Hamm, Edward (1938-1976)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1977 Jan 7 p. 29

Birth date: 1938 Mar 04

text of obituary:

EDWARD HAMM

The words of Psalm 150, "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord", were a favorite theme of Edward Hamm of Vineland, Ontario, in his work as a choir conductor, singer and organist. In the early morning of December 15 he died of cancer, despite every medical effort and the prayers of his family and Christian friends. They are comforted to know that he lived and died trusting in Jesus as his Saviour.

Ed was born in Leamington, Ontario on March 4, 1938. His early education was received in Leamington and he later attended the Bible school in Kitchener, Ontario and Teacher's College in London. He received his B.A. from Waterloo Lutheran University and the A.R.C.T. from the Royal Conservatory in Toronto. His love of music led to a career in music teaching in Hamilton and for the last seven teaching years at Lakeport Secondary School in St. Catharines; and from 1967 on he led the choir and played organ at the Vineland Mennonite Brethren Church. Singers and musicians, in church and school choirs and ensembles, were inspired by his leadership. He was baptized on the confession of his faith in 1956 and received into the membership of the Mennonite Brethren Church. Church music for him was an occasion for praise.

On August 15, 1959 Ed and Anne Koop were married. God blessed their happy relationship and horne in Vineland with five children. A family man, loved and respected by all, sensitive and blessed with a lively sense of humour, Ed always seemed to have the time and energy to drive any and all of the family to the places they needed to go. He will be greatly missed. That he was well loved in the community was evidenced by the overflow crowd and many floral tributes at the memorial service on December 17 in the Vineland Church. Pastor Isaac Block and Helmut Koop officiated and Ed's choirs from the church and school sang. To all, Ed was a tremendous testimony to God's love and grace throughout his illness.

He was predeceased by both his parents. He leaves to mourn his beloved wife, Anne; his children, Bill, Suzanne, Geoffrey, John and Kathy; five brothers, Cornelius, Rudy, Pete, Jacob and John; and many relatives and friends.