James Hamaluk

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of James Hamaluk, formerly of Clyde AB, but more recently of Edmonton.

James passed away June 23,2025 at the Sturgeon Hospital in St Albert AB, at the age of 77. He was born to Nick and Katerina (Kate) Hamaluk on February 28 (29th) 1948.

As a boy, James loved fishing, hunting, and driving (without a licence). James spent his summers helping out on the family farm, as his father passed away when he was only 10 years old. Although his father was a farmer, he did his own welding and whet James’s appetite to learn more about it.

James’s, older brother, Roger, was a welder and at age 16 James was officially hired to be Roger’s helper which led to his career as a B Pressure welder and Pipefitter at the age of 21. He enjoyed a lifelong welding career and held a multitude of tickets in specialty welding. He also held a Steamfitter ticket. He was employed at many smaller shops and gained experience and in 1973 he was hired by PCL Industrial in the welding shop. He later became a welding foreman. During his welding career, James mentored many apprentices and helped bring their dreams of becoming certified welders to fruition.

Not only was James an incredible welder, but he also had an eye for the big picture and was a valuable asset to PCL’s welding facility. “He was incredibly creative and could turn concepts into realities. He conceptualized and built many welding positioners and the more complex, specialized welding stations at the Nisku facility. He had a special talent as well, to train and develop welders and pipe fabricators. Beyond that he had a wonderful sense of humour, a passion for continuous improvement and a ‘common-sense’ approach with all the people he worked with.”

James was an avid gardener of vegetables, flowers and berry bushes. He also loved the outdoors especially when hunting and fishing. He also loved to travel to new countries, but especially Mexico where he made many friends.

James is survived by his loving wife Pat and his faithful companion, Missy, a West Highland Terrier, and his sons, Don (Wendy) and Trevor (Deanne). He also leaves his grand children, Michael (Chelsea), Kristina (Scott) and Nickolas and two great-grandsons, Peyton, and Maverick and his great-granddaughter Saylor, his sister, Lillian Sams of Stony Plain and many very close nieces and nephews. He will be sorely missed by many dear friends but especially by two, Gino Senechel and Jimmy Nykipilo.

He was predeceased by his parents, Nick and Kate Hamaluk, his brothers, Roger and George and his sister Jean.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations maybe made to the Alberta Lung Association, The Institute for Wildlife Conservation or the SPCA.