Passed away peacefully on April 21st, 2024, at The Carpenter Hospice in Burlington, Ontario in his 95th year. The family grieves his loss but is very grateful for all the years of love and laughter. We also appreciate his compassionate nature, generosity, his loyalty, sense of humour and love of his family.
If ever a person was born to be a teacher, it was Cec. He began his teaching career in a 1 room school in 1950 after attending Hamilton Normal School. He is a graduate of McMaster University (B.A.) and University of Toronto (M.Ed.). Over his 35-year career, he was principal of several schools in Dundas and in Flamborough, ending at Beverly Central. After retirement he was recruited to teach part-time for Brock University, in the faculty of Education for 17 years. This was a very rewarding experience for him.
Cec is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Gladys Collis- a match made in heaven! He is also greatly missed by his adoring daughter Susan, and her husband Jim Bergman who was so dear to his heart. Cec loved his 3 grandchildren who were a part of an exclusive, mutual admiration society – Jordan, Lucas and Karis Budic. Cec is the beloved brother of Laverne Hamilton and is predeceased by his brothers Bruce and Harold (Harry) Hamilton and his parents George and Mina (Moore) Hamilton of Strabane. He will be missed by so many nieces and nephews.
Cec was involved with many organizations. An honorary Life Member of the Rockton Agricultural Society, and a lifelong member deeply committed to Freelton Strabane United Church. He spent over 30 years as a volunteer at Westfield Heritage Village. During his life he was the recipient of many awards and accolades including several Provincial and local Volunteer Service Awards: Westfield Heritage Village Volunteer Service Award, The Conservation Authority Advisory Committee Recognition Award, Hamilton-Wentworth Heritage Association Recognition Award, Corporation of the Town of Flamborough Heritage Volunteer Award, Canadian College of Teachers 25 Year Recognition Award, Province of Ontario Volunteer Service Award, and The Ontario Heritage Trust Certificate of Lifetime Achievement.
Special thanks to his niece Karen Snelgrove, Rev. Will Wheeler, friends Anne Straus, Rob Brown, and the staff and the volunteers of Carpenter Hospice for their exemplary care.
Cremation has taken place. Friends and family may visit with the family at Freelton Strabane United Church, 1565 Brock Road, Strabane, on Friday April 26, 2024 from 7-9 p.m., and Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 2-3 p.m. A Memorial with Reception to follow at 3:00 p.m.
Donations can be made to Westfield Heritage Village, Freelton Strabane United Church, and The Carpenter Hospice.
“The twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes has sadly gone but will never be forgotten”.
