Henry "Harry" J. Hamlyn

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Father, Harry Hamlyn, on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

He was predeceased by his beautiful wife, Patricia Hamlyn (Davis), his parents Margaret and Arthur B. Hamlyn, Stepfather Jack Renouf, brother Arthur Hamlyn, sisters Regina Hamlyn, Mary Ewert, Linda Worthman. Mother-in-Law, Hilda Davis Keough (Hubert). Sister-in-Law, Peggy Lewis (Kevin) brothers in law Billy Davis (Jeane), Ray Worthman & Craig Dobbin.

Left to mourn and celebrate his life are his children Chris Hamlyn, Michael Hamlyn (Suzanne), daughter Heather King (John), grandchildren Liam Hamlyn, Keghan Hamlyn, Maghee Hamlyn, Emma Hamlyn, Christopher King and Jane King. Also left to mourn are sisters in law Lorraine Hamlyn (Arthur), Elaine Dobbin (Craig), Maureen Beaton (Cyril), Jeane Davis (Billy), brothers in law Terry Keough (Roberta), David Ewert (Mary), close family friend, Gloria MacDonald, Step Sisters Heather O’Regan, Suzanne Stack and Step Brother Keith Renouf (Michelle) and a large group of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dad was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was fun loving, had a great sense of humor, and had no trouble expressing his opinion. Dad’s love of hockey started at St. Bonaventure Catholic School and progressed all the way through to the Newfoundland Senior Hockey League, winning both the Boyle and Herder Trophies along the way. Not only was Dad the Captain of the St. John’s Capitals, he was also crowned The King of Roller Skates at the old Memorial Stadium. Later, on the move to Holyrood, Dad brought his love of hockey with him as one of the pioneers that brought the Minor Hockey League to Holyrood & Conception Bay Central.

Dad’s greatest achievement was snagging his beautiful wife Patricia. The St. John’s Boys would frequent the Davis Tavern in Holyrood run by the beautiful Davis girls where he became smitten with a certain Patricia Davis. After marrying Patricia, they started their life in St. John’s with dad supporting his growing family as a Shipwright at the Newfoundland Dockyard like his father before him. In 1975 with 3 kids in tow, they gave up the city life and moved to Holyrood where they purchased The Beach Cottage Inn and grew the business into one of Newfoundland’s finest restaurants of the time, winning the Bell Scotch Restaurant of The Year in 1984. With the addition of The Pub, many a fine scoff and a scuff were enjoyed at their famous Newfie Nights. Dad long had an affinity for trains and that culminated with the building of The Station Diner in the style of the old  Holyrood railway station. He was so proud that Heather took over the Diner and continues in the hospitality business like her mother, grandmother and great grandmother before her. Along with The Beach Cottage and The Station Diner, Pat & Harry very much appreciated the support of their many businesses in the area.

Dad’s love of Holyrood and community lead to 28 years of service as a Councilor with The Town of Holyrood. We hear residents thought they were voting for his lovely wife Patricia but either way, he got elected. As any member of Council can attest, Dad always had an opinion and was never shy to share it. Reading from the Town of Holyrood’s post on Dad’s passing, we found these words very fitting -  “…Harry was known for his quick wit and warm sense of humor. He had a way of lightening up a room, offering a well – timed remark or a bit of levity, even during challenging discussions…” Dad’s civic work and love for Church and community continued with membership and service through the Holyrood Parish Council and the Star of the Sea Association where his caring friends provided much appreciated comfort and support after Mom’s passing.

Dad’s love of song and dance would often lead him to the stage, whether that be at The Festival Grounds in Holyrood or a random visit to the Post Office. He would tell anyone who would listen that he spent 57 years trying to teach Mom the words of the song “I’m Just Wild About Harry” but she just never could seem to remember them. His love of music could be proudly heard every Sunday in the Holy Cross Choir or with his choral group friends, The Cloudberries.

We would like to take this time to thank Aunt Elaine and Aunt Lorraine for spending their days with us at St. Clare’s during the busy Holiday Season. We would be remiss not to mention the care and compassion that Dad and our family received from the nurses in ICU and 4 West at St. Clare’s Hospital. A heart felt Thank You for all the phone calls, messages and prayers that we received during Dad’s time in Hospital.

When learning of Dad’s passing a friend put it succinctly, “Holyrood has lost a legend.”  He will be missed greatly.  Please join us in celebrating his remarkable life. 

At Harry's request Cremation has taken place. Resting At Dunphy’s Funeral Home, Holyrood. Visitation will be held on Monday & Tuesday, January 12 & 13 from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 10:30 am with inurnment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Holyrood.               

**For those unable to attend the service will be live streamed with the link available Below.**

Flowers gratefully accepted or if friends so desire, donations in Harry’s memory may be made to Holy Cross Parish, Holyrood.

Dad, the special years will not return when we were all together. But with the love within our hearts, you will walk with us forever. It brings us some peace and comfort to believe that you and Mom are reunited for eternity. We love you both.