Roy Hamilton – Handley and Anderson Funeral Services

Date of Funeral

December 17, 2023

18/02/1949 – 07/12/2023
Aged 74.
Youngest son of Robert and Elsie Hamilton
(both dec.) of Wonthaggi,
Roy died after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
He will be remembered for his footy, music, teaching, umpiring, sailing and being
an all-round good guy.
He will be sadly missed by his wife,
family and friends.
A private cremation will be held

Obituary
Condolences

A Celebration of Roy’s life will be held at The Inlet Hotel, Inverloch
on Sunday December 17^th at 11:00am for those who would like to attend.
A Private Cremation will be held.

Condolences(21)

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Greg K says
December 7, 2023 at 9:57 pm

For 45 years you played such a major part in my life Hammy – From teacher, mentor, mate and father figure … I am truly blessed to have had you in my life all these years – and my life would have been so different without your influence with instilling the love and appreciation for music.
My heart goes out to Gaye and the whole family …
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  Gary West says
  December 12, 2023 at 2:56 pm
  
  So sorry to hear of Roy’s passing, condolences to Gaye and family, fond memories of our bass singing in the Choir of opportunity
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Basil says
December 8, 2023 at 6:19 pm

Sad news to hear about a person who was so welcoming and influential to all that had the honour of meeting him, even if it was only once. My deepest condolences to Gaye and the family. Roy was an amazing, passionate and dedicated human. I hope the legacy of the Westgate Concert Band that he has created endures for many more moons in his honour. May he rest in peace.
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Barb Tucker says
December 8, 2023 at 8:59 pm

Thinking of you Gaye & family in the loss of Roy. His love of music & creating joy in peoples lives will always be remembered. The opportunities you gave to so many young musicians will be something I will remember about you Roy. May all your treasured memories help you to cope on into the future. Sending you warm love ❤️& big hugs Barb Tucker (Casey’s mum)
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Brian Smith says
December 9, 2023 at 4:32 am

Thank you for everything you did for us in Westgate, Roy. I echo Greg’s thoughts; you you touched so many lives with positivity, music and friendship. In memory still bright; thank you for everything Roy, and thank you to Gaye for all you did to support him and the band.
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  Jack Stringer says
  December 13, 2023 at 12:58 pm
  
  I taught music with Roy at Sunshine HS in the mid 70s. He was a great teacher (ran rings round me), a good mate, a strong unionist and an all round pleasure to be on staff with. I send my condolences to Gaye and wish her and all his friends the very best over the sad time ahead.
  Jack Stringer.
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Guilio marcolongo says
December 9, 2023 at 6:51 am

I spent many years playing foot ball with one of the greatest all round athlete. Roy you was a fantastic roll model to the ones you taught you will surely be missed by many
My condolences to your family
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Katharine Ware says
December 9, 2023 at 4:22 pm

I feel very fortunate to have known and to be conducted by an amazing man. Thank you for the music Hammy. RIP
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Rod Martin says
December 9, 2023 at 6:59 pm

Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Roy. I know that he was a very clever and talented man. I also know that he married a very clever and talented woman. Together, you must have been a formidable combination.
I suspect that the last few years cannot have been easy for you, Gaye. Now that Roy is at peace, I hope that you can enjoy the remaining years of your retirement in good health and good spirit. Remember the great times you had together.
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Wayne Ward says
December 11, 2023 at 2:13 pm

My sincere condolences to Gaye and family for this huge loss.
Roy was always generous and considerate with his time to all. I know anyone who had the privilege of spending time with Roy will have truly benefited from his warm spirit and passion for music. Thank you Roy, I will always be grateful for the wisdom, gentle guidance and laughs.
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John McQuilton says
December 11, 2023 at 3:58 pm

Like many, this news leaves me deeply saddened. Roy and I were roomies for three years in a hostel for country students studying to become secondary teachers. I have no doubt that at times I irritated him (and he irritated me). But we rubbed along well enough and a friendship grew from that, a friendship that was treasured. Roy clearly had an impact on many people, and he certainly did on me. He became one of the formative influences in my life. When we first met, I thought I was meeting a red-ragger, maybe even a ‘commie’. Roy, naturally, challenged many of the ideas I had and, in so doing, made me rethink the world I thought I lived in. After graduation, there was, of course, no Roy without Gaye. There was something magic there. Life must have had its difficult moments for Gaye during Roy’s illness. This was the journey unexpected. So, on Sunday I’ll be hoisting a glass to both of you and remembering a life well lived.
John McQuilton
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Lynne Peters says
December 11, 2023 at 6:52 pm

Such Fond Memories of such a wonderful time of my life with auditioning as a 13 year old to join the Westgate Youth Band to become the Westgate Concert Band. We can’t thank Hammy and Gaye enough for all they did for us and made the Westgate Concert Band it is with Derrick Humphrey Joan and their family with all the dedication they put in to bring so much joy to us all for so many years and to know it’s still going is a wonderful testimonial to them. So many wonderful memories and Hammy will certainly be missed sending love to Gaye family and all the Westgate Family
Love Lynne & Ian Peters (Potter)
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Jennie Barrera says
December 13, 2023 at 11:41 am

Deepest sympathy to Gaye and family members on the passing of Ray. I only knew him in the last few years but always enjoyed seeing him sing and relish the music. He was known and loved by many as an inspirational man. May he rest in peace.
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Amy Heath says
December 14, 2023 at 3:31 pm

You will always be kind Mr Hamilton to me, the teacher who helped me learn so much and gain confidence, even if it wasn’t in my musical talent – but that didn’t stop you trying to get me into every show and band the school had!

I will never forget us consoling each other while missing the last ever Footscray home game at Whitten Oval because we were away on rehearsal camps. You always put your students and the music first and I know many people over many years will carry precious memories in their hearts and minds forever of how you imparted your knowledge and time generously.

Much love to Gaye and the family, we hope that you all can feel that Roy is at peace now.
From Amy, Luke, Jill and Greg Heath
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Laura Zammit says
December 15, 2023 at 11:56 am

There aren’t enough words to describe how special Roy was to everyone who had the absolute pleasure of knowing him.
I was the luckiest girl to have met Roy in year 7 at Braybrook College in 1998, and to have continued such a beautiful admiration and friendship, like so many others.
The first time Roy tried to get me to sing, I had to stand behind a curtain in the music centre and let out a small voice. Roy heard something in me and gave me endless support, guidance, and care, to give me the confidence to sing in front of people.
He introduced me to the wonderful Westgate Concert Band, where I have had the privilege to continue to sing with.
Roy is the reason why I sing and, will continue to be the reason why I sing.
Love you Roy and, so much love to you Gaye ❤️
Laura xx
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  Greg K says
  December 15, 2023 at 4:13 pm
  
  Hammy ALWAYS thought you were the bees knee’s …. and I mean of a whole hive.
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Gordon and Lynne Barrett says
December 15, 2023 at 2:37 pm

We have such wonderful memories of being with Roy and Gaye – sailing in the Whitsundays with the amazing endless blue sky above and the crystal waters below,. There was usually some live music to pipe us along thanks to Roy on his tiny recorder.
Dinners where we had many, many wonderful meals and shared far ranging conversations and lots of laughter, not to mention lots of good wine. Many band concerts with rip-roaring music which developed into ‘Broadway and Beyond’ – amazing.
Lovely bushwalks together – always room for a bottle of wine in the packs…
We will miss you Roy, and your music, but are glad that you have found peace.
We send lots of love to Roy, Gaye and Ruth and all Roy’s family and friends.
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Daniel Modica says
December 15, 2023 at 8:53 pm

I met Roy when I joined Westgate at 16 years old as an overzealous saxophonist. I had the privilege to play under his direction and then assist him in the leadership of the band for many, many years and the faced the onerous challenge of attempting to fill his role when he retired. He was a mentor and a friend who had a profound impact on me in my formative years. I’m forever grateful to him for his encouragement, guidance, support and mateship. It’s such a wonderful testament to him to see so many people saying the same thing. I hope that he knew the enormity of the legacy he has left. My heartfelt condolences to Gaye and the rest of Roy’s family.
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Steven Jones says
December 16, 2023 at 9:15 pm

So many years in school of working under Roy’s leadership, working next to him as a colleague, being energised by his enthusiasm, dedication and passion. So many music camps and music-drama rehearsal camps at DOXA, some before-school band rehearsals in wintertime (brrr!) as well as countless after-school band rehearsals.
Though individual details tend to merge over time, my lasting memory is of Roy’s ability to organise, lead, inspire and encourage students and staff alike. I learnt a lot from him, not just about music and education but also about people and life.
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Coral Cara says
December 18, 2023 at 7:27 pm

Sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Gaye and family. Have always been in awe of Roy’s talents and abilities. Early on as an educator watching Roy conduct our Primary school musical plays for many years. And later in his singing with our choir. It was so delightful to continue to see Roy’s love of singing and music. To Gaye, you have been inspiring in your love and care of Roy. He will always be fondly remembered.
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Nicole Kirby says
December 21, 2023 at 5:18 pm

My heartfelt condolences to Gaye and all your family. Roy was full of life, positivity and was vibrantly fit when we taught at Braybrook H.S. He was a brilliant music teacher. I feel deeply the sadnesses of the long goodbye you have lived through. Blessings you and to Roy… no doubt there’s celestial music somewhere and he is conducting something wonderful.