Hugh E A Hamilton

It is with great sadness that we announce the

passing of our treasured father, Hugh Hamilton.

Born in Simla, India to parents Olivia and Arthur,

Hugh died peacefully in his West Vancouver, BC

home at the age of 90. He was surrounded by the

love of his children, grandchildren, and many friends.

Hugh will be lovingly remembered by his children:

Cynthia (Peter), Andrew (Karen) and Susan (Don).

He will also be fondly remembered by his 7

grandchildren: Tyler, Brady, Parker, Everett,

Matthew, Thomas, and Olivia.

Hugh was predeceased by Jane (nee Brockman),

his adoring wife of 56 years, and his much loved

sister, Sylvia.

Hugh had a passion for the outdoors and some

of his fondest early memories were of chasing

butterflies and bugs while roaming fields and

forests in India, Switzerland, and England. As a

teenager, he was raised in the United States by

his beloved Aunt Helen. She shared her love of

nature with him i n West Virginia and the

mountains surrounding Tin Cup, Colorado. He

lived an adventurous young life, enriched by her

passion for southwestern art, culture, and people.

This is how Hugh was connected with his friends

in the Hopi, Navajo, and Jemez communities,

who became like family to him. He eventually

returned to England, completing his degree in

forestry from Lincoln College at Oxford University.

Oxford is also where he met his future wife, Jane,

and many long-time family friends, such as Ruth

and Tony Jarrett.

Hugh started his forestry career in British

Columbia, and also started a family with Jane.

They settled in their West Vancouver home in

1964, where they raised their children and lived

for almost 50 years. After retiring and selling his

business of 28 years, Hugh focused his time on

his passions: old-growth forest conservancy,

stream keeping, shoreline preservation, bird

watching, fishing, hiking and more. Hugh’s

passion for life and nature was contagious, and

he generously shared his passion and knowledge

with fellow volunteers, high school students,

family, and the West Vancouver community at large.

Hugh had an insatiable curiosity, ranging from the

smallest of things in nature to friends new and old

from around the world. He was a connector, and

he loved bringing people together for a meal, a

good conversation, and a great party… in his

salmon coloured shirt, of course! He will be

greatly missed by his family, his many friends, and

the community.

Hugh’s family wishes to send special thanks to

Proof of Care and Hollyburn House for their

compassion and support over the last number of

months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to West

Vancouver Streamkeepers, an organization close

to Hugh’s heart and one that will continue Hugh’s

legacy.

Donations can be made at

www.westvancouverstreamkeepers.ca or by mail to:

West Vancouver Streamkeeper Society

PO Box 91166, West Vancouver, BC V7V 3N6