Sunday, August 16, 2020
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Bob Miller and I were born only 11 days apart and lived only a half block away from one another one Prince George Avenue on the Central Hamilton Mountain.. It's not surprising that we became early friends, visiting one another's homes and being taken by our mothers to the downtown Hamilton YMCA for one of the first, "Learn to Swim" classes when we were 5 years old. Soon our friendship expanded to include 3 other close neighbourhood chums - Bob & Ron Williams and Bob Bevin. We all attended Quuensdale, Norwood and Hill Park Schools. Many days were spent playing at one another's homes and watching the early Television shows of the 1950s - even colour! The 5 of us could often be found playing at Bruce Park, the Queensdale School playground (ball hockey in the teachers' parking lot), Southam Park and around the edge of the escarpment on the old Strongman Road (near present-day Sam Lawrence Park). Many times the "gang" would hang out on the front steps of Bob's house where his mother would provide us with Freshie & cookies. I remember playing with Bob upstairs in his bedroom which occupied the whole top floor of his house.
By the time we were 9 or 10 we spent part of our Winters on a backyard hockey rink at my house; one that we built together without adult help. Saturday night was special - hockey games under the lights! Our other close friend, Paul Meyers, from Prince George would join us. And, .... the "play by play" was often done by Bob Miller from the backyard tree house. Great times and great memories. Bob's father, "Chick" Miller owned "Miller's Delivery Service". He often took us for a ride during his delivery time. We sat in the back of the van "caretaking'" the parcels. A great way to see and become familiar with Hamilton.
When we got our driver's licenses in the 1960s the 5 of us would often drive up Hwy #6 North to Emerald Lake for an afternoon of swimming and a b.b.q. Bob loved cars/"hot rods" and spent time at Bill's Sunaco (n.e. corner of Brucedale & Upper James) during the 1960s as the guys there prepared their race cars for Saturday night at Speedway Park.
When we left High School I lost touch with Bob and the "gang". However, I was fortunate from time to time to meet him downtown or somewhere on the Mountain. Bob was always happy and glad to see you. He was a funny guy, always upbeat. He had a strong faith which I respected and admired. I know Bob was greatly loved by his family and friends and was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace my friend!
Murray Aikman
