Eric Werge Hamber was a bank manager and financier. He later became the lieutenant governor of British Columbia.
He lived at 1999 Beach Avenue in 1909.
He also lived briefly at 1901 Barclay Street at some point before 1911.
Family Background and Early Life
Eric Werge Hamber was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on April 21, 1879 (although many sources say that he was born in 1880). His parents were Frederick Edmund Marsh “Eric” Hamber (1853-1913) and Ada G. Jefferson (1853-1917). Frederick Hamber was a teacher of English, mathematics, and music at St. John’s College School in Winnipeg.
Eric attended his father’s school in Winnipeg. He was an accomplished student and an active participant in many sports. He received an honours degree in classics in 1898.
Banking Career
He started work as a clerk with the Dominion Bank. The bank transferred him to Toronto in 1902. He returned to Winnipeg in 1904.
In 1906, he became the manager of a branch of the bank in Calgary, Alberta.
To Vancouver
In 1907, Eric opened the Dominion Bank’s first branch in Vancouver. He became a member of the Vancouver Rowing Club.
By 1908 he was living at 1999 Beach Avenue.
While Eric was in Vancouver, he met Aldyen Irene Hendry, the daughter of John Hendry, a wealthy lumberman who was originally from New Brunswick.
To London, England
In 1910, the bank transferred Eric to London, England, where he opened the bank’s new branch there. He joined the Princess Skating Club in London.
Marriage to Aldyen Irene Hendry
While Aldyen Hendry and her parents were in London for a visit, she and Eric became engaged. They were married on May 14, 1912, at St. Columba’s church in London.
Greencroft
In 1913, the Hambers moved to a house at 3838 Cypress Street in Shaughnessy Heights. The house was almost new: architect Thomas Hooper had designed it for Hugh McLean in 1912.
The Hambers called the house “Greencroft.”
B.C. Mills Timber and Trading Company
In 1913, Eric resigned from the bank and he joined John Hendry’s B.C. Mills Timber and Trading Company. He later became the president and general manager of the company.
When John Hendry died in 1916, he left his businesses to Aldyen and Eric.
Business, Military and Social Life
In Vancouver, Eric was a member of the 72nd Regiment, Seaforth Highlanders of Canada.
In 1915, Eric became a member of a special joint committee that dealt with military hospitals.
After the war, Eric’s businesses were very successful. They included timber, banking, railways and coal developments.
He also acquired the Minnekahda farm property in Coquitlam that had formerly belonged to Harry Leroy Jenkins (who lived at 1846 Nelson Street from 1908 to 1912). Several years later this property became Minnekhada [sic] Provincial Park.
Eric was active in many sports, including sailing, golf, and horse racing.
Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia
From 1936 to 1941, Eric was the lieutenant-governor of British Columbia.
While he and Aldyen were attending the coronation of King George VI in 1937, Eric became a Knight of St. John of Jerusalem.
In 1941 he returned to private life, and William Culham Woodward became the lieutenant-governor.
In 1941, the government of British Columbia named Hamber Provincial Park in Eric’s honour.
Later Life
Eric later became the chancellor of the University of British Columbia. He also became a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George.
Eric died in Vancouver on January 10, 1960. He was buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver.
Aldyen died in Vancouver on October 3, 1988. She was buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver.
Eric and Aldyen did not have any children.
Sources
Frederick Edmund (“Eric”) Marsh Hamber (father of Eric Werge Hamber)
Memorable Manitobans: Frederick Edmund Marsh “Eric” Hamber (1853-1913); http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/hamber_fem.shtml
“Canada Census, 1881,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MV6M-Q3S : 18 November 2014), Eric Hamber, St-Andrews, Lisgar, Manitoba, Canada; citing p. 48; Library and Archives Canada film number C-13283, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 1,375,919.
“Canada Census, 1901,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHKS-YL8 : 13 November 2014), Fredk E. M Hamber, F, Winnipeg (city/cité), Manitoba, Canada; citing p. 8, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.
Manitoba Death Registrations; Registration Number: 1913-007439; Frederick Edmund Marsh Hamber; date of death: February 22, 1913, place of death: Winnipeg; age 59 years.
Ada Jefferson (mother of Eric Werge Hamber)
“Canada Census, 1881,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MV6M-Q33 : 18 November 2014), Ida Hamber in household of Eric Hamber, St-Andrews, Lisgar, Manitoba, Canada; citing p. 48; Library and Archives Canada film number C-13283, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 1,375,919.
“Canada Census, 1901,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHKS-YLD : 13 November 2014), Ada G Hamber in household of Fredk E. M Hamber, F, Winnipeg (city/cité), Manitoba, Canada; citing p. 8, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.
Manitoba Death Registrations; Registration Number: 1917-005106; Ada Hamber; date of death: January 5, 1917; place of death: Winnipeg; age: 64 years.
Eric Werge Hamber
Eric Werge Hamber, in The Lieutenant Governors of British Columbia, by Jenny Clayton; Madeira Park, British Columbia, 2019, pages 140-148; http://www.harbourpublishing.com/title/TheLieutenantGovernorsofBritishColumbia.
Eric Werge Hamber (1879-1960), in The Men at Cary Castle, by S.W. Jackman; Victoria, British Columbia, Morriss Printing Company, 1972, pages 138-146.
Eric Werge Hamber, in They Gave Royal Assent: The Lieutenant Governors of British Columbia, by D.A. McGregor; Vancouver, Mitchell Press Limited, 1967, pages 57-59.
Eric Hamber, Wikipedia article, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Hamber.
Eric W. Hamber – A Man to be Remembered, Vancouver School Board, http://go.vsb.bc.ca/schools/hamber/About/Pages/Eric-W–Hamber.aspx.
Eric Werge Hamber, Who’s Who in Canada, 1928-1929, page 1460.
“Canada Census, 1881,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MV6M-Q3Q : 18 November 2014), Eric Hamber in household of Eric Hamber, St-Andrews, Lisgar, Manitoba, Canada; citing p. 48; Library and Archives Canada film number C-13283, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 1,375,919.
“Canada Census, 1901,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHKS-YL6 : 13 November 2014), Eric W Hamber in household of Fredk E. M Hamber, F, Winnipeg (city/cité), Manitoba, Canada; citing p. 8, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.
Vancouver Province, October 28, 1911, page 4: voters’ list notice: Eric Werge Hamber, of 1901 Barclay Street, was “reported absent from the district.”
“England and Wales Marriage Registration Index, 1837-2005,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:26H4-C1C : 13 December 2014), Eric W Hamber and null, 1912; from “England & Wales Marriages, 1837-2005,” database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing 1912, quarter 2, vol. 1A, p. 900, Chelsea, London, England, General Register Office, Southport, England.
Eric Werge Hamber and Aldyen Irene Hendry, marriage notice, The Times (London), issue 39899, May 15, 1912, page 1: “Hamber:Hendry—On the 14th inst., at St. Columba’s Church, Pont-street, by the Rev. Arch. Fleming, Eric Werge Hamber, son of Mr. and Mrs. Eric Hamber, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Aldyen Irene Hendry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Hendry, of Vancouver, British Columbia.”
“New York Passenger Arrival Lists (Ellis Island), 1892-1924,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JNT9-4ZL : 6 December 2014), Eric W. Hamber, 26 Jan 1913; citing departure port Liverpool, arrival port New York, ship name Campania, NARA microfilm publication T715 and M237 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
1921 Canada Census; Eric W. Hamber [written in census as Edward W. Hamber]; Reference Number: RG 31; Folder Number: 19; Census Place: Point Grey (Municipality), Vancouver South, British Columbia; Page Number: 8; Ancestry.com. 1921 Census of Canada [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2013.
“New York, New York Passenger and Crew Lists, 1909, 1925-1957,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2458-DM6 : 3 October 2015), Eric W Hamber, 1947; citing Immigration, New York City, New York, United States, NARA microfilm publication T715 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
Hamber Provincial Park, Wikipedia article; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamber_Provincial_Park.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLRS-CP5 : 30 September 2015), Eric Werge Hamber, 1960.
“Former Lieut.-Gov. Eric Hamber dies,” Vancouver Province, January 11, 1960, pages 1-2.
“Racing fraternity to miss Eric Hamber,” Vancouver Province, January 11, 1960, page 9.
“B.C. citizens pay tribute; Hamber’s death big loss,” Vancouver Province, January 11, 1960, page 13.
“Eric W. Hamber Dies in 81st Year,” Vancouver Sun, January 11, 1960, pages 1-2.
“Boost for GVRD parks,” Vancouver Province, May 27, 1999, page A8 (refers to Minnekhada Regional Park).
“Shaughnessy mansion at centre of controversy over plan to save it,” by Frances Bula, Vancouver Sun, June 26, 2001, pages B-1 and B-2 (includes photograph of Greencroft, the former house of Eric Hamber).
“Surreal Estate,” National Post, April 16, 2005, page FW7 (includes photograph of Greencroft, the former house of Eric Hamber).
John Henry (father of Aldyen Irene Hendry)
Jamie Morton, “Hendry, John,” in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 14, University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003–, accessed September 28, 2016, http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/hendry_john_14E.html.
John Hendry, Vancouver the Way it Was, by Michael Kluckner; North Vancouver, BC Whitecap Books, 1984, page 110.
John Hendry, Canadian Men and Women of the Time, by Henry James Morgan; Toronto, William Briggs, 1912; pages 525-526; https://archive.org/stream/canadianmenwomen00morguoft#page/525/mode/1up; https://archive.org/stream/canadianmenwomen00morguoft#page/526/mode/1up
John Hendry, British Columbia from the Earliest Times to the Present, volume 4, edited by E. O. S. Scholefield, and Frederic William Howay; Vancouver, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1914, pages 720-725; https://archive.org/stream/britishcolumbiaf04schouoft#page/720/mode/1up; https://archive.org/stream/britishcolumbiaf04schouoft#page/721/mode/1up; https://archive.org/stream/britishcolumbiaf04schouoft#page/723/mode/1up; https://archive.org/stream/britishcolumbiaf04schouoft#page/724/mode/1up; https://archive.org/stream/britishcolumbiaf04schouoft#page/725/mode/1up.
“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932; 1937-1938,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JDZH-P4J : 21 January 2016), John Hendry and Adaline Mcmillan, 21 Feb 1882; citing , British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B11367, Vital Statistics Agency, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,983,524.
“Canada Census, 1901,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHVV-WWC : 13 November 2014), John Hendry, D, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada; citing p. 26, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.
“New York Passenger Arrival Lists (Ellis Island), 1892-1924,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JJLC-YX7 : 6 December 2014), John Hendry, 19 Jul 1911; citing departure port Southampton, arrival port New York, ship name Olympic, NARA microfilm publication T715 and M237 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
“New York Passenger Arrival Lists (Ellis Island), 1892-1924,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JJR3-662 : 6 December 2014), John Hendry, 25 May 1912; citing departure port Liverpool, arrival port New York, ship name Adriatic, NARA microfilm publication T715 and M237 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLKZ-TBW : 30 September 2015), John Hendry, 1916.
“Mr. John Hendry is Dead; Widely Known Lumberman Passed Away Last Night,” Vancouver Province, July 20, 1916, page 15
“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVV5-3P1F : 13 December 2015), John Hendry, 1916; Burial, Vancouver, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, Canada, Mountain View Cemetery; citing record ID 26262390, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=26262390.
Adeline McMillan (mother of Aldyen Irene Hendry)
“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932; 1937-1938,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JDZH-P4X : 21 January 2016), John Hendry and Adaline Mcmillan, 21 Feb 1882; citing , British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B11367, Vital Statistics Agency, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,983,524.
“Canada Census, 1901,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHVV-WWZ : 13 November 2014), Adeline Hendry in household of John Hendry, D, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada; citing p. 26, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FL2R-5FT : 30 September 2015), Adaline Hendry, 1946.
“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVV5-3PPJ : 11 July 2016), Adaline McMillan Hendry, 1946; Burial, Vancouver, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, Canada, Mountain View Cemetery; citing record ID 26262389, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=26262389.
Aldyen Irene Hendry (wife of Eric Werge Hamber)
“Canada Census, 1901,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHVV-WW8 : 13 November 2014), Alden I Hendry in household of John Hendry, D, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada; citing p. 26, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.
“England and Wales Marriage Registration Index, 1837-2005,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:26H4-GH1 : 22 May 2014), Aldyen I Hendry and null, 1912; from “England & Wales Marriages, 1837-2005,” database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing 1912, quarter 2, vol. 1A, p. 900, Chelsea, London, England, General Register Office, Southport, England.
1921 Canada Census; Aldyen I Hamber in household of Eric W. Hamber [indexed as Edward W. Hamber]; Reference Number: RG 31; Folder Number: 19; Census Place: Point Grey (Municipality), Vancouver South, British Columbia; Page Number: 8; Ancestry.com. 1921 Census of Canada [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2013.
“New York, New York Passenger and Crew Lists, 1909, 1925-1957,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2458-DMX : 3 October 2015), Aldyen I Hamber, 1947; citing Immigration, New York City, New York, United States, NARA microfilm publication T715 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
British Columbia Death Registrations; Registration Number: 1988-09-016654; Aldyen Irene Hamber; date of death: October 3, 1988; place of death: Vancouver; age: 103 years; http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/genealogy-images/Phase2/DTH/DTH_1988016654.jpg; medical certificate of death: http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/genealogy-images/Phase2/DTH/DTH_1988016654M.jpg.
“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVV5-3GR3 : 11 July 2016), Aldyen Irene Hendry Hamber, 1988; Burial, Vancouver, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, Canada, Mountain View Cemetery; citing record ID 26368677, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=26368677.
Harold Balleny Hamber (brother of Eric Werge Hamber)
Manitoba Birth Registrations; Registration Number: 1885-004580; Harold Ballemy Hamber; date of birth: December 29, 1883; place of birth: Winnipeg; mother: Ada Georgiana Jefferson.
Manitoba Marriage Registrations; Registration Number: 1912-003289; Harold Bellemy Hamber and Norah Elizabeth Colquhoun; date of marriage: November 6, 1912; place of marriage: Winnipeg.
Canadian Expeditionary Force; Name: Hamber, Harold Balleny; Rank: CPT; Date of Birth: 29/12/1884; 29/12/1885; Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 3968 – 48; Item Number: 443218; http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-world-war/first-world-war-1914-1918-cef/Pages/item.aspx?IdNumber=443218.
“Canadian Aviator Killed at Front,” Vancouver Province, June 26, 1917, page 12 (includes photograph Harold Ballany Hamber).
Canadian Virtual War Memorial, In memory of Captain Harold Balleny Hamber, June 22, 1917; Military Service: Age: 32; Force: Army; Unit: Canadian Army Pay Corps; Additional Information: Born: December 29, 1884 Winnipeg, Manitoba; Enlistment: February 10, 1915 Toronto, Ontario; Son of Eric and Ada Hamber; http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/canadian-virtual-war-memorial/detail/4017180?Harold%20Balleny%20Hamber.
Manitoba Marriage Registrations; Registration Number: 1920-037088; Harold Pratt Johnson and Norah Elizabeth Hamber; date of marriage: June 30, 1920; place of marriage: Winnipeg.
The Winnipeg Tribune, October 5, 1940, page 10; “The engagement is announced in Hamilton of Miss Joy Thompson, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Thompson of Hamilton, Ont., and granddaughter of Major-General, the Hon. S. C. Mewburn, P.C., K.C., C.M.G., to Pilot Officer Eric Colquhoun Hamber, R.C.A.F., only son of Mrs. Norah E. Johnson of Winnipeg, and the late Captain H. B. Hamber. The marriage will take place In Hamilton, October 12.”
“E.W. Hamber Testifies in Divorce Suit,” Vancouver Sun, March 19, 1949, page 2; https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wIBlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_IkNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1520%2C3451501. “New Westminster, March 19.—Former Lieutenant-Governor Hon. Eric W. Hamber appeared in divorce court here Friday to give evidence in a suit involving his nephew. . . . Mr. Hamber gave evidence in the suit of Mrs. Joy Chilton Hamber, 17 Chilton Place, Hamilton, Ont., against Eric Colquehon [sic] Hamber, a nephew of the former lieutenant-governor. The nephew, his namesake, was contesting the divorce. . . . The wife was granted the divorce and given sole custody of two children, and awarded $100 a month alimony and $50 a month for each child. . . . The former lieutenant-governor said he had lost track of his nephew, whom he had cared for since the death of his brother in France in 1917.”
Greencroft: 3838 Cypress Street, Vancouver, British Columbia
Eric Hamber’s Greencroft [3838 Cypress Street, Vancouver, British Columbia]; https://www.vancouverheritagefoundation.org/location/3838-cypress-st-vancouver-bc/. [States that the architect of Greencroft is unknown. However, see Archdeacon Heathcote residence: 3838 Cypress Street, Vancouver City Archives (below), which indicates that Thomas Hooper designed the house for Hugh McLean in 1912.]
Archdeacon Heathcote residence: 3838 Cypress Street; https://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/job-no-326-plans-for-residence-at-3838-cypress-street-vancouver-b-c: File contains two sets of drawings. Townley and Matheson were responsible for alterations to the residence, the addition of a ballroom, in 1927. The original building was designed by architect Thomas Hooper in 1912. The file contains 12 blueprints Hooper titled “Hugh McLean residence, Shaughnessy Heights” which are listed as [Thomas Hooper, Architect] job no. 602. There are 3 drawings in the file by Townley and Matheson related to the 1927 alterations, titled “Proposed additions to residence for Eric Hamber by Townley & Matheson.” The drawings are listed as Townley and Matheson job no. 326.
Note: the entry for Thomas Hooper in Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada, 1800-1950, does not include the residence for Hugh McLean: HOOPER, Thomas (1859-1935); http://dictionaryofarchitectsincanada.org/node/1524.
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