Contributions to the tribute of Willis David Hamilton

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Monday, February 21, 2022

Gerry and I were very sorry to hear of Mr. Hamilton's passing. We never had the pleasure of meeting him and his wife, but our son Jeff, was a great friend with Willis (as he asked Jeff to call him). They kept in touch over the past few years by phone and e-mail. Jeff got to spend some time with him last year and really enjoyed the visits. (Picture was taken Aug. 21, 2021) Willis edited the first book that Jeff has written.... "MIRAMICHI MURDERS, MYSTERIES AND MAYHEM". He did a wonderful job and Jeff was so thankful to Willis, for spending so much time on it, and suggesting the changes that the book needed. Jeff was heartbroken with Willis' death and I know he will cherish all the memories that he has of him. Rest in heavenly peace Mr. Hamilton. Our sympathy and prayers to Mrs. Hamilton and family. From: Jeff and his parents Gerry & Roberta Morrison, Miramichi N.B.

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Joanne posted a condolence

Saturday, February 12, 2022

Patrick, I was sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. My sincere condolences to you and the family. Joanne LeBlanc-Haley

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Shannon Johnston posted a condolence

Friday, February 11, 2022

Deepest sympathy to Jim, Patrick, family and friends.

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John Doon posted a condolence

Friday, February 11, 2022

In 1969, I failed grade 11. W.D.. Hamilton afforded me the opportunity to repeat some courses from grade 11 and take new ones from grade 12 which would provide me with the necessary credits to earn my high school diploma. I have always appreciated that I was granted that opportunity. I am very sorry for your loss. Sincerely, John Doon

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Deborah (Matchett) Vickers posted a condolence

Friday, February 11, 2022

Professor Hamilton was my faculty advisor in 1973. He was there for me at a crucial time in my life when I wanted to finish my final year at the the University of Victoria. I sat in his office while he made one phone call to the admissions office. He then told me to get on a plane. He was a great teacher and a caring individual. My first day in his class he asked everyone where they were from. I said Newcastle. He said no your not, you’re from Sillikers And then went on to say how is anyone going to know the place if you don’t tell them. Debbie Matchett Vickers

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Robert M Leavitt posted a condolence

Thursday, February 10, 2022

My deepest sympathy to Marjorie and all the family. Bill was devoted to the province of New Brunswick, particularly the Miramichi Region and the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet First Nation communities. His teaching, research, and academic development activities were dedicated to improving knowledge of NB history and to the education of First Nations teachers and other professionals. His most notable achievement at UNB was the establishment in 1980 of the B.Ed. degree program for Maliseet and Mi’kmaq teachers. The first graduates of the program, in 1984, along with those of future cohorts, when the program expanded to include students from Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, became the foremost indigenous education leaders in their communities and in the Maritimes. A number of B.Ed. graduates came to serve on the board of the Mi’kmaq-Maliseet Institute, which Bill co-founded with Ron Owston in 1981 to provide research and curriculum development support for the new, community-controlled band schools in the region. Based in the Institute, Bill published scores of articles on Indigenous Education and consulted closely with schools in First Nations communities of the province. In the 1980s, Bill also initiated the development of a high school Native Studies textbook to address the need for a course on Maliseet and Mi’kmaq history, governance, culture, and art. The resulting text, Mi’kmaq and Maliseet: First Nations of the Maritimes was adopted in public schools throughout the region. In 1991, at the request of the First Nation communities, Bill initiated the Bridging Year, an innovative program (unique in Canada at the time) that offered students a combination of high school academic courses and first-year university courses. Students’ programs were individualized to meet the requirements of the degree program they wished to enter. The Bridging Year attracted students from throughout the region and from other parts of Canada. The Mi’kmaq-Maliseet Institute (now the Mi’kmaq-Wolastoqey Centre) and the B.Ed. and Bridging Year programs continue to admit students today, marking more than 40 years of UNB’s commitment to the First Nations of New Brunswick and the Atlantic region. Bill had a lively intellect, a sharp wit, and a keen sense of justice and responsibility. He was unswerving in his commitment to establish UNB as a leader in Indigenous Education, and his achievements have had a lasting impact not only on the University and First Nations, but also in the wider community. He will be much missed.

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Mary Charlton Kane posted a condolence

Thursday, February 10, 2022

I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Hamilton’s passing. Not only was he the principal of my high school, but he also taught me English at Teacher’s College. My sincere sympathy, Mary Charlton Kane

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Wendy Craig posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

My sincere condolences for the passing of Mr. Hamilton. I remember him coming into China Kitchen for his take out , very nice and friendly man . Rest in Peace

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Marion Beyea posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

I am saddened to learn of Willis' death. He left a remarkable legacy in his research and publications and was generous in sharing his knowledge. Marion Beyea

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Carla Blackmore posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Sadly, I never met Willis but had been hoping to do for the past few years. I had been wanting to thank him for his work on "Old North Esk" as well as Miramichi Papers, Jared Tozer and His Descendants, plus other genealogy publications. We were related on my Grandmother Maudie (Johnston) Blackmore's (on the Hamilton) side of her family and I have really appreciated Willis's detailed and very well researched family genealogical research, not completed just for his own family, but for all the original families of the North Esk Miramichi. For that work, and the thousands of hours that he, and others, spent completing those massive projects I thank him. I just wish I had been able to express that gratitude to him personally. Willis really seemed to be an amazing well rounded person that I wish I had been lucky enough to know. Sending my condolences to his family.

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Bernetta Walsh posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

I am so saddened to hear of Willis' passing. I'm immensely indebted to him for his contribution to my genealogy project. The father of Nor'west genealogy/family history accomplished so much and made it so much easier for me and others to stay on the right track while doing our research. He will always be remembered and earned my respect and the biggest acknowledgement ever. As a Walsh, roots in the Nor'west not easy to keep track of all the many generations and branches of Walshes, without his work I would still be floundering in an archives somewhere. My deepest condolences to family and friends.

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Anita Boyle uploaded photo(s)

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

My condolences to the family, Meskay, I believe David (son) was in school with me in grade 4-5- at Sunny Corner, perhaps he remembers as the trouble maker lol May the professor Rest In Peace. Anita Ward

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John & Norma Perry posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Marjorie and family, We are saddened to hear of Bill's unexpected passing. We have many wonderful memories to cherish. Our thoughts are with you. John & Norma Perry

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The family of Willis David Hamilton uploaded a photo

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Willis David Hamilton

1936 - 2022