1918 – 2009
We regretfully announce the death of our much loved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather on Monday, February 23, 2009. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, he spent many happy holidays at Roseneath in Bo’ness, with his beloved granny and his cousins, the Roseneath gang. He attended university for one year before joining the Gordon Highlanders in 1939. With them he embarked for France as part of the British Expeditionary Force. After five years as a prisoner of war, he eventually returned to Aberdeen where he completed his degree in law.
In the years following, and in divers places, he enjoyed teaching, writing about and practising law. This culminated in his appointment first to the County Court of Vancouver Island, and then to the Supreme Court of British Columbia. These were happy years. When, as he saw it, he was thrust untimely from the bench, at the youthful age of 75 years, he rallied and went on to spend another ten years in the practice of law. Law was his passion, and to it he bent the full force of his intellect, learning, compassion and energy, and it, in turn, rewarded him with a fulfilling life.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Edna, min Medina, daughters Fiona (Terry) and Catriona (Rob), grandchildren Madeleine (Dan), Sylvia and Neil and great-grandchildren Brett, Sienna Marie and Heidi Lynne. The family would like to thank the staff at Victoria Hospice for their compassionate care during his final weeks, and the staff of Beacon Home Care, and nurse Darshan, for their kindness and assistance during his final months.
A Service of Remembrance will be conducted by the Reverend Laura Kavanagh in KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 2964 Richmond Road on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception. Flowers gratefully declined. If so wished, donations may be made to the Canadian Red Cross, 909 Fairfield Road, Victoria, B.C. V8V3A3, the Victoria Hospice, 1952 Bay Street, Victoria, B.C. V8R 1J8 or a charity of your choice. Hamish never ceased to be thankful to the Red Cross for providing food and other assistance to him and his fellow prisoners during the war; without that assistance he doubted that he would have survived.
Inshallah, we shall meet again.
21 Responses
Grandpa I just wanted to tell you and grandma that I’m doing better in life and I have a good job and going to be self-sufficient. Mom just told me that you gave up smoking for me. Your an amazing person ❤ I have a 99 Harley Davidson dyna now I’m sure you know and that brings peace to my life on the road. I love you and miss you both.