Obituary of Edwin S. Hamlyn

Edwin Stewart Hamlyn June 26, 1922 – February 29, 2020 Eddie was born on Crow Head point to Arthur and Delilah (Barnes) Hamlyn. He was the eldest of 13 children and eventually became the Patriarch of the Hamlyn family. He began his working life around the age of twelve which encompassed several areas of profession with his last being carpentry, in which he took the most pride. As a foreman with Lundrigan’s Construction (Corner Brook) for many years, bridge building on our highways, he was highly esteemed by those who worked with him and under him. He was educated up to Grade Four and, along with his wife, Rita, would instill a huge importance on education into his own children; in other words…"you can do what you want but you are not quitting school suppose you’re their until your 25!!" Through his lifelong jobs, he met many people along the way and eventually became friends with a vast number of them. He loved company, especially visits from his children, grandchildren great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren which included his extended family. He was known for his very funny and colorful stories as well as his recitations and ‘silly’ songs. He had a perfect ear for music and loved to sing and watch the children dance in his living room. We have all heard many of his stories over the years and they will always be remembered the way he told them. In March, 1945, he married the love of his life, Rita (Hillier) of Ragged Point. Together they had eight children and raised seven as their first baby girl died in childbirth. They both enjoyed the outdoors and whenever he had holidays there were no plans ahead of time, he would come in the door and say, "OK, get her ready, we’re leaving in two hours"!! and Rita would have the camping gear ready to go for whatever time he said. After the passing of his first wife, Rita, Edwin was aware that he was not able to cope on his own and met another beautiful person by the name of Eleanor (Andrews) who he eventually married and shared the rest of his life with. They would have celebrated their 15th Anniversary on the 12th of March. Having seven children of her own, Eddie then became the father of fourteen. Edwin was predeceased by parents, Arthur and Delilah (Barnes) Hamlyn; wife, Rita (Hillier); baby daughter, Violet; son, Jim; brothers, Albert, Harry, and Waldo; sister, Marie (Young); brothers-in-law, Harvey Lambert, Mark Burton, Herb Young, and Richard LeClerc; sisters-in-law, Delphine and Elsie. He leaves with fond memories… Wife, Eleanor; sons Barry (Melita Price) and Victor (Beverly Burton); daughters Geraldine (Roy Earle), Loretta (Kevin Bartlett), Rosemarie (Gordon Burry) and Jacqueline (Lloyd Blake); daughter-in-law, Barbara (Stuckless); a large number of grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren who he dearly loved; brothers, Frank, Wilson (Rebecca) and Johnny (Geraldine); sisters, Ruth, May, Jean and Shirley; brother-in-law Alan; sisters-in-law Alberta and Geraldine; as well as a large circle of nephews and nieces, cousins and friends. Plus his extended family who he loved as much as his own, Willie (Melinda), Christine (Ray), Barry (Susan), Kevin (Beverly), Donna (Glen), Lloyd and Mitchell, Diane (Howard) and their families. Visitation will be held on Monday evening 7-9pm,Tuesday 2-4pm and 7-9pm from the Isles Funeral Home, Twillingate. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 4th 2020 at 1pm from the Central United Church, Twillingate, Rev. George Stockley officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to either the North Side United Church Cemetery Fund or the Notre Dame Bay Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Condolence message for the family may be made by visiting our website at www.islesfuneralhome.ca