Ellen Elizabeth Hammer

Ellen Hammer’s love affair with the Shuswap ended when she passed peacefully in early January.  It began when she and Bill bought Canoe Garage (now Canoelagins) in 1958.

Wilfred and Minnie celebrated their daughter’s arrival in the summer of 1935.  She always loved summer.  Within 5 years her beloved brothers Ted and Ron joined the Reddecliff family of Haney BC.  Ellen was a keen student and joined many clubs in school.  There she met Alma Hammer.  They were like twins and Ellen spent many hours with her at Jon and Mary Hammer’s.  It was in their home on Selkirk where she met Bill.  A few of the many cherished stories of Bill and Ellen’s early married life in Canoe include Friday chocolate cake, washing machine explosion and toddlers in toeless socks, a dime for a home run and scoring a goal, quarter for a shut out, square dances, water skiing, making cherished life long friends and dog food sandwiches. 

They moved to Booth subdivision in 1963. Their circle of friends kept growing.  Ellen worked for years and earned much respect at SASCU.  She also worked with her son Steve well into her 80s, absolutely amazing.  She was very active with Royal Purple and was so sorry to have missed this year’s Christmas party. Ellen and Bill RV’d across Canada, through the southern states, and to Alaska.  A new found joy, some of their happiest retirement years were socializing with the RV club and RV travelling with family (especially Jesse and Blaire) or friends.  Ellen loved to travel, she’d been to Jamaica, Hawaii, Mexico and many other vacation destinations. Apple pie and cheddar cheese anyone? Broccoli Salad anyone? how about some fandango? Cynthia wrote, “in her cozy little place we gathered with her, shared life stories and laughed together. She was such a wonderful, strong and smart woman who contributed so much to so many. Precious Lady who will be very missed by our HH group fondly and by so many others.”

Left to cherish her immense loving heart, her laughter and deep thoughtful listening skills are daughter Cheryl and Rudy, son Steve and Melissa, grandson Jesse, Karly, two greats Lily and Izzy, granddaughter Blaire, AJ, two greats Bohdi and Ruthi, step grandson Dalten, Ashlee and their son Waylen. Brother Ron, Sister-in-law Alma and Ron, many nieces, nephews, cousins, foster grandchildren and treasured friends. Light a candle for her, she loved them.  Many relations and friends are welcoming her home most especially husband Bill, son in law John, brother Ted and sisters in law Eleanor and Mavourneen. 

To honour Ellen’s wishes, there will be no formal service, also as per their wishes together Bill and Ellen’s ashes will be spread between their cabins on the Shuswap on their wedding date (July 31).  Join us on the lake.  We invite you to please celebrate her life in your own way.