to his humour, intelligence and zeal. I'll miss you.
Eileen Corah
September 21, 2012
I only met Bill a few times and remember still what a lovely man he was. I also remember how much you, Moira, loved your "baby brother" and how adored he was by his niece, Morgan. As time passes, I hope your memories of Bill fill your heart with happiness and peace. God bless.
Ramona Fodchuk
September 21, 2012
I only came to know Bill recently, but I found him to be a very witty, funny, and intelligent man. We had some great conversations about vintage aviation, food, writing, his parents' remarkable story, and so many other things. I'll miss you, Bill. My sympathies to the family.
Chris Allen
September 21, 2012
I worked with Bill at CKUA and found him a tireless, impressive and diligent reporter and communicator.
He has left us far too soon and the world, particularly the news world, is the lesser for it.
Sleep well Bill,
September 21, 2012
Bill was a great journalist and a lovely guy...my deep condolences to his family. So young...
Lance Beswick
Cathy Mills-Buchanan
September 21, 2012
Moira,
Bill was taken far too soon, and he will be greatly missed. You're in my prayers.
Steve Fahnestalk
September 21, 2012
We'll miss you, Bill. You were a good friend and always did your best. We'll miss your wry comments on life, the universe and everything!
Bob Chelmick
September 21, 2012
Bill was always a joy to work with and be around. Smiles were easy to come by and he was a bright, intelligent, easy going and compassionate guy. His life added much to those who shared some time with him. Happy journeys Bill.
Ken Regan
September 21, 2012
Bill was a very good newsman and a great human being. Very sad.
September 21, 2012
Moira, I am saddened and shocked at this news and offer my deepest sympathies to you and Morgan. Although we lost touch with each other I have never forgotten my best friends, your Dad and Mom. I remeber them every night in my prayers and will now include Billy as well. I lost Celine, 20 years ago, come New Years Eve and Christine 6 years ago from breast cancer - in fact from April 25, 2005 to April 17, 2006 I lost a younger brother and sister, as well as Christine, so I know what you are going through. Without faith and prayer I'm not sure how I would have got through it all. Got bless you both. Please let me know if there is to be a service inn Edmonton. Tel: 780 4432633
Love,
Naoise
Randy Reichardt
September 21, 2012
I will miss my dear friend, Bill Hamminga. We met at Henday Hall on the UA campus in September 1976, 36 years ago this month. We became friends for life, and were never out of touch for a lengthy period of time. Bill was a kind, gentle, and brilliant man, who loved music, politics, science fiction, cooking (he made a wicked roast beef dinner), and All Things Ireland. He was loyal to his friends and had a heart of gold. I will miss you always, my good friend. Be at peace.
Laura McNabb
September 21, 2012
Bill, I still can't come to terms with the fact that you left us so suddenly. All of us fortunate enough to have known you is poorer for the loss. Will remember you with fondness, rest in peace. Condolences to Moira and the rest of his family, and to his closest friends.
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