Obituary of Jim Hamilton

February 3, 1954 - Calgary, Alberta
February 10, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

James Hamilton, beloved husband of Susan Hamilton (nee Patterson) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at the age of 68 years.

Born in Calgary in 1954 and the first of four brothers, Jim was an individual that cherished his friends, and was able to have many lifelong friendships starting from his Elementary school years at Elboya, right up to his passing.

He attended St. Georges High School in Vancouver, as did his father and all his brothers.  It was in high school that Jim got his nickname which became the brand to his legend … to many he was simply known and loved as “Waldo”. It was at St. George’s that Jim found his love for Rugby and he took this passion into his years spent at university and afterwards in many rugby clubs and touring teams he played for in Vancouver and Calgary.

Jim was a true intellect, and if you were fortunate to have had a discussion with him on many different subjects, you would have quickly surmised that he was extremely well read and would have a very thoughtful but definite opinion. Jim was awarded his Iron Ring after having completed a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Alberta and then a Master of Science degree in Mineral Processing from the University of British Columbia. His Master’s thesis specialized in the optimization and scalability of placer gold extraction. To this day, Jim’s Master’s thesis on the design and optimization of ‘sluice box’ efficiency is one of the most downloaded theses in Canada.

Jim worked for over 30+ years in the oil & gas industry, with an expertise and passion in drilling rig operations and design. During this time, he worked for several major drilling companies, primarily in North America, and later provided consulting services to a wide variety of companies internationally. Jim loved his work and found it to be very intellectually stimulating since he loved finding solutions to unique and challenging engineering problems, right up to the day of his untimely passing.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Sue; and his two sons, Norman and Matthew. Jim is also survived by his loving mother, Lois; and he had a special relationship with his father, Ross. He loved his family and was the selfless rock which kept them all grounded. He was always there for them, and always made them his priority. Together with his three brothers, Rob, Doug and Pat, they made up the ‘Hamilton Boys’ gang, and things will never be the same without him. His kindness extended to Sue`s siblings Gayle, and Norman, whom he had built a lasting relationship over the years upon being introduced to the Patterson clan. He also was much loved as Uncle Waldo by all his nieces and nephews, Sarah, Alex, Virginia, Thomas, Christopher, Jennifer, Keltie, Bridie, Emma, Ross, Lindsay, and Ayden, and was just beginning to establish his unique bond with his great nephews, Jude, Avery and Robbie.

He was a man who everybody loved. His kind and gentle disposition nurtured a marvelous lifelong habit of making friends and he had no enemies. All those who were privileged in having known him, loved his kindness, wit, sense of fun, loyalty, and comradery.

Jim would often lighten up a tough situation or sometimes use his favorite word as an exclamation point and it would only be fitting to conclude his obituary with it …….“QUACK”

The family will be holding a celebration of Jim`s life at a later date and will send out notices letting his family and close friends know when the date and location are finalized.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of James Hamilton, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.