Colin Hamer (1940-2025)
Colin passed away on July 10, 2025 at 85 years old, peacefully after a short illness. As she had been for over 60 years, his wife Miesje was at his side.
Colin leaves behind their three children – Nicola (Pierre), Peter (Georgie), and Alex (Katherine) – as well as grandchildren Abby, Arlo, Mia, Noah, and Emma (Brent). While pre-deceased by siblings Brenda and Derek, Brenda’s family: husband Ian and daughters Jillian and Pamela number among those who loved him to the end.
Born in Sackville, NB, to Dr. Harold and Gladys (Powell) Hamer, Colin grew up in Halifax, NS, where he obtained a Bachelor of Metallurgical Engineering and, more importantly, met and married Miesje Snijders. Together, they moved to Ontario, where he earned his M. Sc. from Queen’s University. For the last 56 years, the couple lived and raised their family in Ottawa.
Colin worked as an engineer for 32 years, much of that time at what was then the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources. While he was an accomplished scientist with several patents to his name, his true joy lay in the arts. Never without an artistic hobby, Colin tried his hand at a number of pursuits, including oil painting, wood carving, candle-making, batik, and copper enamel, among others.
In 1976, Miesje ordered a couple of wine goblets from master Pewtersmith Doug Shenstone. When they were ready, he picked them up and convinced Doug to teach him. They became good friends and partners until Doug's death. Colin had found his true artistic passion, and dedicated his life to making unique pieces, as well repairing items for grateful customers who sought him out. After retiring in 1995, as he liked to say, his avocation became his profession and he spent time in the shop until his final days.
In his time off, Colin loved to go camping and spend time on the water, and put his creative talents towards building several small boats in which he and Miesje whiled away hours at close-by provincial parks. He also enjoyed building toys and furniture for his children, and then for his grandchildren.
A celebration of Colin’s life will be held at Tubman’s Funeral Home (3440 Richmond Road, Ottawa) from 4-6pm on Wednesday, July 16. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Queen’s Carleton Hospital Foundation in Colin’s name.