REV. DR. KENNETH MORRISON HAMILTON 1917 – 2009 “A

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REV. DR. KENNETH MORRISON HAMILTON 1917 – 2009 “A spiritual man who has now come to the end of his human journey.” On June 27, 2009, surrounded by his family and after a long productive and happy life, Kenneth Hamilton passed away at the Deer Lodge Care Center at the age of 91. He was predeceased by his first wife, Alice Hamilton. His memory is cherished by his son David (Eleonore); grandchildren, Sharon, (Dennis), Craig, Colin (Tina) and great-granddaughter Sarah; son Andrew (Marilyn); and daughter Margaret; grandsons, Thomas (Gillian), and Mark. On October 7, 1992 he married Birdie Ellison whose family also cherishes his memory with love, daughter Janice Kuhl (Leonard); grandchildren, Dr. Condren Berry (Linda) (Scott, Megan, and Jessica); Bronwyn Harland (Jared, Micayla); Roslyn Berry, Kalyn Kuhl (Chris) (Analee); and Kendryn Kuhl. Kenneth lived his early years in Eastbourne, England. He attended private schools there before leaving for London to further his education. Kenneth went on to obtain a Doctorate of Theology, Doctorate of Philosophy, and a Master’s degree in English Literature. He served as a minister in Nottingham, and Wallington, England. After arriving in Canada in 1951 he also served as a minister in Elmsdale, Nova Scotia for seven years. In 1958 Kenneth and his family moved to Winnipeg where he joined the teaching staff of United College in the faculty of Theology. Kenneth’s long and spectacular career is evidenced by the number of former students and colleagues that maintain contact with him and remember his influence and brilliance even today. Kenneth was also a gifted artist. Each December the Library Mezzanine at the University of Winnipeg was awash with the water colours of Kenneth Hamilton. At the 15th art exhibition following the opening, Board of Regents Chair Bob Purvis dedicated the Kenneth and Alice Hamilton Galleria in honour of Kenneth and his wife Alice. He always felt the library really is the heart of a University. Each year Kenneth donated the proceeds from the sale of his paintings to Library Acquisitions, making it the single largest annual fund raising event organized by the Library. Kenneth Hamilton is the author of 31 published books and numerous essays and articles on a wide variety of topics, philosophy, theology, ethics and literature. He was an intellectual and therefore intellectual curiosity to place things in an orderly perspective was at the core of most things he did. He became known as the “publishing professor”, having for a long time written a book a year. His comments regarding various writers were well known, especially his writings on John Updike. Kenneth was never a pessimist, he believed in the Christian faith, “God is in Control”. He found the New Testament full of hope. He never wanted to celebrate life in the abstract. He often said, “I’d rather celebrate eating my breakfast because that is concrete and we need a concrete faith!” In his retirement years he and his wife Birdie were able to travel extensively. Some highlights of their travels included, taking cruises and trips on the Concord, QE2 and taking the Chunnel from England to France. The family would like to thank the outstanding staff, 3rd floor E., Deer Lodge Centre for the care and compassion shown to the Rev. Dr. Hamilton. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Hamilton’s memory may be made to The Kenneth and Alice Hamilton Galleria, c/o University of Winnipeg. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Dr. Kenneth Hamilton’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Green Acres Funeral Home, Springfield Rd. (222-3241) on Friday, July 3. Rev. Dr. Kenneth Hamilton will live on through his work and his exemplary life. “With our limited visions, our prayer must always be thanksgiving for the light we have been given and penitence for our failure to accept as we ought the truth that is Jesus Christ”.? Kenneth Hamilton GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery 1 Green Acres Lane, Springfield (204) 222-3241 Hwy #1 E inside the Perimeter at Winnipeg Life stories may be shared at www.mem.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 30, 2009