Eight Bells: G. Sicotte Hamilton

G. Sicotte Hamilton

G. Sicotte Hamilton, Past President of Canada’s sailing authority, died in Collingwood, ON on September 17, 2024. He was 91 years old.

He grew up in Montreal, attending Lower Canada College and then studying Civil Engineering at McGill University. He met Marilyn Lyon in Montreal in 1958 on a blind date. They were married the next year. His daughter Leslie was born in 1960 followed by his son Gordon in 1964.

A member of the Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club, his love of sailing took him to the world championships in the Netherlands in 1959 where his team won gold for Canada. In the 1970s he became President of the Ontario Sailing Association and the Canadian Yachting Association (now Sail Canada).

He led efforts to establish a youth sailing program at the Couchiching Yacht Club and was on the coaching crew at the Pan Am games. He volunteered at various regattas, making a special point to return to the Canadian Olympic Regatta at Kingston for many years.

Through his life, he also led to establishing a youth sailing program at the Couchiching Yacht Club, volunteered at various regattas, and enjoyed his sailboat the Mount Royal II in Georgia Bay.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn Lyon Hamilton, his sisters Diana Eddy and Audrey Pady, his daughter Leslie Hayes, grandchildren Gregory Hayes, Kate Hayes, Geoffrey Hayes, and Grace Hamilton. He is predeceased by his son, Gordon Hamilton.

A private service will take place at a later date. Until then, community members can read his obituary at https://www.orilliamatters.com/obituaries/hamilton-george-sicotte-9543157.