But it is most rare when one is multi-gifted such as was Doug (D.J.) Hamm, who passed away last week after 97 years of major accomplishments, one after another.
One could say he was blessed. A fine musician, he performed in a band as a youth in the Shelburne, N. S. area. As an artist he produced numerous works of nature as a member of the Sackville Art Association. As an athlete he won numerous championships as a youth, shot par golf for years at the local golf course and became so proficient at curling that he continued into his 90s.
And in the business world he worked himself up from the ground to become president of Atlantic Wholesalers Ltd. But these are only a few of his legacies. Doug Hamm was a raconteur – a skilled storyteller who never lost his Nova Scotia south shore dialect that only added to the enjoyment of his audience.
With such a wide variety of accomplishments it was little wonder that he really connected with the late George Chambers, who was equally as talented, and it was a pleasure simply to be around them as they traded “barbs” and matched wits, be it over a golf shot, missing the broom in curling or skipping a music note. Nothing was missed by either, which made them both better at what they did.
Doug enjoyed nothing more than matching wits with friends at the local post office. Just two weeks ago he left in “stitches” after trading barbs with your columnist. Proof that he retained his unique sense of humour, honed early in his life and maintained until the end.
Doug Hamm left school at the age of 18 to begin a life that led him to the head of one of the major companies in the Maritimes. He found employment with CIBC and subsequently enlisted with the RCAF in 1941 where he spent the ensuing five years, much of it in England serving as navigator in the 409 Nighthawks Squadron. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his accomplishment in the air.
During his lengthy time in Sackville he was an advocate for the Legion and held most posts, including that of president.
Doug’s motto was always “Life Is Good”. He explained that life is what one makes of it, and he certainly made the most of it every day.
From a bank clerk to the head of the huge food chain and from Shelburne to the skies over Europe he ensured that life was good not just for himself but for many others.
Douglas Hamm definitely left his mark wherever he went. A generous benefactor he supported numerous local causes and served Mount Allison with distinction, serving on the Board of Regents and the finance advisory committee.
His passing definitely marks the end of an era. He was of that generation where being a gentleman was most important and as a result he leaves a huge circle of friends and admirers. He will be missed, and that’s for sure!
But it is most rare when one is multi-gifted such as was Doug (D.J.) Hamm, who passed away last week after 97 years of major accomplishments, one after another.
One could say he was blessed. A fine musician, he performed in a band as a youth in the Shelburne, N. S. area. As an artist he produced numerous works of nature as a member of the Sackville Art Association. As an athlete he won numerous championships as a youth, shot par golf for years at the local golf course and became so proficient at curling that he continued into his 90s.
And in the business world he worked himself up from the ground to become president of Atlantic Wholesalers Ltd. But these are only a few of his legacies. Doug Hamm was a raconteur – a skilled storyteller who never lost his Nova Scotia south shore dialect that only added to the enjoyment of his audience.
With such a wide variety of accomplishments it was little wonder that he really connected with the late George Chambers, who was equally as talented, and it was a pleasure simply to be around them as they traded “barbs” and matched wits, be it over a golf shot, missing the broom in curling or skipping a music note. Nothing was missed by either, which made them both better at what they did.
Doug enjoyed nothing more than matching wits with friends at the local post office. Just two weeks ago he left in “stitches” after trading barbs with your columnist. Proof that he retained his unique sense of humour, honed early in his life and maintained until the end.
Doug Hamm left school at the age of 18 to begin a life that led him to the head of one of the major companies in the Maritimes. He found employment with CIBC and subsequently enlisted with the RCAF in 1941 where he spent the ensuing five years, much of it in England serving as navigator in the 409 Nighthawks Squadron. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his accomplishment in the air.
During his lengthy time in Sackville he was an advocate for the Legion and held most posts, including that of president.
Doug’s motto was always “Life Is Good”. He explained that life is what one makes of it, and he certainly made the most of it every day.
From a bank clerk to the head of the huge food chain and from Shelburne to the skies over Europe he ensured that life was good not just for himself but for many others.
Douglas Hamm definitely left his mark wherever he went. A generous benefactor he supported numerous local causes and served Mount Allison with distinction, serving on the Board of Regents and the finance advisory committee.
His passing definitely marks the end of an era. He was of that generation where being a gentleman was most important and as a result he leaves a huge circle of friends and admirers. He will be missed, and that’s for sure!