EDITOR’S NOTE: Normally, obituaries are not posted to our website but due to the fact The Independent will not be publishing until Jan. 9, we are providing this announcement.

Quietly and peacefully at Bluewater Health-Sarnia, Wilfred “John” Hamilton passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2013 at the age of 81.  Loving husband to Joyce Eilene Hamilton (nee Shannon) for 57 years. Cherished father to Cindy and her husband Stuart Sharp, and Chris and her husband Rob Stokes. Proud Papa of January and Craig Japp, Michael and Rachel Stokes, Jocelyn and Mike Kerrigan, Ryan and Paula Stokes, and Jeffrey Sharp. Great-grandfather to Owen, Grace, Ryder, Kurtis, Fox, Olivia, Ellison and Chael.  John is survived by his sister Wilma Blondin (the late Ted) , and his sister-in-law Mary Jane Brandon (the late Norris), brother-in-law Bert Shannon and his wife Linda, sister-in-law Beth Sayers (the late Jack), and sister-in-law Darlene and her husband Ken Melton, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Wilfred and Mabel Hamilton, his sister Rhea and Lawrence Bateman, Thelma and George McGirr, and brother Elmer and Eva Hamilton. Also predeceased by his mother and father-in-law Stewart and Jessie Shannon. Visitors will be received on Monday, December 30, 2013 from 4-7 p.m. at NEEDHAM-JAY FUNERAL HOME, Petrolia, where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. Interment in Hillsdale Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made by cheque to C.E.E. Hospital Foundation, or the Heart and  Stroke Foundation. Memories, pictures and condolences may be shared online at www.needhamjay.com.