William Hameluck

It is with profound sadness, that we announce, the passing of our dear father, Bill Hameluck, 96, of Gloucester, Ontario, March 24, 2026. During his last days here on Earth, he was surrounded by loving family members. Then, he went peacefully and quietly, in his sleep, with his youngest son Christopher, by his side.

Bill is predeceased by his wife and best friend, for over 50 years, Mary-Ellen (Murphy, Tait) and his daughter Roberta Constance (Rick). He leaves behind their other 8 children: Rebecca (Perry), Veronica Rose, William Earl, Michael James (Tannis), Ronald Albert (Judy), Mary-Rose Margaret, Christopher John (Debbie) and Stephanie Anne (Rennie) and over 50 grand children; great grand children; and even great great grand children.

Bill was born on June 14, 1929, to Mike and Katie Hameluck (nee Feigel) in Cupar, Saskatchewan, where he grew up, with 5 brothers and sisters: Edward (Gaile), Ann (Bert Polischuk), Rozlyn (Joe Loveland), Veronica (Garry Zurowski) and Michael (Denise).

Bill is survived by Ann, Rozlyn, Veronica and his brother Michael.

He is predeceased by his parents, Mike and Katie; his brother Ed; brother-in-laws Bert Polischuk and Joe Loveland; and his nephew Kevin Hameluck (Melinda), son of Bill's brother Michael and his wife Denise.

Bill left home, at 18, to join the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Badge Number 15352. After training in Regina, Saskatchewan and Rockcliffe, Ontario, Cst. Hameluck's first post was in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Marine Division, Customs & Excise, Fishing and Migratory Birds Section, where he worked, on the ocean. Then, he was transferred to work on Lake Boats, policing Canada Shipping Acts, in Kingston, Ontario.

While in Kingston, he met the love of his life Mary-Ellen (Murphy, Tait). Cst. Hameluck left the RCMP, in order to get married, on May 22, 1950. He then joined the Kingston Police Force, until he was able to remuster, into the RCMP. He was posted to, HQ in Ottawa, where he was stationed, until he retired as a S/Sgt. in Records Mgt, Name Index.

Upon retirement from the RCMP, he was immediately recruited, to join a special project team, within the Solicitor General's Office. He stayed there, until an old friend Bob Camm, from their early days in "A" Division, Ottawa, Motorcycle Gang unit, invited him to join some of their old team members, who were now at the Bank of Canada. After a few short years, much to Mary-Ellen's relief, he finally retired from working altogether, so he could spend more time with her and their volunteer work, at Our Lady of Visitation.

ROMAN CATHOLIC

Bill was a devout Roman Catholic and actively participated in the Ottawa Roman Catholic Archdiocese. He prayed the Holy Rosary daily, for many needed intentions.

He supported and volunteered, in various roles, at many Churches in the Archdiocese, including the Church of the Holy Cross, Blessed Sacrament, St. Joseph's, Resurrection and Our Lady of Visitation.

CREDIT UNION COMMITTEE VOLUNTEER

Bill volunteered at his Credit Union, both in St. Joseph's and St. Brigid's Parishes, for many years.

BOY SCOUTS OF CANADA VOLUNTEER

Bill volunteered at St. Joseph's Church, where he organized many Joint Church Breakfasts for Cubs, Scouts, Brownies and Girl Guides.

Bill will be fondly remembered, as Akala, by many boys, who went hiking and camping, with him; participated in games and skits; and sang songs around campfires, in his Cub Packs, in Hawthorne Meadows, Ottawa and Greely, Ontario.

THEATER GROUP ACTOR/DANCER

Bill participated in plays at Blessed Sacrament, in the Glebe, Ottawa; St Joseph's, in Sandy Hill, Ottawa and in Greely, Ontario.

Bill and Mary-Ellen belonged to a Square Dancing Group. They thoroughly enjoyed not only the dancing together but also, dressing up, in the beautiful elaborate outfits they wore.

CHURCH ACTIVITIES VOLUNTEER

Bill and Mary-Ellen volunteered, at their church, Our Lady of Visitation, for many years, managing Church finances together. They both sang in the Choir. Bill served as a Eucharistic Minister and volunteered his time, to support Church sponsored Bingos.

William was a 4th Degree Knight, in the Knights of Columbus, at Our Lady of Visitation Parish. He served as a Financial Secretary; helped prepare food hampers, for those less fortunate; participated in Church yard sales; selling red roses; and poppies; and supported Wapoos Farm.

Bill was a kind hearted family man, who was well liked, loved and admired, by family members and friends alike.

Bill loved to read Western novels; listen to good ole Country Music; and watch both Old Country Movies and Turner Classics.

He cultivated a beautiful vegetable garden. He was an avid gardener, who planted roses and Sunflowers, especially.

Bill kept a rather large multiplex bird feeder full of different seeds, for Blue Jays, Cardinals, Morning Doves and many other types of birds. He also had several Hummingbird Feeders. He simply loved watching birds, deer, rabbits, racoons and the occasional skunk, in his yard. He wasn't too fond of the Fischer or the Alligator that escaped, from Little Ray's Reptile Zoo though.

Bill wore many sports hats: coach, referee, spectator, driver, ticket seller, to support sons and grandsons, who played sports, be it hockey, football or baseball. He often went to their games, to cheer them on.

Bill liked to watch hockey and curling, on TV. He was very fond of football games, especially when his son Michael played in the CFL, with Montreal Alouettes, Ottawa Rough Riders, Toronto Argonauts and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He was extremely proud, when Michael brought home a Grey Cup Ring.

Bill often watched cartoons or played card games, with his grand children. Young or old, many who knew him, carry fond memories of him, in their hearts. He will be missed dearly, by all.

No visitation is planned, as Bill will be cremated. However, he will be remembered at 4:30 p.m. Mass, Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Our Lady of Visitation Church.

His funeral will be held, in July, 2026 (date to be announced), at Our Lady of Visitation, with a Knights of Columbus Honour Guard. A reception will follow in the church hall. After the reception, Interment will take place, in the parish cemetery, behind the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages charitable donations be made, to the Canadian Cancer Society, in honour of Mary-Ellen and Bill Hameluck. Thank-you.