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GORDON (TEX) HAMM
Born: May 22, 1947
Date of Passing: Sep 05, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGORDON (TEX) HAMM May 22, 1947 - September 5, 2013 It is with a sad heart that I announce the sudden death of my husband, Tex. A gentle soul has moved on to a new chapter apart from me. He will be deeply missed by Sally (McColl) and his three daughters, Sheila McElmoyle, Bonnie Bruce (Gene) and Cyndi Hamm. He was so proud of his two grandsons David and Jackson McElmoyle. He was predeceased by his son-in-law Sean McElmoyle on July 14, 2013. He is survived by his last sibling, older brother Peter. Tex was born on May 22, 1947 at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, Manitoba. Tex worked hard and partied hard in his youth. Everybody liked Tex and he was a good friend to everyone...and what a multitude of friends he had. He wasn't very good with names but he would know what company someone worked for or what kind of vehicle they drove. I would get annoyed with him when he didn't introduce me to someone because he couldn't remember their name. But then he came up with a smooth line... "This is my wife, Sal..." in the hopes that the other person would introduce himself to me. Tex was proud to be a professional' driver. He started at Liquid Carbonic Inc. on February 26, 1973 and enjoyed a 37 and a half year driving career there, even though the company changed hands a couple of times. He retired on August 1, 2010 and continued his passion for the game of crib on a full-time basis achieving over 67,000 games on Yahoo. Tex and I met on December 2, 1968 and for two years we were good friends, dating each other and others off and on (as was done back in the day). Then on February 25, 1971 Tex took the relationship to a new level when he proposed marriage. We were married on December 18, 1971 (gotta get that tax deduction!). We went on to have our three daughters on May 27, 1972, December 27, 1974 and February 8, 1977. He always said the pattern was there'. Tex loved travelling and travel we did. We would start out in a general direction and just see what came next. Tex always drove because he liked to see everything. We covered a lot of ground over the years...Alaska, New York, Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, Texas, Arizona and California. He always said if there had been a road to Hawaii he would have taken me there. And Tex never got lost; he just took a different route. We already had our next adventure planned - Orlando, Florida in January with Linda. On March 19, 2003 Tex faced another challenge in life when he had aortic valve replacement surgery. There, he met two bypass patients, Jim Munro and Frank St. Pierre. A new club was born, the Zipper Club' with a membership of three - Tex, Jim and Frank. The next year, they added a new member, Ray Montague. What a support group they were for each other! Jim became the social convenor of The Zipper Club and booked our shows at the casinos as we relived our youth with all of the 1960s bands. And there were compromises - we all went to the The Zombies' show and wondered why (Jim's favourite). But he and Linda came to see George Jones' and wondered why (Tex's favourite). But what fun we had! We lost Frank on April 28, 2008 and Jim on April 8, 2011. I am sure they have taken Tex under their wing and are showing him the ropes. As Ray said to me, I have lost three wonderful friends'. Tex loved country music and one of his favourites was Livin' on Love' because he always said that's how we started out. He loved Don Williams and two years ago on June 18 for his birthday I took him to see Don Williams in person. We had front row seats and Tex was on top of the world! We have such good friends whom I can`t thank enough for being there - Jim (who has helped me so much in this difficult time) and Paulette, Ken and Connie, Ione and Vernon, Peter and Valerie (cousins), Ray and Lorraine, Henry and Joyce. A very special friend, Brian aka kid', whom Tex met when he started at Liquid Carbonic, drove out from Azilda to be here - how special is that! My aunt and uncle, Helen and Jack, who have been there for me for the past 46 years, are still there. A very special thanks to Linda (Jim's wife) who is just always there. My daughters have just been wonderful and my son-in-law Gene knows just how to make me laugh. Special thanks to the wonderful resuscitation team and MICU staff at St. Boniface General Hospital. You all went above and beyond! Also, special thanks also to Doctors Smith, Wiebe, Friesen and Thompson. Your kindness, consideration and concern meant so much to me. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tex's name may be made to St. Boniface General Hospital. As per Tex's wishes a private service has been held. As I start my new journey in life without my Drugstore Cowboy' I will never forget the wonderful ride' we had together - it made life worth living! If you must bury something let it be my faults and my weaknesses. To remember me, do it with a kind deed or word to someone who needs you. If you do all I have asked, I will live forever. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 14, 2013
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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The world will be a much sadder (and quieter) place for the loss of Tex. Our deepest sympathies are with you. - Posted by: Donald Malak and Beatrice Barnard (worked at Liquid Carbonic then Praxair) on: Sep 16, 2013
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It was a very sad day when I had heard that Tex had passed away. I have known Tex for the past 30 years plus with Liquid Carbonic/Praxair. He always greeted you with a smile and always a handshake with those big mitt size hands of his. our thoughts and prayers go out to Tex's family during this very painful time. I'm really going to miss the "Big guy". I'm sure I can speak for entire staff at Praxair on Nairn. Tex was a great man and a dear friend to all of us. We will miss his big smile. Rest in peace my friend. May the road you'rr on now be sunny and clear all the way to those gates. You will not be forgotten. - Posted by: Marcel McIvor ((Co-worker) / Friend) on: Sep 15, 2013
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Sally, Bonnie, Sheila, Cyndi, So sorry to hear about Tex. I met and remember all of you from many years ago as me and Bonnie played ball together and Tex was at every game when he wasn't on the road. (Sally our score keeper). It has been a long time since I've seen any of you, but my thoughts and prayers are always with you - Posted by: Annette (Old family friend ) on: Sep 15, 2013
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I met Frank, Jim and Tex 10 years ago. We were all in the cardiac program at The Wellness Centre. What a great bunch of guys. Tex was the glue that held everything togther. They said that they belonged to the zipper club. As I hadn't had surgery I wasn't able to join but they adopted me anyway. A year later I did have surgery and I was made part of the club. I hope that in time to come I will be welcomed by these three wonderful people again when I finally meet the qualifications of their new club. Tex my friend I miss you very much. - Posted by: Ray Montague (Friend) on: Sep 15, 2013
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He was so proud of you and your boys. He had a presence that fill the room even if he didn't say anything. Our condolences. - Posted by: Christine Neufeld () on: Sep 15, 2013
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Great guy will surely miss all his jokes, was a great E-mail buddy REST IN PEACE TEX - Posted by: JAMES WOJTKIEWICZ (friend) on: Sep 14, 2013
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I'm so sorry to hear that the Zipper Club is down to one. I met the group when they attended Cardiac Rehab. They were great fun and wonderful support for each other. Tex was always the largest in person and personality! We have never had another group quite like them....Ray, I hope you are still exercising! - Posted by: Brenda () on: Sep 14, 2013
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We met Tex a lifetime ago when we both worked at the Brooklands Inn. Tex was such a kind soul and always left you with a smile. I was saddened to hear of his passing when Dave came home to tell me. Even though we have not seen him in almost 20 yrs he was that "one of a kind" guy that you could never forget! So sorry for your loss and god bless Tex..may he be smiling still. - Posted by: Tina and David () on: Sep 14, 2013
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Sally and girls....So very sorry to hear of Tex's passing. I met Sally and Bonnie on the baseball diamonds when Bonnie played with my daughter, Val. Later, I remet Sally and her grandsons when we all ended up at Polo Park Lanes where the boys bowled. Will keep your family in my prayers as you go through this difficult time. - Posted by: Anne Linklater (Friend) on: Sep 14, 2013
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we met in 1967 and were friends to the end. I can't find the expression of how we feel. Best to sally and the girls. Thank you Sheila for the info. Margaret says Tex still owes her a breakfast. I told her not to collect any time soon! Our best to you. - Posted by: neil&margaret klassen (good freinds) on: Sep 14, 2013
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Great guy He trained me at PRAXAIR He always had a joke - Posted by: Barry Piasta (Co worker) on: Sep 14, 2013
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First met 30 years ago when his daughter and my daughter played ball on the same team. Since then we have kept track of each other's families even though busy lives don't allow us to get together that often. This is such a sad occasion and I am mourning the loss of a truly kind and straightforward person. My thoughts are with you Sally and Girls. - Posted by: Don and Christine Ross (Friends) on: Sep 14, 2013
