On 4 November 1929, Eleanor Doreen Branton (nee Hamilton) was born to Clarissa Eleanor Calkins Hamilton and Ralph William Hamilton in Vancouver, British Columbia, the first of 3 girls. At a young age she showed musical talent, playing violin and piano and singing. She actively participated in her Baptist church, worked at church camp, and engaged in many church-related activities. It was while working on her Bachelors degree at Northwest Bible College that she met Kenneth. They married in 1952. In 1956 they moved to Berkeley, California, where they both received degrees from Golden Gate Baptist Seminary, returning to B.C. in 1959 in time for the birth of their daughter, Heather. Over the years Doreen continued her church work and passion for bringing innovative educational techniques within the church environment. She loved being with people, especially delighting in getting to know people from different cultures and different parts of the world, working with international students and hosting people from other countries in her home. Doreen’s love of God and desire to follow Jesus intersected with and fueled her eagerness to help people – both spiritually as well as with their physical needs in this life. She was particularly passionate about helping lead her church to sponsor Vietnamese refugees and became “mother” and “grandma” to many, beginning with the Tram family. Life shifted when she and Ken had the opportunity to teach at a Baptist seminary in Zimbabwe, and later in Zambia. Doreen relished the experiences and relationships during their 10+ years in Africa, again eager to make tangible differences in people’s lives. In retirement, they returned to Zimbabwe for a short volunteer period, followed by teaching at a Baptist seminary in Alberta, Canada for 2 years. Doreen continued teaching and being active in her church as well as. The last phase of her life was at Bayview Community where she again enjoyed developing many new relationships – and was still looking for ways to help others. The care, love, and support she received at Bayview undoubtedly contributed to her long, healthy life. Doreen was preceded in death by her husband, Ken. She is survived by her daughter Heather (Jeanne Miller), sisters Merle and Lillian, many loving nieces and nephews, her adopted Tram and Aminpour families, and the many others who called her Mother and Grandmother.

Doreen Hamilton Branton may not be in history books, but countless people’s lives were touched by her life. She is already missed, but her legacy of love and wanting to help others continues to expand.

Well done, good and faithful servant.