In Memory Of

Robert "Bob" Hamelin

Aug 17, 1947 - Aug 26, 2023

Service

Saturday, September 2, 2023
2:00 pm
Sylvan Lake Funeral Home

Obituary

Surrounded by love and support, Robert (Bob) Hamelin passed away peacefully at the RDRH August 26, 2023, after a short battle with pneumonia.

Bob leaves to mourn his loss, his spouse Maxine, numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.

The family would like to acknowledge the support of Veterans Affairs, the Alberta ALS Society, ALS Clinic South Campus and to thank the doctors and nurses at Red Deer Regional Hospital who took such wonderful care of Bob in his final days. Special thanks to Bob’s little buddy, Brooke whose daily hospital lunch and afternoon visits made his day, every day.

Bob was born August 17, 1947, in Ottawa Ontario to Cathy and Paul Hamelin – a younger brother for Lillian and older brother to Paul and Len who were yet to come. In his early childhood, the family relocated to Calgary where Bob completed schooling and he later moved back to Ottawa with his father.

Upon appearing in front of the same judge for the second time in the same month, the Judge offered two courses of actions. Luckily Bob chose the joining the Army option and thus his rewarding military career began. Throughout his over 26 years in the Canadian Forces, he enjoyed various and challenging positions. Some of the highlights of his service were tours of duty in Ottawa as as Chief of Defence Staff’s driver, Canadian Forces Europe in Soest, Germany, the United Nations’ Canadian Contingent in Golan Heights, and lastly, as Safety Supervisor at CFB Penhold.

After regular forces retirement, Bob next enjoyed an additional ten years of reserves service with the Cormack Armoury in Red Deer. He could be always counted on to volunteer wherever needed whether at Mynarski Park, the Armouries or the Sylvan Lake Legion. His pride and dedication in serving his country was immense.

Shortly after meeting Maxine in 1991 he moved to Sylvan Lake. They enjoyed 32 wonderful years together and Bob remained at home right up until recent hospitalization.

Bob always had something on the go. Whether driving truck on a harvesting or silage crew, restoring his Mustang, or working security at both the Montreal and Calgary Olympics, Bob liked to stay busy. “What’s on our agenda for tomorrow?” was usually his final question of the day.


Bob loved camping with family, fishing and drinking trips with the boys, losing his shirt in Las Vegas, annual winter vacations to Maui and he especially looked forward to trips back to Newfoundland to see his beloved brother Paul and Marion and adored niece Amanda and Wade.

On December 19, 2019, Bob was diagnosed with ALS. Despite this, Bob maintained his unsurpassed joy for life, good nature and wonderful sense of humor.

Bob now joins all the beloved family who have gone before him including sister Lillian, nephew Scott, mom Cathy, mother-in-law Betty, brother Paul, and dad Dean.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held Saturday September 2, 2023 at 2:00pm at the Sylvan Lake Funeral Home, followed by a time of fellowship at the Sylvan Lake Legion.

Condolences may be made offered to the family below.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make donations to a charity of their choice.

Condolences

Nancy Jackson:

Max, may you be calmed, healed, nurtured and resolved.

Rhonda Hamilton:

I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of Bob. He was a great person with a fine sense of humour. Maxine, I will be thinking of you. May your memories help you through this loss. Rest in peace Bob.

Sharon Wells :

So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Thinking of you Max, big hugs.

Ken Miller:

So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I still remember his infectious laugh. And the stories he told? Priceless. My condolences, Maxine. While he may no longer be with us, our memories of him will always remain.

Jill Grainger :

Our condolences Maxine, us girls at the barbershop will miss him coming in to get cleaned up!

Tamara Mutemwa and Family:

Our heartfelt condolences to you Maxine. 32 wonderful years together probably doesn't seem near enough, Bob will be dearly missed. Our hearts are with you at this difficult time.

Dave and Deb Parry:

Our thoughts & prayers are with you Maxine. His dedication to everything he was involved in serves as an example to all of us. He will be missed but always remembered.

Len and Deb Wald:

So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Our condolences to Max and their families. We are sorry that we can’t be there for you in your time of need but know you are in our prayers. We shared many a great time with Bob and his heart was as large as his stature. On Saturday we will toast his memory with a shot of Jaeger and thoughts of such a wonderful person held in our hearts.

Noreen McCallum:

Condolences to you Maxine. As your grief fades may your memories of a happy life with Bob prevail. Thanks to Bob for his service to our country, rest on soldier.
Sincerely,
Noreen

Patricia Granik & David Wasiuta:

Bob was always pleasant and a nice person to be around. Fondly remember standing beside him in Legion uniform, marching in many events. He paid a great service to his country and we will honour him. Our hearts go out to you Maxine, always a loving, caring partner. God Bless

Percy Bryant:

My condolences to Maxine and the family. Bob was a great guy, akways had a story to tell. He was very dedicated to the Legion, his volunteer work will be missed, but not forgotten.

Sylvan Lake Ladies Auxillary Branch 212:

On behalf of the Ladies Auxillary we extend our condolences to Max and family. Bob was always willing to volunteer for anything, and did it with a smile and a giggle for us. He will be so missed by all that had the luck of knowing him.
Rest Comrade
LA President Branch 212 Lisa Sweet

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