Obituary of Iris May Hamilton

With great sorrow we must announce the passing of our dear mother and “Gammy” Iris on Friday, May 8, 2009 in Calgary. Iris was able to enjoy life until just a few weeks ago. She gave us time to say our goodbyes and to let us tell her how much we loved her. Her passing was very peaceful, with family surrounding her. We will never forget what a great lady she was; she led by example of how to live our lives by being kind to one another. Iris was born in Teslin, Yukon Territories in a log cabin to Clement Lewis and Angela Ward. Her father was part of the Gold Rush in 1896. He later ran a fur trading post in Fort Liard. The family later relocated to Turner Valley, AB where Iris attended High School. She moved to Banff in 1930 where she met the love of her life Bill Hamilton and they married in 1939. They had two daughters. The family moved to Calgary in 1946, where Iris worked at various jobs, but her priority was her family and caring for her parents. She was an artist and world traveler, journeying to Europe, Hawaii, California, and enjoying many cruises. Bill passed away in 1990 and she mourned his passing for nineteen years. Iris is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Lynne and Mike Peacock, Patricia and Tom Summers; seven grandchildren who always called her “Gammy”, Stacey and Mike Frislev, Scott and Neva Summers, Steven and Glenda Summers, Sharlynne and Geoff Adams, Michael Peacock, Kerry and Larry Cooper, and Marc Peacock; and thirteen great-grandchildren. She also has two surviving sisters in Calgary, May and Cam McCullough and Angie Oro. She has gone to be with Grandpa and her beloved cat Morris. A Celebration of Iris’ Life will be held at the Southern Alberta Pioneers Memorial Building (3625 – 4 Street S.W.) on Friday, May 15, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 215 – 12 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 1A2 Telephone: (403) 205-3966. We wish to thank the staff of the Chinook Hospice in Calgary for their loving care of Iris. In living memory of Iris Hamilton, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.