Obituary of Dennis Meredith Hamilton
Dennis Meredith Hamilton, born November 28, 1940, of Inverary, Ontario, passed away on June 17, 2023, at Providence Care Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Dennis will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 59 years, Kathy, daughters, Vicki Hamilton (Todd Macklin), Lesley Kendall (Brad) and Sarah Kauffman (Jason), grandchildren Reese, Holly, Will, Luke, Sydney, Alyssa and Waverley, brothers, Terry (Peggy) and John (Eironwy), and sister Thelma, along with nieces and nephews (Matthew, Susan, Sarah and Liz). Also survived by his sisters in law Christine and Barbara (Peter), nephews Jason (Sally), Ryan and Charlie and nieces Sophie and Lucy.
Dennis was predeceased by his parents, Milborough (nee Meredith) and William Hamilton, his brother, Michael, his niece, Joanna Hamilton, and his brothers in law, David Gunter and Howard Brooks.
Dennis enjoyed a full and accomplished life. He was born in Ebbw Vale, Wales, and was happily raised by his Gran in Cwm. After completing a 5-year apprenticeship as a Fitter/Turner and working as a tradesman, Dennis chose to embark on a brave adventure! Newly married, Dennis moved with his wife, Kathy, to Canada for employment with DuPont Canada. Six years later, after having three daughters, Dennis returned to Wales with his family to attend the University of Wales to obtain his Degree in Engineering. Following his graduation, Dennis, Kathy and their daughters returned to Canada to continue a long and rewarding career with DuPont, progressing from a Design Engineer, Foreman and Supervisor in the Kingston Plant, to a Chief Supervisor, Works Engineer and Personnel Manager at the Maitland Plant, to Plant Manager at the Trenton Plant, to Manager - Safety, Occupational Health and Industrial Relations at the Mississauga Head Office and finally to H.R. Manager for Fibres, Intermediates and Polymers Business at the Kingston Site.
Not one to be idle, following his retirement in 1997, Dennis did consulting work for the City of Kingston, serving as the Chair of the Human Resources Transition Team for the “New” City of Kingston, dealing with the very complex issues relating to all employees of Frontenac County and the City of Kingston. He also volunteered for years as a Director, President of the Board and Chair of various committees, with Unity Savings and Credit Union (later the Kawartha Credit Union) and P.R.O. Kids and he fervently pursued other opportunities to volunteer, including travelling to Serbia and Russia several times through the Canadian Executive Services Overseas (CESO) to advise businesses there on Human Resources management. Later, Dennis became significantly involved with the Seniors Association Kingston Region, including 4 years serving as President. Dennis maintained his involvement with DuPont/Invista for many years, including advising retirees on pensions and other aspects of retirement.
In his personal and family life, Dennis was passionate about woodworking, making beautiful furniture and carvings for family and friends. He was committed to giving back to his community through volunteering at a homeless youth shelter, a local Housing Authority (Brockville), regularly and frequently donating blood and coaching his daughters’ T-ball teams. Over the years, Dennis had many interests, including beekeeping, teaching himself to play table tennis, birdwatching, painting, skating and playing the violin. Regardless of these interests and activities occupying his time, Dennis always made time for others, including being the first friend or family member to respond in a time of need or crisis, and always knowing the way to resolve problems thoughtfully.
Despite his eagerness to learn and many interests, one of Dennis’ greatest joys was striking up conversation. Dennis was known for his eagerness to speak with and have meaningful conversations with all he encountered (even if they didn't want to!), including those close to him, especially his three daughters. He took an active interest in their lives, their work and their families. His love for and pride in his grandchildren was boundless. Always up for a talk, he marvelled in their youth, exuberance, and joyful way of looking at the world.
Our family extends their sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Kingston General Hospital (notably Davies 3, the Cardiac Function Clinic and Connell 9), as well as at Providence Care Hospital (Parkside Unit). The expertise, knowledge and kindness shown to Dennis over more than 25 years was unparalleled.
There will be a private family (burial) service. A Celebration of Life to be held on July 30, 2023 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, with tributes begining at 3:00 pm, at the Royal Kingston Curling Club at 130 Days Road, Kingston. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution in Dennis’ name to the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation - Cardiac Care, 55 Rideau Street, Suite 4, Kingston, ON K7K 2Z8 or Indspire, 555 Richmond Street West, Suite 1002, Toronto, Ontario M5V 3B1 (to provide scholarships and bursaries to First Nation, Inuit and Métis post-secondary students across Canada) would be appreciated.
