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CRAIG JAMES HAMILL Obituary pic

CRAIG JAMES HAMILL

Born: Jul 22, 1952

Date of Passing: Jan 18, 2016

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CRAIG JAMES HAMILL Tragically on January 18, 2016 Craig passed away with his family by his side in Arizona at the age of 63. Craig James was born in Winnipeg on July 22, 1952 to Mervin and Edna Hamill (Stewart). He was the third of eight children. Craig married Edlaine Caron on July 15, 1972. They had two children, daughter Megan Tara, born in 1976 and son Gavin Scott in 1977. Craig made a LOT of friends through the years. Many were life-long friends and some were like brothers (You know who you are). He was always the first to help someone in need whether it was working on a car, a project around the house or just lending an ear. Dad's automotive career began at Axelrod Service in downtown Winnipeg in the late sixties. He also worked at BF Goodrich Tire Shop in Winnipeg and briefly in Calgary, York Tire, and Hamill's Auto Supply. He went to work at Minute Muffler on Main St, and then became a partner at the Portage Avenue store until he and the family moved to Swift Current, SK in late 1989 to own and operate his own Minute Muffler store. After closing the business in 2005, Dad worked for LR Truck Centre, Low-Cost Towing, Great West Auto Electric and Austin's Courier in Swift Current until officially retiring in 2013. Dad's love of cars took him and Mom many places and allowed them to meet some truly wonderful people. Many of his closest friends were "car people". Craig was at different times a member of the Manitoba Street Rod Association, Minnesota Street Rod Association, National Street Rod Association, and most recently, the Dipsticks of West Valley Phoenix. He was also a life member of the Canadian Street Rod Association. He built the first of many hotrods in the late 1970's. Dad did all the mechanical work and always made sure that his vehicles were safe and mechanically sound before he would allow his family to ride in them. He always looked forward to car shows, swap meets, and cruise nights so he could catch up with old friends and admire the cars. As much as Dad loved cars, his true passion was spending time with his family. After moving to Swift Current in 1989, Dad was able to spend more time and travel with Mom and the kids. People have called him many names, but his favorite was "Papa". His face lit up with joy whenever he could spend time with his grandsons Carter and Jackson. He played baseball, soccer, minigolf, held scooter races, and went for long bike rides pretty much anything those two asked for, he did. Due to his diabetes, it became harder for him to play sports with the boys, but he sure tried. Those boys will always smile with pride when they think of their Papa. Dad and Mom's dream of owning a winter home in Arizona became a reality in 2012. They looked forward to leaving the cold, seeing friends new and old and pursuing the car hobby in the valley of the sun. Craig was predeceased by his father Mervin, mother Edna, his in-laws Raymond and Lorraine Caron, special uncles Roy Hamill and Harold Hamill, as well as numerous other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Left to cherish his memory are wife Edlaine; daughter Megan (Daryne) Woytowich; son Gavin; grandsons, Carter Woytowich and Jackson Hamill; brothers, Dale (LJ), Daryl (Linda), Vern, Clayton (Brenda), Stuart (Bernice); sisters, Vivian (Chuck) Reid and Valerie Hamill, Aunts Barbara Hamill, Liz (Ray) Harkness, Dianne Francis; brothers-in-law, Edmond (Cathie) Caron and Michael Caron; sister-in-law Darlene (Barb) along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. The family would like to thank the staff of HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Trauma Center in Phoenix for the excellent care and compassion that they provided, special friends for providing meals, transportation and shoulders, the Dipsticks guys for their very special tribute, everyone who called, messaged or visited. All thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated as well. Cremation has taken place. Memorial donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, Special Olympics, Firefighters Burn Fund, or Canadian Mental Health Association as these were causes close to Dad's heart. A Celebration of Dad's Life will take place at a later date in Swift Current, Saskatchewan.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 20, 2016

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

  • We were so sorry to hear of Craigs passing. We were in Mesa just after and I had tried to call you Ed as we were thinking of you. I remember all the good times & conversations we used to have in Swift Current and will surely miss Craig. It will be a loss long remembered. - Posted by: Brent & Marilyn Davey (friend) on: Mar 31, 2016

  • I was introduced to the Hamill clan last March. I had the opportunity and pleasure of meeting Craig during a short overnight visit last August. He had a big presence and appeared to have a real zest for life. I'm just sorry I don't have a chance to know him better but I really appreciate the little time I got to spend with him. - Posted by: Bernice () on: Feb 22, 2016

  • It has been a few years since our paths have crossed but you were never forgotten. I reminisce with great fondness the late 60's & 70's when parties and cars were the order of the day. You, your brothers and our gals were always a part of what was going on and I will cherish those days and memories always. Taken from us far too early but RIP my friend. Our condolences to the family. - Posted by: Ken & Laurie Tanner (Friends) on: Feb 22, 2016

  • It has been a few years since our paths have crossed but you were never forgotten. I reminisce with great fondness the late 60's & 70's when parties and cars were the order of the day. You, your brothers and our gals were always a part of what was going on and I will cherish those days and memories always. Taken from us far too early but RIP my friend. Our condolences to the family. - Posted by: Ken & Laurie Tanner (Friends) on: Feb 22, 2016

  • Although miles kept us apart, our hearts kept us together. You are in our thoughts, our prayers and will be kept in that very special place where you have always been loved. xoxo - Posted by: Vivian Reid (Sister) on: Feb 21, 2016

  • I, Mike, grew up in Headingly, went to school with Craig's uncles & aunt so I know what a fine family he comes from. He will be dearly missed by all. Our sincere sympathy to the whole family. - Posted by: Mike & Rae Catton ( Long time friends of the Hamill family) on: Feb 21, 2016

  • RIP Craig...Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time. - Posted by: Ralph and Lorraine Kaptian (Friends) on: Feb 20, 2016

  • We met you through Edlaine who worked with Judy.Craig was always very happy and walked around his neighbourhood telling everyone on the street in St James how he outsold them all at the street garage sale when we bought their van just before they left for Swift Current. We were welcomed into their company in Winnipeg and Swift Current. Our hearts go out to you Edlaine as you will miss such a great guy and parent to Megan and Gavin and I am sure a 'Papa' to the grand kids. - Posted by: Judy Wakeford & BobBull (Winnipeg & MTS Friends) on: Feb 20, 2016

  • Craig - strong friend - cherished mentor - honourable gentleman and just an all around genuine person. I wasn't able to spend as much time with Craig as I would have liked but times talking cars and life in general will be missed. Dinners with He and Ed will be cherished. Craig's passing has left a deep hole. I miss you a lot ol' pal. Rest in peace❤️ - Posted by: Rod Rosenfelt (Friend & Student) on: Feb 20, 2016

  • Craig has always been a great influence in my life from the first part from Hamill's auto parts to the all to randomly timed phone calls when i needed a different view of life in general. Always there for me, always thinking about you. - Posted by: Ron Fast (Friend) on: Feb 20, 2016

  • Craig, you were always there for me. I will always think of you as a brother and a great friend. You will be missed. Dowie. - Posted by: Darlene Caron (Suster-in-law) on: Feb 20, 2016

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