Obituary of Abram (Abe) Bernard Hamm

November 23, 1930 - Lac Pelletier, Saskatchewan

December 10, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Abe Hamm of Calgary, AB, on December 10, 2024, due to complications from a fall at home on October 30, 2024, at the age of 94 years.

Abe had a huge love of life and brought joy and laughter to everyone he met. He was a man of integrity, generosity, and an engaging sense of humour.

Abe was born in Lac Pelletier, Saskatchewan, on November 23, 1930, to Jacob and Helena Hamm. He was the second youngest of seven siblings. Later the family moved to a farm a few miles from Neville, Saskatchewan. After graduation Abe worked at T. Eaton in Saskatoon and then moved to Edmonton, Lethbridge, and eventually Calgary. Abe worked in the group insurance division with London Life in Calgary and Toronto and moved to William M. Mercer as an associate in Toronto in 1980. Abe was made a Principal of William M. Mercer in 1986. He retired from William M. Mercer in 1993 and returned to Calgary to start his new chapter in life.

He loved photography and sports. He played tennis, badminton, and squash. Abe spent many hours at the Glencoe Club, perfecting his game, and played tennis until he turned 85. He also loved golf and downhill skiing. Abe had a love of music and entertained family and friends playing the guitar and piano.

There were many highlights in his life. He was proud of being in the box seat in 1993 when the Blue Jays won the World Series. Next was the book Abe wrote on his family history. The Hamm Journal followed his mother and father’s life in Russia for a Mennonite Brethren family and their journey to Canada from South Russia. Abe spent three years researching and compiling the information. He wrote it out long hand and June typed it up for him. Abe then had the book bound in hard copy. He had copies made for the family as a gift from his heart. It truly was a labour of love. Then came the Mennonite Heritage Cruise to Ukraine in 2007 with his younger brother George. They wanted to see where their mother and father had spent their younger years growing up. The next was his Lifetime Membership to the Glencoe Club when he turned 90 years. Abe always said his life was blessed with so many wonderful memories.

June and the family would like to thank William of ParaMed Home Health Care, who came each week to help Abe, Carla who came every 6 weeks to the house to cut Abe’s hair for the past few years, the Trauma Unit at the Foothills Hospital, Dr. Stanton, Dr. Friesen and the staff on Unit 51 at the Rocky View Hospital. We are also thankful for our friends and neighbours who have helped us through Abe’s final weeks. We truly are blessed.

Abe is survived by, and will be sadly missed by, his loving wife of 42 years June; his children, Kevin Hamm and his wife Shauna Bedingfield, Shauna Morgan, and Barrie Christou and wife Bonnie; and his grandsons, Joel and his fiancé Alicia, Brodie, Taylor, and Brandon. Abe is also survived by his older sister Rosella Markle, of Edmonton, older brother Dave and wife Donna, of Red Deer, and his younger brother George and wife Marion, of Cranbrook, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins across Canada. He will be missed by many friends made over the years.

He is predeceased by his older sister Esther and husband Pete Unger, older brothers and their spouses, Jake and Susanna Hamm, Peter and Martha Hamm, John and Lucille Hamm; and his grandson Danen Hamm-Gruell.

A Memorial Service will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB), on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Hamm's service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Mennonite Heritage Archives, 500 Shaftesbury Blvd. Winnipeg, MB, R3P 2N2.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Abe’s family here.

In living memory of Abe Hamm, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

Click Here to Sign the Digital Guest Book and Watch Abe's Memorial Service