My Dad,
He was the definition of " the silent, strong type." He never said much but with a small gesture or smile you knew that he loved and cared about you. He always tried to encourage me to do whatever made me happy.I have fond memories from our family vacatons. Going to the east and west coast, California and many trips to Myrtle Beach.He was there through countless soccer games, and numerous bowling tournements.He had a huge heart and I know he touched many lives.
I have always had a strong relationship with my Mom, she is my rock and confidant, but I knew if she wasn't around I could count on my Dad to provide some words of wisdom. I am truly a Daddy's girl at heart. I love him with all my heart and I will never forget the good times we shared. Whether it was going to see every Harry Potter movie in theatres, or a nice lunch at Red Lobster or one of our late night chats about life when everyone else had gone to bed.

The world has lost a truly great man,but he will never really be gone because he will live on im my heart and so many other people's.

I'll always love you Dad.

Laura

Hi Elaine,

 

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I can't imagine the pain of losing your partner. My heart goes out to you. I know it has been years since I worked at Public Health but I have fond memories of working with you. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

 

Sincerely,

Carole Gionet

My dear Elaine,

The service for Bob was beautiful!  When I got home yesterday I gave Marc an extra hug because I don't tell him enough times how I feel.  He is quiet like Bob.  Your speech was amazing.  You are a very strong woman.  I commend you for being able to get up there and speak nice nicely.  And Laura, she was awesome!  Anyway, I know that Bob would have been so proud of each and everyone of you.  He wants you to carry on and yes, Elaine, we will all be supporting you because that's what friends do!  So again, please take care of yourself and do not rush to get back to this place.  We are all managing.  That's what you told me when I was off.  Now it's your turn to look after yourself!

Christina

Dear Elaine

I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband Robert.  Please know that you and yours are in my thoughts.  Take time to care for yourself during this very difficult time.

Pam

Elaine,

I wanted to express my deepest and most sincerest condolences on the passing of your husband. My thoughts are with you and your family. I am so sorry, Elaine.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Albanese

Dear Elaine,
 
So sorry to hear of your loss.  Words can not change anything, but know that I am thinking of you.
 
Les

I am so sorry to hear about Bob, he was such a good person. I still remember all those baseball games with Matt and Ryan.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Ryan and Laura.

Susan

My thoughts will be with you and your family at this difficult time.
 
Much love,
 
Kevin

Dear Elaine

I am so sorry to hear about your husband. I have been thinking of you and your family and my condolences go out to you.

Sharon Dalrymple

Hi Elaine,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  I am thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. 

Please take good care.

Mimi

Hi Elaine, I am so sorry to hear that. I had no idea as I have been off work myself and I was totally shocked to hear the news. My thoughts are with you and the family.
 
((Hugs)) Take care of yourself and I hope to see you soon.
 
Deb

Hi Elaine: 

I am so sorry to hear about your husband's unexpected passing.  May you find comfort in his love and fond memories that will help sustain you and your family throughout this difficult time. Please accept my most sincere condolences.

Your friend and colleague 

Barb Cheung

Elaine, 

I am so sorry to hear this news.  

Please let me know if I can do anything for you.  You have been an amazing influence and a great support to me, and I hope you would take me up on my offer to do what I can for you. 
Take care and my thoughts and prayers are with you, Ryan and Laura.

Dear Elaine,
I am so sorry for your loss! What a tragedy! My prayers are for you and your children so God can give you the strength and courage to get through this terrible time .  Take care Elaine.
Your friend,
Hilda Kerekes

I am so so sorry to hear about your husband. Please accept my deepest sympathies. 
Bob sounded like a wonderful giving man and to donate himself to the Trillium Gift of Life tells me so much about him. 
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Xoxox

Pauline

Hi Elaine,

I am so saddened to hear the news about your husband.  My thoughts are with you and please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Much love, Radha

Elaine
I am so very sorry about your loss.
My condolences to you and your family.
 
Nilusha

I will be praying for you and your family Elaine.
Ruth

Opening Reflection

The death of each of us is in the order of things. It follows life as surely as night follows day. 

For Bob, there is peace, but for us there is loss, grief and pain. Every one of us here has had our life touched by Bob's existence. We would not be here otherwise. His life mattered.

It is important for us to acknowledge and accept that something fundamental has changed with his going. Life will not be the same … and life should not be the same.

More so it is important to celebrate the reality that the world is a better place because of his living. As a husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend, Bob made a unique, important and lasting contribution to this world and to each of us here.  

The physical reality of Bob has gone but his legacy remains. So shall it be for us also, in time. While we are here, our task is to live our life fully, to make a difference to the world around us, and to love each other with all our hearts.

Bob did that. In fact, he did that very well.   

Bob was born in Toronto to Vera and Gresham Burns as their first child. Sister Karen arrived 6 years later. He had fond memories of his Dad who, like Bob, was a carpenter at home and was a congenial person. Sadly, when he was eight, his father died of cancer. This was a loss that weighed heavy on Bob's heart for the rest of his days. 

But life went on. Bob would meet his Mom, after she returned to work, with the bundle buggy to bring home the groceries. His grandmother had moved in with them and no one drove. A year later Vera married Doug Hampson and he adopted Bob. Sister Susan was born when Bob was 12 years old. 

The family moved a few times in Leaside and the last house in that neighbourhood was a two bedroom bungalow, so Bob had his room downstairs. After High School at Leaside High, Bob went to work at IBM doing Customs work at a truck terminal on Kennedy Rd. He continued to live at home and was a good saver. 

Bob hadn't dated much, and no one seriously. But all that changed in January of 1969 when a beautiful young nursing student named Elaine entered his life. Bob and his married friends, Alex and Sue, were co-hosting a party and he needed a date. A friend of Elaine's sister Donna was Bob's neighbour and set them up. Bob and Elaine chatted on the phone, to get to know each other before the date, and the rest is history. 

From their first date they felt comfortable and their values meshed.
They had a variety of dates – dinners out, a show, picnics, Edward's Gardens and just evenings watching television. By 2:00 a.m. Elaine's Dad would lean over the banister and suggest it was time for Bob to go home. What Dad didn't know is that Bob was staying late to wait for Elaine's Mom, a night owl, to go to bed so that the two of them could be alone! Bob used to say, it was a wonder he didn't crash going home because of the late hour! 

They dated three and a half years until they got married. They were engaged New Year's Eve 1970. They had picked out the ring at Birk's downtown and Elaine thought it would come later than that. That night they were again co-hosting a party with their friends when Bob suddenly disappeared into the living room. With the food all ready to go, he pulled out the ring and Elaine said "not now,” but there was no postponing. They went into the kitchen to tell her parents. Elaine's Dad was having some fruit cocktail and a slice of bread. He was left handed and so surprised, he put out his hand with the buttered bread in it to shake hands.

They were married at Blythwood Baptist Church on June 24, 1972. The day of the wedding was rainy, but it stopped by the time they came out of the church. They honeymooned in Bermuda. It was Bob's first flight. 

Because Bob had been saving, they were able to buy a house in Bramalea and moved in on their first anniversary. They had been living in an apartment in Scarborough and Elaine worked the first 6 months at Centenary Hospital and then with Borough of York. They enjoyed having over friends and family over as soon as they got married. Bob had also been transferred to the airport for IBM Customs, so living in Bramalea worked well for the newlyweds.

It was with great joy that Bob and Elaine welcomed Ryan into the family and, three years later, Laura. By time they were living in Markham. Family was everything to Bob and the next years were devoted to family life. Bob retired from IBM in 1992 after 25 years of service. After he retired, Elaine went back to work and Bob took care of the home front. He studied Computer Programming and Analysis at Seneca College and found delight in designing and making furniture and making wine. He eventually used his knowledge of wine to work at Wine Art. 

Bob was always there for soccer, bowling and baseball and coached Ryan's team one year. He was a patient catcher as Ryan practiced his pitching and the kids always asked him to be with them for Family Twosome events.  

The family had many wonderful family holidays, including Myrtle Beach, Disneyworld, California, an Alaskan cruise, eastern and western Canada, Costa Rica and a WW2 trip 3 years ago to France, Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany. Ryan also asked his Dad to go with him to Cuba, and they had a good time. And there were couple trips too – Elaine and Bob also went to Hawaii and a bus tour of Austria, Switzerland and Germany.

His family will miss his home made rolls and foccaccia and his love of music. Ryan said recently Bob had the 60s on the TV and, with his cane, was moving his body to Buddy Holly's, "Not Fade Away!” And Bob loved animals and they loved him. He was the care giver for the family cats Simba and Timone and they would rarely sit on anyone's lap but Bob's. He even volunteered at the SPCA, socializing the cats. He would talk proudly how he had given them their pedicures.
Bob was always Mr Fixit and had an incredible patience at fixing things. There was no job he wouldn't do at home (except according to Elaine, he never cleaned toilets!) Bob was Elaine's rock. He was a full participant in child care and happily went along with Elaine's trip and social plans. 

He wasn't showy but felt deeply and never boasted, and was a great listener who offered unconditional support. He also had a romantic heart that loved deeply. Though not flowery, he gave Elaine beautiful, romantic cards and occasionally red roses.

Through everything he did, in work and in his personal life, Bob has left us with rich memories of his selflessness, devotion and strength. Through great obstacles and challenges, his was a life of courage, quiet strength and great love.  

Most of all, he lived a life of family first. He loved his children and was a devoted father. And he loved Elaine with all his heart. That is his greatest legacy of all.

                                 Elaine's Tribute to Bob

Although difficult, I feel compelled to say my last words and tribute to Bob.

First, though, I want to lovingly acknowledge all the care and support provided to Ryan, Laura and me .I won't point out anyone in particular, but know that every kind word or deed has moved us greatly. Bob would never have believed the outpouring of emotion about him.

Truthfully, I have thought" too soon", as there should have been twenty more years of life and family experiences for him and us. But, I read a quote that say's seeing death as the end of life is like seeing the horizon as the end of the ocean. I know Bob will continue to live on in us.

Bob and I enjoyed 40 years of marriage.  Laura asked me a little while ago when I knew Bob was the one. I told her it may be different for everyone but, for me, the first moment and onwards, it just felt right like spirits sympatico. I had my Dad and my Uncle Don as role models, so I couldn't go wrong. When I say the later years became comfortable, I mean that in the best of ways. 

Bob and I never negotiated our lives together. It just evolved. The little things come to mind like Bob making the coffee while I served dessert. Yesterday I needed to tighten my reading glasses. I used to always ask Bob to do it as I wouldn't be able to see to do it. So, I needed a new way now. I pulled out Bob's readers and after not being successful, with the Robertson head, I realized the straight screwdriver worked.

This will be the beginnings of new learnings and I'm sure there will be times when I will say "why didn't you show me this?" But, this old dog can learn new tricks with time and I intend to be independent as my mother was. So, I don't want others or Ryan or Laura to feel they must take care of me as everyone has their own lives, busy lives. More than the things they have done, I feel so privileged to have had Ryan and Laura's caring and support over these days.

We all get busy with the day to day stresses and health problems. Sometimes, death makes us look through a new lens at what is really important and I know I could have been more patient and kind.

I was also thinking, I will now be referred to as a "widow."How I hate that term. Despite all the ups and downs, Bob and I never asked to be not married. A label given by others- perhaps another social convention for me to challenge!

Now, Laura has told me I'm not allowed to die for at least twenty years. All I can say is I will try my best. When that day comes, I won't be able to speak, so I want to say this now to you both. Your Dad and I always loved you unconditionally and just want you to be happy. When you have those difficult times, in life, I hope you'll remember that your dad was your role model on how to live an honourable life. Find that quiet spot in yourself , allow him in and you'll find your answers.

Bob was our gentle giant. Although not loquacious,  as they say ," still waters run deep"'.  Besides,
 I talked enough for both of us. More than the things he did for us, I will miss his loving support. I could always count on him, when I  needed to rant. He would just listen, not give advice and was  usually
on board with how I felt .He never said " you shouldn't feel that way".

When I was in grade eight, I used to like to read poetry at the library. I loved the Romantic period in literature and music. To me, Elizabeth Barrett  and Robert Browning were the quintessential love story. My favourite was Elizabeth Barrett Browning's " How Do  I Love Thee" . It reads,

      How do I love thee? et me count the ways.
      I love thee to the breadth and depth and height
      My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
      For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
  I love thee to the level of every day's
  Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
  I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
  I love thee purely, as  they turn from Praise.
  I love thee with the passion put to use
  In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
  I love the with a love I seemed to lose
  In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
  I love thee with a love a seemed to lose
  With my lost saints- I love thee with the breath,
  Smiles , tears, all of my life! - and, if God choose,
  I shall but love thee  better after death.

I'm still a sentimental old fool .Many years ago, I wrote a poem but never gave it to Bob. I hope Christopher Marlowe won't mind that I plagarized his first line. I'd like to read it for him now. A copy is with him.

Come, walk with me and be my love.
See cherry blossom in the spring.
Climb maple trees as children do.
 Hear, through the pines, the whispering wind.
Come, walk with me and be my love.

Come, run with me and be my love,
Through verdant fields, down winding roads.
Pick buttercups, forget-me-nots,
And put a daisy in my hair,
Come, run with me and be my love.

Come, laugh with me and be my love 
And picnic by a tumbling stream.
Feel the warmth of glowing sun.
Hear bluebirds chirp of happy times.
Come laugh with me and be my love.

Come dine with me and be my love.
Sit by fire and candlelight,
Hear violins that play our song,
Remember cherished memories.
Come dine with me and be my love.

Come stay with me and be my love. 
Gaze at the distant eternal moon.
Tiptoe through the drifting clouds
Reach up and touch a shining star, 
Come, stay with me and be my love.

Come, come with me and be my love.
Take my hand, don't let it go.
Find paradise in eternity.
Live a love that never dies.
Come, come with me and be my love.

Goodbye , dear Bob, my love, until we meet again beyond the horizon.

Robert Hampson: April 24, 1947 to October 22, 2012

For those of you who may not know me, my name is Pat Thomas and I am one of the Hampsons' many friends. It is with much sadness and heartfelt sympathy that I stand in front of you today as we celebrate the life of Bob, my dear friend for 35 years.

Bob was a loving husband to Elaine for 40 years,
a terrific dad to Ryan and Laura, a dear brother to Susan Parkin
and a caring son to his mother Vera. Unfortunately, 
due to her poor health, Bob and Sue's mom could not be with us today.
We also remember at this time Bob's younger sister Karen, who predeceased him about 5 years ago.

Quiet, gentle, thoughtful Bob would and could do for family and friends most everything, as he had many talents and a wealth of “how to” knowledge.

When visiting Bob and Elaine in their first house in Bramalea, I marveled at the beautiful wall units and the exquisite curio table he had handcrafted for their living room. He had also planned and built, with attention to every detail, a wonderful recreation room. Bob was an excellent designer, carpenter and furniture craftsman.

Bob, Elaine and I enjoyed movie nights together in that recreation room with the warmth of a crackling fire, tasty snacks and several glasses of fine wine. Bob graciously tolerated the “girly chatter” and occasionally would chime in with a comment or two that began with: “Well perhaps”.

It was during one of those cozy evenings that I came to know how Bob and Elaine first met. Can you believe it was through a set up by friends? Bob needed a date for a party with his friends Alex and Sue. Bob had baby blue eyes, blonde hair – lots more of it in those days and knocked at Elaine's door wearing a leather jacket. Elaine knew then and there he was a definite keeper: her “Mr. Right”! And sure enough they fit together like a glove and tied the knot in June of 1972.

Bob was a devoted, steadfast family man. He believed in and valued all aspects of family togetherness. Bob and Elaine both loved children and after many years of waiting, baby Ryan came to them in 1981, followed by baby Laura, 3 years later.
Bob was right in there caring for the children. Yes, Ryan and Laura, he even changed your dirty diapers!

In 1984, just 3 months before Laura's arrival, Elaine and Bob chose to move their home to Markham which was closer to Bob's Don Mills work location. The 4 HAMS have enjoyed many happy years living in the delightful town of Markham. 
As the children grew bigger, Bob spent hours watching Ryan's and Laura's soccer and baseball games and taxiing them to bowling alleys for their lessons and games. Bob was an excellent bowler himself and enjoyed his weekly bowling evening for many years. 

Bob wasn't keen on or particularly comfortable at formal events, but he always accompanied Ryan and Laura to their yearly bowling recognition events. He was so very proud of their accomplishments.

Bob and Elaine enjoyed hosting family celebrations and get togethers with friends and neighbors in their beautiful Markham home. I recall one very special occasion - Bob's 40th surprise birthday party. The party theme was 40 or bust. Out came Elaine  carrying a cake she had fashioned in the shape of two boobs and of course they were decorated quite realistically. Bob, blushing brightly, composed himself a little and managed to say a few words of thanks, before blowing out the candles.

Although Bob was a homebody, he did enjoy travelling. When the children were young, it was family driving vacations to such places as Myrtle Beach, Disney World, the West and East coasts, and to upscale lodges in Ontario. Once the children were older, there were family vacations by airplanes, the most recent being Costa Rica in 2009. Bob and Elaine also enjoyed some travel adventures without children in tow. They explored Austria, Germany, Switzerland, the Greek and Hawaiian Islands.  In all the holiday photos that I have seen,  Bob  is wearing his tilley hat and so affectionately I call him “Mr Tilley”.  

In 1992, Bob had achieved the status of a quarter centurion  at IBM.  Wisely he accepted an early retirement option which allowed him the opportunity to pursue other types of work. He returned to school and successfully completed a 3-year program for a computer analyst. However, upon graduation, jobs for analysts had become extremely scarce. 

So dear Bob refocused his abilities once more, to a keen interest he had had as a hobby for many years – the art of wine making. He secured a job with WINE ART, an up and coming make your own wine establishment. In this job, Bob assisted customers with the complex wine making processes and willingly shared the knowledge he had gained through making his own excellent wines for many years. 

Bob retired from the WINE ART job about 8 years ago, as he had developed major back problems and could no longer do the required heavy lifting. After a period of rest and rehabilitation, Bob, who had always been very helpful and patient around the house, a so called “MR FIX It” took on more of a “MR DOMESTIC” role, as Elaine continued to work full time.  He washed floors, cleaned bathrooms, cooked dinners, baked Scottish shortbread cookies at Christmas time, made pizza dough, rolls and bread from scratch, did laundry and even hemmed jeans on the sewing machine. Until recently, he also managed to complete Elaine's daily to do list that he stored on his palm pilot. Bob's palm pilot was his lifeline. It held his medication schedule, telephone numbers, important appointment dates and of course the “to do” lists. 
To quote Elaine: “ He was the salt of the earth. He supported me in every possible and helpful way.” 

Beyond his immediate family, Bob had frequently reached out to help parents, in laws, friends and neighbors to fix things in and around their homes, to take them to various appointments and to walk their dogs. As many of you know, Bob loved animals. Timone and Simba, the Hampson's beautiful ginger cats, are wondering where Bob is. They are missing his gentle pets and cuddles he gave them while watching a baseball game or the Dog Whisperer show, one of Bob's favorites, on the TV. Bob's quiet demeanor attracted animals to him. I was amazed at how well my 4 month old Golden Retriever listened to Bob's quiet commands, during a visit at our cottage just this past Labor Day weekend. It was a great weekend and I am so glad we had that time together.

While at the cottage, despite having terrible back pain and difficulty with his balance, Bob managed a boat tour of Clear Lake. Oh, how I wish we could be looking forward to more boat rides with Bob. I never thought that he would be taken from us so soon. 

Fly high and in peace my dear friend. I will always cherish the good memories I have of you as a caring, loving, supportive husband, an awesome father and an endearing friend.

I'm so sorry Elaine to hear of your family's loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with Bob, you and your entire family and his group of friends.
Love Brad

Elaine,

I am sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.

Kevin Bray

Dear Elaine;
So sorry to hear about Bob.
My thoughts, prayers and sympathy go out to you and the family.
Hugs,
Marilyn

Hi Elaine,
Just wanted to let you know, I'm thinking about you and praying for you during this time.
 
Blessings,
Nancy

Hi Elaine, 
Just wanted to let you know I cannot stop thinking of you and your family. You are in my prayers. 

Please let me know if there is anything that I can do. 
You may call me night or day for anything anytime. 

Love, 
Cheri

Hi Elaine, 
I am so sorry to hear about Bob.  Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.  Please take care of yourself.  If you need someone to talk to or go for a coffee with, let me know.

All the very best always, 
Your friend, 
Jen

Hi Elaine,
 
I am so sorry to hear about Bob.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  Please take care.  
 
Susan

Hi Elaine,
We will pray for you and your family. This is difficult for all of you. Please remember to take one step at a time and dont extend your self to much my dear.
Sheline and Marjanna

Dear Elaine.

My prayers and heartfelt wishes are with you and your family. 

Barb

Elaine,

I am so sorry to read this.  I will be thinking and praying for your family but I know your strength and love for each other will get you through this very difficult time. 

Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Mimi

Mother, 
 
I am so sorry about this difficult time that you are going through. My prayers are with you..
Memory Maunde

Hi Elaine,
 
Our thoughts are with you and your family during this time.
 
Tanya

Hi Elaine,
 
Thinking of you during this difficult time. My prayers are with you and your family.
 
Heather Miller

Elaine, 
 I am so sorry to hear about Bob. Hugs and prayers to you and your family.
 
Audrey

Oh Elaine...I am sooo sorry. I know Bob hasn't been feeling well at all lately and you have been struggling to get medical issues addressed. This will be a tough time for you and your family.   I'll be thinking of you. Joanne

I will keep Bob & you in my thoughts & prayers.
Brad xo

Prayer at the closing of Bob's Casket

It is comforting to know at this time
When grief is our daily companion
That by wrapping ourselves in the memories and the blessings 
of this man whom we have loved so deeply
allows his spirit to remain close, to inspire and comfort us …
So I invite you to join me in this blessing
as we acknowledge the next step in our journey of grief
and close the lid to Bob's casket.

Bob, you are our beloved one.
We gather to send you forth on wings of love.
We will cradle your love in our hearts and our memories,
You will remain a part of us always.
We gather here to bless your journey home to God
Even though it tears our hearts to let you go.

In gratitude we thank God for your life
And for all you have given us by being a part of our lives …
We are grateful for your laughter and humour
For your courage and quiet strength
For your smile
For the commitment you made to everything you did
and to all those that you loved.
And for the tremendous joy and happiness 
that you brought to your family and to your friends.

In gratitude we thank you, Bob, for all that you have meant to us.
The time has come for us to no longer look upon your face
but you will always be a part of our hearts.
We will take a moment of silence before the lid is closed
And in our own private words, speak what is close to our hearts.

(silence)

Holy and eternal God, Lord of life and of death
We pray with our hearts, our words, our gratefulness, our grief and our tears, trusting in your comforting presence in the days to come.

And as we say a final farewell to the form that held Bob's remarkable spirit, we are comforted by the assurance that you enwrap us now and always, in love and care eternal.

Bob, you will always be a part of our hearts. 
Go in peace.Amen.

Elaine, 
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Pat Noonan

Thoughts and prayers for you all during this difficult time. Deepest Sympathies. The Reynolds Family

Our sympathies and our thoughts are with you all.

Elain, We are sad to hear about the loss of your husband, may your memories bring you comfort.

May the warm memories you hold help you through this most difficult time.  My sympathies are with you all.

Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. May the wonderful memories of all the good times together bring you peace.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones'.
Scott and Joan Masterton and Family

OBITUARY

Mr Robert Hampson

April 24, 1947 – October 22, 2012

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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