Alan and Grace Hamilton

The Alan and Grace Hamilton Memorial Scholarship has been established to honor a pioneering farm couple who resided on a 160 acre irrigated farm in the Sunnyside district, rural Lethbridge, from 1926 to 1945. This family farm currently is operated by 4th generations.

Alan Hamilton was a prominent breeder of purebred Holstein cattle. He spent many hours studying animal husbandry at the Lethbridge Experimental Farm. The knowledge he obtained there assisted him in improving his herd and milk production. His herd garnered many awards and ribbons at the annual Lethbridge Exhibition. He served for many years on the Utility Board of milk producers, working to stabilize milk prices and financial security for dairy farmers. World War 2 interrupted his dairy farm career when his reserve unit was activated in 1941. He fought in Europe from “D-Day” to “V-E Day”, returning home in 1945. He was offered a position as ranch foreman for Cross Brothers A7 Ranch in Nanton, AB. He retired from ranching in 1950, and Alan and Grace purchased a farm in the Nanton area, which they operated until his death in 1966. Grace sold the farm and returned to reside in Lethbridge until her death in 2001.
Alan Hamilton was born in Lethbridge in 1905, the youngest son of William and Mary Hamilton (nee Metheral). His father William Hamilton came to Lethbridge in 1899. An early educator and superintendent of Lethbridge schools for 26 years, Hamilton Junior High school was named to honor him for his contribution to education. He served as president of the Southern Alberta Cooperative Association for 9 years. In 1925 he was appointed Police Magistrate until his retirement in 1936.

Grace Hamilton was born in Lethbridge in 1904, the youngest daughter of Fred and Maude Bennett (nee Monroe). Fred worked on the construction of the C.P.R. rail line linking British Columbia to the rest of Canada. Fred became a conductor for the C.P.R. until he retired to become a butcher for Safeway Markets. Grace moved to the farm when she married Alan. This quiet, frugal, hard working farm lady remained interested in agriculture all her life. Following Alan’s death and the sale of their farm in Nanton, Grace returned to Lethbridge. She put her organizational skills to work at the Lethbridge Tourist and Convention Centre, welcoming tourists to the city and province.