Obituary of Harold Carl Hampel

It is with much sadness that we announce the death of Harold Hampel at Niagara Falls General Hospital on October 26, 2024 at the age of 94, in the loving presence of his family.

 

He was born January 15, 1930 and spent his entire life in the Crystal Beach/Ridgeway area.  Harold who was often referred to in his later years as 'Pa', achieved a legendary status reserved for only the most special people.

 

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Lorraine (Nigh), and his  sons, Craig (Carrie) of St. Catharines and Wayne (Barb) of Ridgeway,

his grandchildren Ryan (Darcy) of Ottawa, Courtney (Stephen) Fortin of St. Catharines, Eric (Sophie) of Newcastle, UK, Blair (Shawn), of Belleville, and 

Drew (Stephanie) of Caledonia and great grandchildren Jolie and Rochelle Fortin and Brodie and Brooks Hampel.  His family meant the world to him.  He was so proud of each one. 

 

He is also survived by his brother-in-law Leroy (Ruth) Nigh and his many Burridge and Nigh nieces and nephews whose company and life adventures he enjoyed sharing.  He was predeceased by his parents, Carl & Bertha Hampel and his sister, Violet (John) Burridge.  

 

Harold held his first job at the age of 8 selling beach chairs at Crystal Beach, then continuing to work at the Crystal Beach Dance Hall throughout his

teenage years.  Aside from working, he spent his youth playing pond hockey, riding his pony and just generally enjoying the company of his large group of friends.

 

Following Grade 13 graduation at Ridgeway High School he attended Hamilton Normal School (now Teacher's College) and earned his Public School Teaching Certificate.   He taught, was Principal, or Associate Principal at S.S. #6 Bertie, Ridgeway Public School,  Battle of Ridgeway School, Mather Public School, Bertie Elementary, Crystal Beach Public School, and Stevensville Public School.  As Principal he ran the school on "Hampel Time",  sometimes allowing a slightly extended recess or lunch hour at which time he would often be seen participating with students in a game of soccer or table tennis or tobogganing.

Harold continued his education, taking night school courses, attending summer school and earning his BA and then Master of Education degree.  He spent several summers working at Fort Erie Race Track and was hired by Conn Smythe to teach English to interested jockeys.  

 

Harold enjoyed sports, especially being a participant.  He enjoyed hockey, skating, playing tennis, badminton, golf, and curling.  He learned to snow ski and water ski when he was in his 40's, continuing to snow ski until he was 80.   Boating was a special pleasure and he spent many happy hours fishing and water skiing.  

While Harold was a well remembered and respected teacher and principal, his true calling was retirement which he lived to the fullest for almost 40 years. Retirement allowed him the opportunity to travel including across Canada by train, attending Olympics, Scotland, house boating with friends, and many other adventures.  But his greatest adventures involved spending quality time with his grandchildren.

 

He was a life long member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church where he was active in Luther League, Men's Club, sang in the church choir, and held many various offices in the church.  Harold delivered Meals on Wheels, drove for the Canadian Cancer Society,  was president of the Bertie Historical Society, ran the 'Rash Move' ski club, and was Commodore and Life Member of the Bertie Boating Club.

 

Throughout his life he remained a lover of ponies, boats, Hamilton Tiger Cats, and whipped cream and more generally 'PLAYN' which he advertised through one of the most honest vanity plates ever stamped.  

 

He led a happy and productive life until hearing and mobility became problems a few years ago.  He bravely coped with these changes in his life.  Harold and Lorraine moved to Willoughby Manor Retirement Home in Chippawa, making this their new home.

Williams Funeral Services 722 Ridge Rd. N. Ridgeway entrusted with arrangements where family and friends will visit on Friday November 1, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.  The funeral service will take place Saturday November 2 at 11:00 am at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 245 Prospect Point Road, Ridgeway. Reception at Bertie Boating Club to follow.

 

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in memory of Harold to St. Luke’s or other charity of your choice.