HARRY HAMILTON

Harry Hamilton, one of our elders and Depute Session Clerk, died at the age of 68 in the Monklands Hospital on Monday the 27^th May 2002 after a long illness which he bore with courage and quiet faith.

Harry was born in Coatbridge and qualified as an accountant. After gaining experience he found employment with Bassett the sweet maker, but when faced with a move to Sheffield decided to establish his own practice. As an accountant in Coatbridge he made a large circle of friends and became involved in the life of our community. One of the areas of his involvement was with the Airdrie Savings Bank, becoming a Trustee and eventually serving for a term as President of the Trustees.

A man of many interests but with a love of music and singing it was natural that he took an interest in the Airdrie and Coatbridge Operatic Society, being equally at home on stage or in front of house or as secretary. Here again Harry made his mark, serving as President and Honorary President.

Another of Harry’s great interests was Rotary International and again Harry served his term as President. Harry was also a member of Drumpellier Golf Club, and enjoyed the challenge of the golf course and the friendship of the club as he enjoyed the fellowship and the fun of both Airdrie and Whiflett Burns Clubs.

In life Harry was a man of great courtesy but he was always a man who was quick to give help and support to others, especially to the young. He had the gift of making others feel ‘at home’ and comfortable.

Today however, we remember Harry above all within the fellowship of the church in Dunbeth and after the union, in St Andrew’s. Harry’s early involvement was with the Youth Fellowship and, through time, with the choir, and for many years he was Covenant Treasurer. He was ordained an elder in 1973 and in that capacity continued to serve his church and Lord with unswerving loyalty and faithfulness both in Dunbeth and in St Andrew’s. In St Andrew’s, Harry had one of our largest districts and was our Depute Session Clerk, always ready with wise and kindly words.

Harry was a family man, married to Joan for almost forty one years, father to Craig and Christine, father in law to Lorraine and Mark, we remember them in our prayers.

One simple spontaneous tribute I heard seems to sum it all up ‘Harry was a smashing bloke’

Today we give thanks for a life of faith and for a life of service to Christ and his church.