Leonard "Sarge" Hamilton

Leonard “Sarge” Hamilton

April 11th, 1944 – March 19th, 2026

It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Leonard “Sarge” Hamilton on March 19th, 2026, surrounded by family. Devoted husband to Beverley (née Edwards). Loving father to Cara (Charles) and Rob “Coco” (Cookie). Proud grandfather to Keisha (Todd) & Terron, Adam & Eric, Emmy (Liam), & Nina. Proud Great grandfather to Allie, Kessler, Sloane & Madison. Predeceased by his parents Reginald and Eulah Hamilton and his in laws Harry & Ollie Edwards and brother-in-law Graham “Bun” Edwards (Lorraine). Sarge is survived by his sisters Ardith Downey & Kandi Howe. Predeceased by his brothers Clarence, Reggie, Norman and sister Sheila. Uncle Lenny will be dearly missed by his nieces, nephews and cousins and uncle Cecil Johnson "Tyne", who will turn 100 this year, who all brought so much joy to his life.

Sarge was born and raised in Beechville, Nova Scotia, and although he later moved to Sudbury a piece of his heart was always back home. He would make the 18 hour straight ride every opportunity he could, to bring his Ontario and Scotian families together. Often making his passengers wait for pit stops around his fuel ups.

He started his mining career at Inco and later was hired at Falconbridge, where he retired as the Hoistman after 30 plus years. Following his retirement, Sarge stayed involved on the Executive Board of the Retirees Local 598 Unifor as Sports Director. He spent many years planning and executing the retirees annual golf tournament, which is now named in his honor.

Sarge was a strong athlete and fierce competitor. He started playing fast ball at 14 years old with the Beechville Rockets and remained a well-known short stop in Sudbury for many years to come. He could run the bases like a deer and 3 Generations of our family enjoyed watching him play in the Old Timer Worlds Tournament in North Bay. Sarge was an avid Bowler and well known at Notre Dame and Plaza Bowl. Following his retirement, he spent many days on the golf course and remained extremely active at the YMCA following his COPD diagnosis. Sarge was an active member of the lung disease group proving how stubborn and resilient one man could be.

He was extremely passionate about music. You could often hear him singing, whistling and dancing around the kitchen at any given time of the day. He was a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan; Pittsburgh Pirates, Blue Jays fan and a die-hard Toronto Maple Leaf fan hoping desperately for them to win. One of his favorite pastimes throughout all stages of his life was playing cards with family and friends. Cooking ham and cabbage on Sundays for the boys during a game of Bid Whist was a weekly tradition.

Special thanks to Nurse Kelly for her wonderful support and caring nature and Manon for all the support over the years.

We would also like to thank the incredible ICU staff at HSN for their EXCEPTIONAL care and compassion for our husband, brother, father and grandfather during his short time there.

A Celebration of Leonard’s life will be held on April 11th, 2026, at the Legion branch 76 in Minnow Lake from 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., a light lunch will be served.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Maison McCulloch Hospice or St. Joseph’s Villa at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/st-josephs-foundation-of-sudbury/

Cremation services provided by Simple Wishes of the North, Sudbury and Crystal Crematorium.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Leonard "Sarge" Hamilton, please visit our Tree Store.