We Remember
HAMILTON, Jean Elizabeth (née Haight, Peterson)
August 26, 1929 — January 29, 2021
On January 29, 2021, as sunset approached and a sparrow perched on the windowsill, surrounded by the love of her family, our adored wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend slipped peacefully from this life.
Jean Elizabeth Hamilton is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Gavin; daughters Heather (Kim Anders) and Nancy (Tim Muzyka); sons Bruce (Laureen), Gavin (Anne-Marie), and Brent (Heidi); and daughter-in-law Darlene. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren: Shea, Bree, Lee, Carly, Jill, Curtis, Brent, William, Ava, Wynne, Payton, Jarrod and Shannon; and her fifteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Gail Guidinger and Ruth Lauscher; sister-in-law Marjorie Haight, brother-in-law William (Esther) Hamilton and sister-in-law Elizabeth Parks; as well as numerous extended family.
She was predeceased by her first husband Ivan Peterson; sons Gerry and Lyle; her parents Ralph and Sara Haight; siblings: identical twin Joyce, and Muriel, Murray, Alan and Anne.
Born in Hawarden, Saskatchewan, she grew up on the family dairy farm at Floral, Saskatchewan. The family was active in 4-H winning numerous national awards for their livestock. Always active in church and community, Jean was the eldest of a busy and vibrant family. When her twin suffered the challenges of MS, she became a frequent surrogate mother to Lindsay and Brian.
Jean and Gavin raised their family in Saskatoon, Sask. She managed a busy household as Gavin managed his veterinary practice, through his years of advanced education in Colorado, followed by several years at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Many life-long friendships were made. She supported her children in their many activities and was the hostess of meals and occasions too numerous to mention. Their household was a welcomed stop for visitors, friends and family. Undoubtedly a hot meal with fresh bread would appear, a bed if it was needed. She was a master baker and chef. Her breads, buns and cinnamon buns were coveted. When “time permitted” she began quilting and knitting – the treasures being shared with family and charities.
When Gavin retired from WCVM, they relocated to Tacoma, Washington to support the family venture into the ownership of the WHL Rocket Hockey franchise. Another move was in store when the team relocated to Kelowna, BC where she and Gavin permanently resided. They treasured the time with children and grandchildren. Jean was active in the community and was a friend to many. She enjoyed many, many evenings in the hockey arena – where she was usually found chatting with friends or making new acquaintances as she strolled the concourse during the game. Watching the action on the ice was not her forte.
Gavin and Jean travelled extensively over the years. The last several years usually included an extended stay in Mazatlan, Mexico where Heather and Kim reside. She loved the sun and beach – not the surf. And, as always, she made many friends who were the recipients of her fabulous baked goods.
The family wishes to thank the medical staff who provided consultation and support throughout her journey. Special thanks to Dr. Michael Bobyn and Dr. Larry Bobyn for the extraordinary ongoing care and kindness. Also, thanks to the staff of Hospice House who cared so compassionately and respectfully for Jean and her family. Jean remained at home until her last few days with the unfailing support of the staff of Home Instead, her neighbours and friends. The family is grateful for the spiritual guidance and support provided by Pastor Tim Schroeder. The many kindnesses shown to Jean and her family will not be forgotten.
The family asks, in lieu of flowers, that you hug a little tighter, love a little deeper, and share a kindness with a stranger. Due to the restrictions imposed by Covid-19, a private family service will be held. A true celebration of a beautiful life well-lived will be held when it is safe for us to gather together.
Jean lived her life with joy, grace and gratitude.
Her legacy lives on.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Our deepest condolences to all of the Hamilton family. Jean was such a lovely lady and had such a bright smile. Thinking of all of you during this sad time! Rod and Linda McIntyre
Sending you all a big hug during this time. What a lovely photo and message. You can tell her wonderful caring nature created such a beautiful family. Wishing you all strength during this difficult time.
Lots of Love Crissy Rea and Family
I would like to send my family’s condolences to the
Hamilton family. Jean became a best friend to my Mother Jean Balaski. They shared so many good times together. I would like to thank Jean for making my Mother Jean’s life so much better. She spoke so highly of Jean and always had a story for me of her doing something to make her life better. The stories of the baking were legendary. I’m so happy they both found each other. Our thoughts are with you all. ❤️
My deepest condolences to the Hamilton family. I hope the cherished memories help you through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
To Gavin and family. I was so sorry to learn of Jean’s death. I have so many wonderful memories of both Jean and Gavin. Dinners in their home. Dinner with the entire family at our home. Seeing Jean and Gavin on a Sunday morning at coffee following the church service at First United was a real pleasure.. Jean was always impeccably dressed and Gavin always in a shirt and tie. Love to all. Beryl Itani
To the Hamilton family . I’m very sad to hear of Jeans passing . We were United Church friends and enjoyed many brunches with Gavin and Jean following Sunday morning services . She was a loving and caring person and will be missed by many . Al Harrison
So very sorry to hear if Jean’s passing. She was a bright light of joy and hope for so many. Take comfort in celebrating a good life well lived. You are all in my prayers.
So sad to hear of Aunt Jean’s passing. She was a wonderful person who will be sadly missed and always remembered. Larry and Enid Parks and family.
To all the Hamilton families.
Mothers are the dearest ones to our hearts I know we will all miss her. We shared Dar and Lyles kids on many occasions. Also spending time chatting over many cups of tea. Your mom taught me how to remove wallpaper and strip furniture at their home on Sask Crescent she made delicious delicious loaf of bread and cinnamon buns as well as a chowder soup. After they moved to Kelowna we all looked forward to their visits especially the barbecues. Jean was a very special lady!
I extend my sincere sympathy on the death of Jean.
Even though we were only “church neighbours” I enjoyed meeting you both at First United each Sunday,
May you and your family find strength in all the fond memories you have of a very special lady
Edith
Dear Bruce, Laureen and family. Please accept our sincerest condolences on the loss of your dear mom. She was a wonderful person, very classy, kind and welcoming. Thinking of you all.
I pray that in the midst of your sorrow you will find comfort in all the joyful memories shared. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your families
What a class act. Was fortunate to have been neighbors with this inspirational woman, as well as the lucky benefactor of her magical baking. Sending love to the family.
We were so saddened to learn of Jean’s passing. I have so many wonderful memories of her, I loved the sound of her gentle voice; she was such a kind lady. You are all in our thoughts & prayers at this difficult time.
Gavin and Family:
We are so sorry to hear of Jean’s passing and share in the sadness of your loss. We will
always remember her with extreme fondness and her bubbling personality. May God comfort you all at this difficult time.
Helene and Clayton Hack.
Our condolences to the extended Hamilton family. You only had to meet Jean once to experience her warmth, grace and love for family. Prayers and love to everyone at this difficult time.
My condolences to the Hamilton family, who lived across the street from us in Saskatoon. One of my strongest childhood memories is the smell of freshly baked bread (especially cinnamon buns) wafting across the street to us. Jean would generously give myself and my four sisters a sample (or loaf, or platter!) of whatever she was baking. It never disappointed. She was a gentle and kind soul.
Gavin, my deepest sympathy for your loss.
My heartfelt condolences for the loss of Jean to the Hamilton family. I have very fond memories of Jean during the years we were neighbours. May all your amazing memories comfort you at this difficult time.
Sending our heartfelt condolences to you and family. A beautiful, loving and creative woman! May your wonderful memories someday ease the pain you feel today. Love & prayers to all. B & C
Our deepest sympathies to you Gavin, and all the family. We have many happy memories.
Bunny and Don Pfeifer
Our sincere condolences to Gavin and family.Jean was a very nice lady and she had a wonderful and long life that she lived to the fullest ,having touched a great many people.
Ross and Jean Clark
I am so sorry to hear of Aunt Jean passing. Sending my prayers and hugs to all.
Deepest condolences to The Hamilton family. We always enjoyed seeing Jean and Gavin on the soccer sidelines and the Family Boxing Day skates. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Brad, Connie, Kylee, and Ashley Kimler
Gavin you have our upmost sympathy. How lucky you are to have shared 65 years with Jean. Our thoughts are with you and yours.
We send our sincerest condolences. Jean never ventured from being a beautiful, gracious and thoughtful person we always looked forward to seeing at veterinary functions. Your thoughtfulness and kind words when our youngest son died are remembered and still held dearly. Please take care. We will always cherish the memory of knowing you both.. Ron
I would like to express my sincere condolences to the entire Hamilton family. Although I did not know Jean well, my husband, Ray did. He would be sad to know of Jean’s passing because he knew the family well from his time working with the Rockets team. He respected and admired all of you so much and was grateful for the way you all included him. I hope all your wonderful memories will help you through this most difficult time. Sincerely, Pat Putnam
I was very fortunate to meet Jean in the last few years when she and Gavin travelled to Saskatoon to visit family. We had many enjoyable visits that I will always treasure. My deepest sympathy to Gavin and to all the Hamilton family.
Jean was an extraordinary lady. In addition to being beautiful and stylish, she was so very thoughtful. Whenever you met her, she always made you feel that you were the one person that she was happiest to see. Our sympathy to Gavin and the family.
Bev and Hugh Townsend
Dear Hamilton Family , Wendy and I are very sorry to hear of the passing away of your beloved Jean . Beautiful eulogy for her life well lived as it was written. Howard and Wendy Soon
I was still quite new to Saskatoon, in 1972, when I became a young widow with four small children. Having experienced that herself, Jean reached out to me with kindness, compassion and the support that could only come from having been in my shoes. There are no words to express what a huge help that was in my life. I’ve always carried a memory of a very gracious woman, who radiated beauty from within, and a wisdom that she so generously shared with me. .She was a wonderful role model. Jean and Gavin raised a beautiful family who will miss her dearly. Very deepest sympathies to you all.
Nancy, I recall with such fondness the memories of your precious mother, she was gracious, kind and humble. Soft spoken with a warm smile always. She will be so very missed and I am sorry for your hurting hearts. Talk of her often, tell her stories and keep her spirit alive.
Gavin (we call you “doc”), and family, our prayers go to you as Jean goes to the perfect resting place. We were next door neighbours on Sask Cresc and Jean was the perfect neighbour’s mom! Always alert – knew what was happening in the neighbourhood. Your family made my family feel instant community members when we moved in. Jean was the catalyst. What a beautiful person she is! – John MacNaught and family
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of this wonderful lady who made such an impression on me when I was a young lady working for Dr Hamilton when he was the Dean of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon. She often visited with her delicious baking and kind words. No doubt she has left you with amazing memories to cherish. Wishing the family peace and healing during this difficult time.
To the Hamilton family. I have been in touch with Jean over the years since my Mom(Millie Buchan) passed away in 2010 and have enjoyed the phone calls and times we shared a cup of tea to catch up on your family.
I neglected to call her at the end of 2020 when she was on my mind and now that sweet soft voice is in a choir of angels. She was such a caring, humble and gracious woman. I know you will all miss her. Sincere sympathy to you all. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Bronwen
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
Gavin, it has been many years since I painted your fence when you lived on Ewart Ave. (Do you remember the yellow fence. . . . I still do. 😊 . . . even though I was in grade 7 at the time.) My mother, Olive, was a good friend of Jean’s. In fact, Jean was a fiend to many of the neighbours on Ewart Ave. Brother Wes was a good friend of Lyle. My father Harvey as well as Jean served on the Holliston Home & School Association at the same time. I recall you taking over Uncle Graeme Moffat’s Asquith area after Graeme started working for the Government of Canada. My wife Adeline was a physiotherapist at the University Hospital who treated Jean’s sister who courageously lived with MS. (I provided this background because the years sometimes cloud our memories.) Jean is remembered as a wonderful lady whose friendship was treasured by many. Jean lived graciously through many challenges in life. . . . We lost track of you and your family when we left Saskatoon many years ago. However, we do have many memories of you and Jean especially when Ron lived down the street. You were an amazing couple in so many ways. We feel blessed to have known you and Jean. Jean will certainly be missed. You have been blessed to have so many good memories over the years. Our sympathy to you and your family. Ron & Adeline Summach
Dear Gavin & Family, I was sad to hear the news of Jean’s death. Thank you Nancy for letting me know..
What a unique, warm, talented and beautiful woman. Her’s was truly a life well lived! Gavin , you were blessed to have her by your side for 65 years. Family was always everything to her. I cherish the wonderful times we had together in Saskatoon. It was the best of times! Sending my heartfelt Sympathy, Prayers and Love to you at this difficult time. Hugs, Ruth Radostits
Our deepest condolences from Clara Doige and family in Saskatoon.
To the Hamilton Family Sending you our thoughts and prayers on the loss of your mother Jean. Moms are truly the heart of a family.
Our sincere condolences and warmest wishes from the McCaw family in Scotland. Aunt Marion was very grateful for the letter from Nancy letting her know of Jean’s passing.