Tony Hamelin

ANTHONY (TONY) HAMELIN

20 Feb 1920 a�" 03 Sep 2010

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Tony Hamelin formerly of Oakville Manitoba. Tony died suddenly on Friday, September 3rd 2010 at the Lions Prairie Manor in Portage la Prairie with his daughter Jean and son-in-law Don at his side.

Tony was predeceased by his beloved wife Blanche (nee Bray), his life's partner of 67 years; daughter Janet; infant grandson Michael; parents Alec and Corona Hamelin (nee Laramee); sister Claire Blight; sisters-in-law Dorothy Stewart, Melba Bartlett and Helen Bray; and brothers-in-law Bob and Allan Bray, Ken Bartlett, Dick Blight, and Charles Colvin.

In addition to daughter Jean (Don) Krampetz, Tony leaves to cherish his memory, sons Wade (Arlene) and Ian (Kathy) Hamelin. He will be forever missed by grandchildren Sharron Potvin, Colleen (Jay) Ahntholz, Mark (Tricia) Hamelin and Erin (Scott) Meyer; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. He is also survived by sisters Florence Bray (Oakville) and Doris Colvin (Thunder Bay); brothers Joe (Lorette) of Winnipeg, Ron (Stella) of Stettler, AB, Ulysse (Annette) of St. Francois Xavier; brother-in-law Tom Stewart (Jocelyne) of Ottawa; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews across Canada and the United States.

Tony was born in St. Boniface Hospital and raised in Pigeon Lake and Baie St. Paul, Manitoba. He and Blanche were married in May 1942. Tony enlisted in the Army in June 1940 and served with the Provost Corps in Canada and subsequently with the reconstituted Winnipeg Grenadiers in the North Pacific and Europe. After returning from overseas after a year and a half absence, he operated a store in Poplar Point MB where Wade was born, then ventured west in 1947 and settled in New Westminister and Coquitlam BC. Three more children followed before their return to Manitoba in 1959. Over subsequent years, they resided in Kirkfield Park, Baie St. Paul, and Twin Lakes Beach before eventually establishing their retirement home in Oakville in 1994. They spent 25 enjoyable winters as "snowbirds" in Mesa Arizona and as "winter Texans" in Weslaco Texas.

Tony had a varied working career, the bulk of which was spent as a lumber salesman. Well-read throughout his life, Tony maintained a keen interest in economics, politics, current affairs, social change and world events. He was an accomplished athlete in his youth and as an adult enjoyed boxing, hunting and fishing, billiards, shuffleboard and golf. However his real passion was standard-bred horse racing which he returned to as an owner, trainer and driver in the late 1960's. Blanche enthusiastically shared this activity which also involved week-end camping with family and friends. Racing on the summer fair circuit and at Assinobia Downs was a joyful time for them.

Tony was hard-working, energetic, highly principled and forward-thinking, and as the eldest in a large family, he took his family responsibilities seriously from a young age. His commitment to family was particularly evident in the many life and career choices he made, always putting the welfare and best interests of family ahead of all else.

Life took a turn for Tony five years ago when Blanche suffered a devastating stroke that left her bed-ridden and resident in the Lions Prairie Manor. From that point he became her constant companion, care-giver and advocate. He was profoundly affected by the sudden and unexpected loss of daughter Janet in September 2008 and his beloved Blanche in February 2009.

Tony had been a resident at the Lion's Manor since September 2008 due to a degenerative neuro-muscular condition. Both he and the family greatly appreciated all those who visited Tony regularly or maintained contact by phone or mail. In this regard, our special thanks to Tony's nieces, nephews, other extended family, and family friends who visited Tony faithfully during his two year residence in the Manor.

Our profound appreciation also to Dr. I. Khalil of the Portage Medical Clinic for his personal kindness, professional expertise, and the Christian values he so timely and eloquently asserted in time of crisis, and which enabled Tony to enjoy the past two years and for us to continue to enjoy his place in our lives.

In addition the family wishes to thank the dedicated staff at the Lions Prairie Manor for the commitment, kindness, and consistent care they provided to Tony and Blanche over the past five years. This includes staff in nursing, housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, administration, activities, food services and social work ... you know who you are. We are forever indebted to you all.

Friends are invited to join the family in a celebration of Tony's life which will be held in Portage la Prairie on Saturday September 11th at 1:00 pm in the Crocus Room, Herman Prior Centre, 40 Royal Road North, Portage la Prairie. Tony will be laid to rest with Blanche in a private family interment at the Oakville Cemeter y.

If family and friends so wish, donations may be made to the Lions Prairie Manor Foundation, 24 9th Street SE, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3V4

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com