His funeral was a celebration of his life. He really didn’t want to die; he was filthy about being crook and not being able to do the things he wanted. Recently he was at his brother’s house - Hugh is 10 years younger than Dad- and he pointed out the things he wanted Hugh to leave him in his will -things like his new plasma TV, fridge and stereo.

Dad loved Mum dearly. He loved each of his six children by equal measure and adored his nine grandchildren. He loved his brother Hugh, his family and relatives. He loved Nudgee College, the Catholic Church, the Lions Club and all his friends. He was President of the Nudgee College Old Boys’ Association. The activities associated with these interests were the driving passions of his life.

John O’Hara Hamilton came from another era – not the fact that he was 81 years of age, but in many respects he was old fashioned. He was a true gentleman. He didn’t like or use profanity but could tolerate others use of it – even his sons. He was polite to a fault, especially to mum. He was gregarious and enjoyed company. He did not display overt affection but showed his affection by what he did and said. He had a very strong belief in the Catholic Faith. In fact if this Mass was said in Latin he would have been delighted.

He was a good sportsman playing Rugby Union, Rugby League, Cricket and Tennis. He spent two years in the Nudgee Ist XV which won back-to-back GPS premierships. After leaving school he played A Grade Rugby Union for University in Brisbane and represented Australian Services during World War II. In Canberra he played A Grade Cricket and tennis, continuing to play until well into his 70s. In later years he played golf with several mates at Nudgee College.

He had a lifelong commitment to community service and was passionate about the Lion’s Club, which has been a significant part of not only Dad’s life but also our entire family as we were dragged from Camp Duckadang at Linville to selling Christmas Cakes to yearly theatre nights.

He was always positive and enthusiastic about life and its trials. We will all miss him greatly and pray he will watch over us for all of our lives and keep us in his care as he did throughout his entire life.