Obituary of Kenneth Gilbert "Ken" Hamilton

Our hero, our rock is on his next journey sharing his colorful quips and quick wit that we love so much.  Resident of Moonstone for 50 years, passed away peacefully in Orillia on Friday March 15^th, 2019 at the age of 87.  Husband for 67 years to Val (nee Harland), ‘my darling’, as he called her. Affectionally missed by his children Rick, Terrie, Chuck (Bonnie) and Matt (Katrina); Grandchildren Christine (Rick), Sara (Ryan) and Anita (Rob), Marshall, James and Olivia; Great Granddaughters Addison and Mia. Brother to Ione and Vernon (Linda). Predeceased by his parents Roy and Grace; siblings Bill (Shirley) and Violet (Glen). He will be fondly missed by his many nieces and nephews remembering him as their ‘most favorite’ Uncle.  Ken’s life was a collage of many adventures, all that made him proud and happy. He loved animals, farming was in his blood from childhood. He cherished his family gatherings, the outdoors, the comradery of his pals at the Red Pine Hunt Camp and would spend hours in the bush cutting wood to keep his ‘darling’ warm in the winter. As a teenager, he cycled for the Ontario team, winning an Ontario championship before heading out into the world. He was a man of many hats; driving a Coca Cola truck as a young man, a hydro crew worker, steel & heavy equipment salesman, Reeve for the Village of Coldwater, a Fire Investigator for Origin and Cause and the list goes on… Ken was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge, Karnak 492.  But nothing equated to his proudest moments as his dedicated 35 years in the fire service. Ken was Fire Chief for the Township of Medonte, Town of Flamborough and retired from service as the Fire Chief of the Township of Georgian Bay. As Chief; he was a confidante, a mentor and a friend to his fellow firefighters – to him, they were family.  For Ken’s leadership throughout the Medonte CPR Train derailment in 1982 he was decorated with the Firefighters Bravery Medal by the Premier of Ontario as well as receiving the Exemplary Service Medal from the Governor General.  A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at Bonaire Golf Course, 1699 Woodrow Road, Coldwater, Ontario on Saturday April 13^th, 2019 at 2 pm followed by a reception to share memories and stories.  Donations in memory of Ken can be made to the Coldwater Public Library, the Canadian Diabetes Association, or the charity of your choice. Donations may be made through the funeral home.