BARRHEAD- The Barrhead community was saddened to learn of the passing of long-time resident Dr David Hamilton.
Born and raised in Barrhead, the long-time dentist passed away last week. He was 66.
Hamilton graduated from Lorne Jenken High School in 1973, where he was a member of the Reach For the Top championship team, coached by social studies teacher and former provincial Progressive Conservative cabinet minister and Speaker of the Legislature Ken Kowalski.
Barrhead defeated schools from Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, and Quebec on route to the championship.
Reach For The Top was an academic quiz competition for Canadian High Schools, which aired on the CBC for more than 20 years. Starting from 1973, Lorne Jenken High School reached the Reach For The Top national championships for the next six years.
After graduating from high school Hamilton, left the community temporarily to pursue his education in dentistry at the University of Alberta. He then returned to Barrhead, joining his father Robert Hamilton's dentistry practice in 1979. He worked with his father for 15 years until he decided to open his own practice which he ran until his retirement in 2020.
Hamilton took over the practice when his father retired in 1993.
Brian Key, who at the time was a teacher at Fort Assiniboine School, met Hamilton when he was a senior high school student.
"He was always in the Barrhead Leader for something, whether it be for academics or his involvement in community theatre. He was a really good singer and was involved in many of the musicals we staged," he said, adding Hamilton's sister Lorna was also active in the community's art scene as both a singer/actor and a painter.
Former Town of Barrhead mayor Gerry St. Pierre also remembers Hamilton fondly.
In addition to being St. Pierre's dentist, they were both involved with Barrhead's Madrigal Singers.
"It was a shock to learn about his passing. I saw him quite often, walking on the pathways around Beaver Brook, especially since he retired," he said. "He was an integral part and pillar of the community and will be sorely missed."
Barrhead Bethel Pentecostal Church families ministries pastor Teressa Kristel added that Hamilton was very community-oriented and generous, contributing to several groups and organizations.
However, she got to know Hamilton the best through his daily walks.
"He loved the outdoors and could often be seen on our walking trails. Kristel said. "We would be out walking and we would stop and have a little bit of a visit. In fact, it wasn't that long ago when I had a nice chat with David and his brother and sister who were visiting him from Vancouver."
Town of Barrhead Coun. Anthony Oswald also remembers that Hamilton, in his earlier years was a talented hockey player and a member of the Barrhead Junior Elks Junior 'B' team.
Those wishing to express their sympathy and condolences can do so through RoseGardenChapel.com. In lieu of flowers the family are asking people donate to the following charities; Masonic Higher Education Bursary Fund, the Edmonton Fringe Theatre Festival or the charity of their choice.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
