Sir Patrick Hamill

Pat Hamill was, at heart, a family man. He was never happier than when he was with his wife, Nell, and his five children, of whom he was justifiably proud. His early life marked him out as a man of total dedication and service. He was destined for high office having joined Dunbartonshire Constabulary in 1950, and progressed through the ranks till he was promoted to chief superintendent after 20 years of outstanding service. This formed him as a man who knew at first hand the stresses and strains at all levels in the police force. He also knew of the detailed pressures of high command, having attended prestigious international training courses for police through the Royal College of Defence Studies. He was called upon to use this experience and these gifts in the service of others. Much of this had to be carried in the soul of a private man who knew his responsibilities and carried them out

with style and honour.

Unstinting in his dedication to the formation of a better society, his public profiles as Scotland's highest-ranking police officer thrust him into the public eye with conspicuous visibility which sometimes challenged him. He was essentially a private man, and a man of the highest ethical principles inspired by service for others.

It would be difficult to summarise the immense work he did for the police service in Strathclyde, and in Scotland, and beyond these shores. He brought to the office of Chief Constable dignity, humanity, integrity, and total service. He was a leader, and not just a manager of this vital social service. He never lost sight of the reality that the police force was a social service dedicated to the common good.

His contribution to society did not end with the onerous responsibility of leading the largest police force in the country. He also served the communities of which he was part by personal service to people of all ages. He had a particular care for the more vulnerable in society.

He served schools through his work on the board of governors of St Aloysius' College, Glasgow, and acted as vice-chairman of that board. He was also a member of the board of governors of the national college for the education of teachers, St Andrew's College, from 1987-88. He was proud to support educational initiatives which helped all young people, because, indeed, he was a family man, and showed this by his actions.

He chaired the management board of St Margaret's Hospice in Clydebank, dedicating himself totally in that work. He was the moving force behind the education centre in the hospice which deals with palliative care, and this is a fitting tribute to his memory.

His Catholic upbringing and background were always close to Pat's way of life and his actions. Paul, his son, is a priest of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and, while always reflective of the practices of the Church, he was an active member of his parish church of St Andrew's in Bearsden.

He considered it an enormous privilege when he was able to bring together many of these interests of his life through the outstanding organisation of the Pope John Paul II's visit to Scotland, and particularly to Glasgow, in 1982. This was a masterpiece of organisation of policing in perhaps the most sensitive visit to Glasgow in living memory. Those who participated in the events of the day would be aware of how meticulous the planning was, and this was largely due to Sir Patrick's personal involvement and attention to detail. Nothing was left to chance - especially the goodwill shown by all police officers on a memorable day. This was among his finest hours, and it created lasting memories not only for him, but for so many of the Glaswegians whom he wished to serve in this way.

In his retirement he enjoyed nothing more than his brisk walking. This passion for the outdoors made him a kenspeckle figure in the Bearsden and Milngavie area and a man much loved throughout his community - a remarkable achievement for a chief constable!

Pat also enjoyed learning for its own sake. He was a lifelong learner, reading history and a wide variety of books. He claimed golf among his recreations, and his partners would emphasise that his attachment to golf was more for the walk than for the score!

Sir Pat Hamill will be remembered as a chief constable of great stature. More than that, he will be remembered for his humanitarian work, and his support for those less advantaged. He was, in short, a man for others.

He is survived by his wife Nell, one daughter, and four sons.

Bart McGettrick