Nov 10, 2017
Hugh Hamilton of Rossland, BC, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2017, at the age of 79. He will be forever remembered by his wife of 51 years, Barbara, his children, Rhea (Mike) and Hugh, his brother, Brian (Roxy) and sister, Nora (Frank), and by his grandchildren, Sebastian and Zachary.
Hugh was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and emigrated to Western Canada in 1953. After receiving his Bachelor degree in Metallurgical Engineering from UBC in 1963, he embarked on his 35 year career at Teck (Cominco).
Hugh began with Cominco in 1964 as an Engineer-in-Training before moving up to Development Engineer, and in 1969 he became Superintendent of the Indium and Oxide Plants where he began honing his management skills. After two years he moved to the Zinc Melting Plant as Superintendent where he stayed until 1974. Then he had an opportunity to become Assistant Ore Buyer, a job which suited his analytical abilities. By 1984 he was Assistant Manager, Ore Buying, and finally took over the department as Manager in 1991.
He loved his job as Manager, Concentrate Purchasing, which took him around the world. Hugh was a true gentleman who gained the respect and affection of many of his peers in industry worldwide, with his technical knowledge, ability to negotiate contracts that were fair to all, and his sense of humour. Retirement in 1999 did not stop him as he continued his own consulting business, carrying on the work and travels he loved.
Hugh also played an active role in the community as a member of the Rossland City Council, the Rotary Club of Trail, the Rossland Swimming Pool Society and the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons. He was a keen member of the Rossland-Trail Dinner Club and loved to organize wine tasting tours in the Okanagan for the group.
Throughout his life, Hugh had a passion for travel and adventure, especially if sailing and scuba diving were involved, and was always up for a good conversation about his latest adventure or those of his friends. In the summer, you could always find him working on his next "project" at Christina Lake, often aided by weekend guests. He was a proud Canadian, who dearly loved his family and greatly appreciated all of his many friendships over the years.
A few months ago Hugh was reflecting on his life and said, "If I had a chance to live my life over again, I wouldn't change a thing".
As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Health Foundation (www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca) or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada (www.heartandstroke.ca)
We will be celebrating Hugh's life with a toast on December 23, 2017 at the Prestige Inn, Rossland, from 4:00-7:00 pm.