1937 ~ SIMON HAMMEL ~ 2021

Simon Andrew Hammel of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of Emma Hammel, passed away on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at the age of 84 years. Along with Emma, he leaves his two sons and four grandchildren to cherish his memory: Robert (Laureen) Hammel, Braden and Derek; and David (Michelle) Hammel, Eliana and Cadence. He will also be lovingly remembered by his brother Peter (Phyllis) Hammel, sister Mavis (Blaine) Taylor and his numerous nieces and nephews. Simon was predeceased by his parents, Leonard and Anna Hammel; brother, Ray Hammel and sister-in-law Marlene; sister, Anna Fitterer and brother-in-law Tony; sister Mag Fleckenstein and brother-in-law John. Simon grew up on the family farm near Etzikom and left school at age 14 to help his dad farm. In 1963, Simon’s sister Mavis set him up on a blind date with Emma Dietrich. Three years later they were married and settled in Medicine Hat. Simon continued farming in the Etzikom area alongside his brother Ray until suffering a heart attack and stroke in 1982. At that time, Ray and his sons, Len and Lorne, took over farming his land. Simon’s love for farming never wavered, even after his health wouldn’t allow him to actively farm. He continued to check in regularly to see how each season was progressing. Many phone calls would begin with “So what do you know for sure” or “how much rain did you get?”. When it was time for seeding or harvest on Simon’s land, he would ensure that pizza and beer would always arrive at supper time. One of his favourite times was riding in the combine to inspect the crops and progression of the harvest. When Simon was no longer actively farming, his hobby of building things came to life. Over the years he built many special items for Emma, his boys and his grandchildren that will be cherished for years to come. These creations were built with love in his impeccably kept shop and with his self-customized tools that allowed him to work with only one hand. He spent hours sharing his love of carpentry with his grandsons, patiently teaching them how to use the table saw and other power tools. Simon also helped out Emma by making Avon deliveries and became known as the “Avon Man”. He enjoyed his delivery days because they often came with good visits and hot coffee. Above all else though, family was the most important thing to Simon. He was always checking in and rarely forgot a detail that was shared. His regular phone calls will be missed by everyone. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Haven of Rest and Masterpiece for the wonderful care that Simon received. A private family funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church (238 2nd Ave N.E.) on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 with Father Roque Pereira officiating. Interment will take place at a later date. Those who wish to remember Simon with a donation may do so to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Simon Hammel, or you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com and leave a message of condolence.

• Date : 2021-08-10
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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