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BRIAN EDWARD HAMERTON
Born: Feb 01, 1941
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BRIAN EDWARD HAMERTON
Brian was born at the old Grace Hospital in the West End on February 1, 1941, and was the third of five children to Bob and Dolly Hamerton. He grew up in St. Boniface, the West End, and St. James. Brian attended the University of Manitoba and the University of Saskatchewan, earning degrees in both Physical Education and Education.
In 1963, Brian married the eternal love of his life, Irene, and together they raised three children: Lisa (Trevor), Roger (Traci), and Dania (Adam). He was a very proud grandfather to Taylor, Riley, Brady, Maxine, Marli, Ryen, Neve, and Lola. Brian is survived by his only living sibling, Lesley, with whom he shared a deep connection. He is also fondly remembered by the many members of the Rybuck Family.
Brian was a lifelong learner and dedicated educator. His education career took him to Europe, where he was a proud teacher and basketball coach at the American School in London, and to Australia, where he conducted educational research for the ACT Schools Authority. In Winnipeg, he taught science and coached football and basketball at his alma mater, Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. He later moved to Kildonan East Collegiate, where he advanced to guidance counsellor, vice-principal, and principal.
Brian was a ferocious athlete and excelled in track, basketball, and football. He was a proud athlete for the 1961 St. James Rods football team, which was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. After his competitive years, Brian enjoyed racquetball, tennis, jogging, downhill skiing, fitness classes at the YMCA, and mountain biking. Alberta, B.C., Montana, Wyoming, and Utah were his favourite places to ski with family and friends. Assiniboine Park was an endless source of joy for Brian, and he and Irene spent many hours walking and biking its paths from their home in Woodhaven. Brian was an avid sports fan and enthusiastically watched the NBA, CFL, NCAA, and NFL. Family often received phone calls from Brian during exciting or important games to give his opinion on plays or coaching decisions. Even in his final days, Brian was riveted to the hospital TV, watching the Bombers take on Saskatchewan in the Labour Day Classic.
In his retirement, Brian spent the winters in Arizona. While he enjoyed tennis, mountain-biking was his true retirement passion. Cholla cactus notwithstanding, Brian eagerly traversed the Arizona hills with friends. The gruelling climbs and technical switchbacks were his favourite trails to attack as they challenged the limits of his skill and fitness. The scorching heat only intensified his resolve to complete the rides.
For Brian, outdoors was always synonymous with the lake. Brian loved the lake, and West Hawk Lake was in his heart since 1969. In 1991, he and Irene embarked upon a project that would span decades ā the building of a new cabin. Brian insisted on learning and doing what he could do himself. "You know, I think I could do this" was his common refrain. Brian's relentless curiosity and work ethic saw him through every phase of the build. Today, the whole family shares in caring for the cabin; it is their collective pride and joy. At "Cheezie o'clock", it remains a family tradition to transition from afternoon to evening on the lakeside deck with frozen (always frozen) Hawkins Cheezies and cold drinks.
Brian's DIY spirit was also reflected in his backyard garden; indeed, it was legendary. Tomatoes and cucumbers were always in abundance, and the Hamerton family feasted on summer sandwiches well into the fall every year. Even as recently as this July, Brian was out in his garden carefully watering his tomatoes and cucumbers. "Someone has to put food on the table!" he quipped to his onlooking grandchild.
Relentlessly hard-working and determined, Brian strove for excellence in everything he did. He insisted on being smarter and stronger than the day before and expected himself to never waver in the face of adversity. "I don't have good days or bad days; I just have days," he'd remark. This attitude allowed him to push through life's toughest mental and physical obstacles.
Always thoughtful, always present, always curious, Brian will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Our deepest gratitude goes out to the staff at Grace Hospital. From the Emergency Department to the Third Floor North Ward, the care Brian received was extraordinary. Through the toughest moments, the staff cared for Brian and comforted our family with incredible compassion and expertise. Thank you.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life on October 4, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at The Leaf in Assiniboine Park.
If desired, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba in Brian's memory.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 12, 2026
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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As neighbours to Dania/Adam, we reconnected with Brian when Dania and Adam moved in next door ... literally. Brian was unloading and to our suprise, we soon realized a past connection. Many years back Chuck had been sitting in Gerry Graham's basement 'entertainment room' watching basketball with Brian. The enthusiasm Brian brought to watching a NBA playoff game only added to the atmosphere. The chatter of a 2 point or 3 point game brought all three of us to the edge of our chairs. Brian did bring a level of comfortable friendship to the evenings. Our thoughts reach across the yard to Dania's family and can only try to understand the gap that Brian's passing leaves. Great guy, great family man. - Posted by: Chuck Janet Fritsch (Friend) on: Oct 03, 2026
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First my deepest condolences to you, Irene and your family. Brian was my football coach and physical education teacher at Daniel from 1967 -1970. I always wanted to play football but thought I was too small to make the team, fortunately Brain encouraged me come out and try. I played for the Maroons in Grade 11 & 12. Brian coached with great patience, encouragement, and self control, never throwing any of his players under the bus. He earned the respect of the players he coached. Brian helped me to build my self confidence and persistence to never give up. Later I graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Physical Education degree. Thank you Brian for coaching me and helping me to succeed. May the peace, comfort, and grace of God be with you and your family. - Posted by: Ed Hume (Former student) on: Oct 03, 2026
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Brian was our Physed teacher, basketball coach and science teacher in 1967. He was a big man but also very gentle and humble. He spoke candidly of overcoming stresses in his own post high school years and that transparency and honesty was very admirable and inspiring. Later when we were both educators in RETSD he always had a friendly greeting be it in a mall or a conference. Obviously he did a lot of good and contributed warmly and positively to many lives. Good job- well done. - Posted by: Barry Esselmont (Former student and teacher in RETSD) on: Sep 29, 2026
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I'm very sorry to hear of your loss, Irene. I didn't know Brian but he must have been an amazing guy. My sincere condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. - Posted by: Carol Guicheret (Friend) on: Sep 17, 2026
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Brian was truly a great friend to Gerry, he is certainly going to miss his friendship, laughter, and wittiness. A friend who would just pop by when Irene was playing bridge. We will definitely miss Brian his visits, his laughter, he was a pleasure to have him as a friend for 54 years. Condolences to Irene and family. Rest in peace Brian. - Posted by: Gerry & Shirley Graham (Friend) on: Sep 13, 2026
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Dear Irene and Family, We are so sorry that you have lost Brian. He was such a gentleman and good neighbour. Sincerely. Bonnie and Randy - Posted by: Bonnie Berry and Randy Marchinko (Neighbours) on: Sep 13, 2026
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Iām honoured to say Brain was my friend. He was a wonderful person and a great athlete. My sincere condolences to his family. - Posted by: George Dawson (Friend) on: Sep 12, 2026
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My sincere condolences to Brian's family on your enormous loss. I became acquainted with Brian during my years as school trustee and his tenure at Kildonan East Collegiate. What a kind, caring and considerate person always. It was a pleasure to work with him. My sincere hope for all that are dealing with their loss to remember the happy memories of the past, bask in them and let them bring a smile to your face. Rest in peace, Brian. It was my pleasure to know you! - Posted by: Vicki Lazaruk (Board of Trustees RESD) on: Sep 12, 2026
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Happy to meet. Sorry to part. Happy to meet again. Fran and Mike Sech and Family š¹š - Posted by: Fran and Mike Sech and Family (Friends (West Hawk Lake)) on: Sep 12, 2026
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Happy to meet. Sorry to part. Happy to meet again.š¹š - Posted by: Fran and Mike Sech and Family (Friends (West Hawk Lake)) on: Sep 12, 2026