MARK ANDREW HAMILTON

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MARK ANDREW HAMILTON June 26, 1980- November 5, 2011 It is with great sorrow that we announce the sudden, untimely passing of Mark Andrew Hamilton, age 31 years, at Health Sciences Centre on November 5, 2011. Mark was the precious son of Andrew and Faye, and devoted brother of Aynsley. Also left heartbroken are his fiancé Heather Dyker, her parents Allan and Lynne, and family. Mark will be sadly missed by his aunt Bonnie Bailey, cousins Brad (Susan) Bailey, Troy (Karin) Bailey and their sons of Winnipeg, uncle Barrie (Kathy) Belfield, cousin Natalie (Rene) Lazo and children of Calgary Alberta, aunt Theresa (Tom) Hamilton-Schultz of Rochester, New York and numerous other relatives from both the Hamilton and Dyker families. Mark was a person with endless energy and enthusiasm for life. He had unwavering determination and persistence. From his keen sense of adventure, intelligence and risk taking, Mark followed his dreams whenever and wherever they took him. He was not shy to share his mind, humour and sharp wit. Mark was wonderful to be around with his dynamic personality, charisma, winning smile and very infectious laugh. Above all Mark cherished his family and friends. Mark grew up in Westwood and attended schools in St. James Assiniboia where he made so many life long friends. He met his best friend Troy McFadyen at age five the first day of kindergarten. They have been friends ever since and consider themselves brothers. Shortly after, he met Allan Dyker Jr. and they too became like brothers, later to be brothers-in-law. And then there was Allan's beautiful sister Heather who entered Mark's life in his early teens and years later became the love of his life. Growing up Mark enjoyed all sports especially hockey, golf and snowboarding. He loved to play hockey and played for the St. James Canadians. Mark was an avid Toronto Maple Leafs fan. He honed his golfing skills at an early age as a junior member of the St. Charles Golf and Country Club where he played regularly with his father. On August 22, 2002 Mark left home to follow his dreams which took him to Kelowna, BC. There Mark thrived, working and ultimately attended Okanagan College successfully completing two years in their Electrical program. While there he very much enjoyed the beauty of the mountains, boating on Lake Okanagan, snowboarding at Big White, golfing at the many magnificent golf courses, and of course playing hockey. His family flew to Kelowna frequently bringing along their dog Lola (Schnookems) as he liked to call her. It was important to Mark that he see Lola and that she got along with his cats Ozzy and Maple. However most of the time they did not. Every year Mark returned home to Winnipeg for summer and Christmas breaks to catch up with family and friends. In 2009 Heather and Mark knew they were meant for each other. So, in January 2011, Mark moved back home from Kelowna to be with Heather forever. Their hopes and dreams became one. They became officially engaged on August 13, 2011 at Heather's favourite spot near her family cottage at Victoria Beach, where he had visited her when he was a teenager. Mark worked for G K Electric and was to begin his third year studies on November 7, 2011. On November 5, after a spirited game of hockey at the Highlander, Mark became unwell which led to his untimely passing. Our heartfelt thanks to Mark's hockey teammates, Winnipeg Paramedics and the Emergency Staff at the Health Sciences Centre. Your heroic efforts, care and compassion far exceeded your call of duty. Also thank you to the many neighbours, family and friends who cradled us with support and love. Mark was our gift from God for 31 years and now it is time to return him to God with our love. Our memories of Mark are also a gift which death cannot destroy. Wait for us Mark and watch over us with those beautiful blue eyes and brilliant smile, until we all meet again. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 12 at 2:00 p.m., at the Westwood Community Church, 401 Westwood Drive, Winnipeg. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Winnipeg Humane Society. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 09, 2011