We Remember

HAMM, Abram

July 29, 1931 — April 12, 2020

Abe passed away peacefully on April 12, 2020 with family by his side. Abe was born in a farmhouse near Rosthern, Saskatchewan and although he settled in the Okanagan in 1969, he remained a Prairie boy at heart.

Abe is survived by his loving wife Brenda, his three sons Duane (Katherine), Warren (Laurie), and Ross; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and Nettie, the mother of his children. Also survived by his sister Ruth (Ken), brother Allan (Mary Ann), sister Audrey, beloved nieces and nephews, and cherished friends.

Abe was predeceased by his infant son Michael, daughter-in-law Ewa, brother Jake, and sister Irene.

Abe’s teaching career began in a one room school in Bergthal, Saskatchewan and extended to all the Western provinces, as well as some especially memorable time spent in Teslin and Old Crow, Yukon. Abe’s years of teaching in the Okanagan included the honour of being the first principal of two new elementary schools, Hudson Road and Rose Valley in West Kelowna. He was a mentor to many and touched the lives and hearts of children and teachers alike.

Appreciation of art was always an important part of Abe’s life, and with his retirement came the opportunity to pursue an artistic passion, that of woodturning. He spent many happy hours in his shop at the lathe.

Brenda and the family wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Dan Obedkoff for his exceptional care, kindness, and support for our dear Abe over many years. Also, our sincere thanks and appreciation to the wonderful staff at the Community Care Clinic, the Cancer Centre, and Kelowna General Hospital.

If desired, donations may be made in Abe’s memory to the KGH Foundation, 2268 Pandosy Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 1T2.  www.kghfoundation.com There will be no gathering at this time.

 

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Kelowna General Hospital Foundation Link: www.kghfoundation.com

 


 


Condolences

  • Marie Alberthe Charles says:

    My condolences to the family. It’s not easy to cope with death. We want to live,we want to enjoy life with those we loved . May you find comfort and strength by reading Revelation 21:3,4 ; John 5:28,29.For more information the family can contact me via email bettycharles 21@ggmail.com

  • Peter and Susan Reimer says:

    Brenda and family we are so sorry for your loss. We all have wonderful memories even as children watching Abe touch the lives of others. Always present in the moment and with a warm smile. What we once loved will never leave us.

  • Julia & Tyler Rock says:

    We are so sorry for your loss. Abe was a wonderful man and such a kind personality. We feel lucky to have known him and shared with him his intellect and curiosity. We wish you all well in this difficult time.

  • Diane Alfred says:

    Brenda is my best friend since childhood and I was fortunate enough to get to know Abe over the many happy years he and Brenda spent together. Abe’s generosity of spirit meant I was always welcomed into their home — for so many weekends I cannot count. It was over pitchers of Abe’s incredibly good Margaritas that the three of us would laugh and talk and cry into the wee hours of the night. I came to know Abe’s kindness, intelligence, young heart, creativity and his never failing patience with me. I have profound gratitude to have known a man of such qualities.

  • Beth Reimer-Heck and Barry Heck says:

    Brenda and family, we wish you loving memories of a wonderful man, husband and father. Our thoughts are with you and we will always remember him as an exceptional person who who loved life fully.

  • Don & Pat Kirkey says:

    I am so sad thinking of a world without this gentle man, but so grateful for having known him. I have so many fond memories of working with Brenda at Dorothea Walker in the early 80s and then with Abe at Rose Valley. Abe lead by example and with integrity and grace, but it was his warm smile and ability to make you feel valued and supported regardless of what was happening that made him special. I’ll never forget what a gentleman he was and then how we laughed when I ‘helped’ him turn the font on his first office computer from black on white to white on black resulting in a few tense moments of black on black with me dashing back and forth to the library computer to figure out how to change it back. I’m smiling just thinking about it and I will treasure the many memories forever. You are in my thoughts, Brenda.

  • Rod Odlum says:

    I’m very sorry for your loss, Brenda. I knew Abe as a considerate, kind and thoughtful man who was highly respected as an educator in our district. A mentor to many, his positive influence over so many people over so many years is greatly admired.

  • Alice Gro says:

    I am saddened to hear of the passing of this wonderful man, and feel very grateful that I had the opportunity to work with him at Hudson Road School in the early ’80s, when I first arrived in School Distsrict 23. He was such a welcoming, supportive Principal, who always encouraged creativity and innovation. After we both retired, it was always a delight to meet him in the community, because he was always so warm and friendly. He has touched many lives, and he will live on in my memory. My condolences to you, Brenda, and to his whole family. Alice Gro

  • Janet MacArthur says:

    My sincere condolences on your loss, Brenda. Abe was a fine man whose work establishing the Lupus Support Group touched many lives. He was for me an example of how to live a full life in spite of the challenges of an autoimmune disease. I will always remember his sense of humour and kind spirit.

  • Joey Vecchio says:

    Brenda, I was so saddened to read of Abe’s passing. What a wonderful man! In 1978, as a first year teacher, Abe was my principal. He was so kind, so gentle, so encouraging! I was blessed to have him as my mentor. I hold him with utmost love and respect. He had a profound enriching effect on countless teachers and students. What a legacy. He will be missed by many. God bless him!
    I send hugs and prayers,
    Joey Vecchio

  • Levina Kneller says:

    Dear Brenda,
    I feel profound sadness after reading that Abe has passed away,
    Abe was the back-bone of our Lupus group and he helped me learn to live with my disease. Over many, many years his wonderful smile, his kindness and wide knowledge helped so many of us. Abe will not be forgotten.
    My sincere condolences Brenda along with a great big hug.
    Levina Kneller

    was the back-bone

  • Heather Hawkshaw says:

    Sending condolences to Mr.Hamm’s family and friends. I have fond memories of being in Mr. Hamm’s grade 5 class at Rose Valley. I still remember learning ukulele in his class. A lovely teacher that I remember these many years later.

  • Linda Rhoades says:

    I am so sorry for your loss Brenda.. Healing and loving thoughts to you and your family during such a difficult time.

  • Sandra Mendes says:

    Abe hired me as a primary teacher at Rose Valley Elementary back in 1985. Newly married with a four month old, I appreciated his gentle manner, warmth and patience. I remember the computer carts he made from PVC pipes. He saved the school a bundle with his own labour. I taught in the classroom beside his and remember the ukuleles his intermediate classes played. Abe left Rose Valley to teach in Old Crow. I admired his adventurous spirit. Such a talented and kind man who touched the lives of so many. My condolences to all the family.

  • Monika Smith says:

    Dear Brenda
    My heart felt condolences to you and the family. Abe was my first Principal at Hudson Road when I started working for SD23 in 1979.. We parted ways when he took over Rose Valley Elementary and I remained behind He was the best, so caring and compassionate to the kids and staff. He was a true gentle man. He will be missed by many. God Bless you Mr. Hamm!

  • Debbie Busch says:

    Dear Brenda, and family,
    I am so sorry to hear of Abe’s passing, it was a pleasure to know you both on ole Lambert Avenue! He was a very dear and gentle man, and I hold all memories of Lambert Avenue so very dearly and closely,
    I will always think of us as neighbors.

  • Ann Haymond Hill says:

    It a sad time for you and those close to Abe, Brenda, and I include my sympathies to you all. Abe’s wonderful qualities and talents as a professional educator,as a creative individual and a wonderful and compassionate human will leave you with many warm and comforting memories. While on staff at Hudson Road as a young teacher, I learned so much from Abe and appreciate his patience, encouragement and kindness still, good memories from those days. Abe made a difference in so many lives.

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