Donald Emery Hamilton

Despite drama on the high seas, Donald died peacefully on August 19, 2023. Born in Calgary, he met Sally and they wed in 1961. After graduating from Mount Allison University (’64), he taught English throughout Canada before landing in Victoria in 1971 where he remained as the Education Librarian at UVic for 29 years. Donald was passionate about libraries; he was President of the Canadian School Library Association in the 1980’s and served 8 years on the Greater Victoria Public Library Board. He was also active with the Victoria Heart-to-Heart Program, the Rockland Neighbourhood Association, BC Library Trustees and FOG.

Donald is survived by his devoted wife Sally, his sister Joanne and sister-in-law Judy, daughter Jennifer, son George (Helena Hodgins), son-in-law Drew, cherished grandsons Alec (Jemma), James (Jenna), Patrick (Victoria), Jasper (Hanna), beloved granddaughter Piper and his nieces, nephews and Jull cousins. Donald was predeceased by his brother David and cousin Bob Jull.

For 35 years Donald and Sally happily sailed the coast on “Kipper” out of RVYC Tsehum. Wearing his trade-mark Tilley hat, Don loved to share his experience on the water with family and friends capping the evenings with a marathon game of Dominos.

Donald delighted in people, parties and boxed wine. He loved reading, photography, debating and embraced technology early. Always there to lend a hand and brainstorm solutions, he was kind, loved and will be missed terribly.

Celebration of life: Saturday, October 7th, Royal Victoria Yacht Club, 2-4 pm. An opportunity to donate to a Donald Hamilton School Library Award will be available at the gathering.