GUELPH — When it came to automotive mechanical knowledge, the Hamilton brothers were legend in Guelph, and known around the world in Volvo aficionado circles.

Jim and Bill Hamilton ran Hamilton's Corner Garage on the intersection of Arkell and Gordon roads for several decades. It was on a patch of land that had been in their lineage dating back to the 1830s.

Bill, the oldest, passed away three years ago at the age of 84. Jim died peacefully Monday at the age of 80, after a brief illness.

"It's a huge loss for our family," said Jim's daughter Carolyn Hamilton. "He was a great dad. He couldn't do enough for his kids and his family and extended family. My dad did business with grace, and he was a real gentleman. He was very willing to help people."

James Thomas Hamilton, the father of four, was noted for his ethical business practices, a love of work, and an unfailing love and appreciation for family. He was a quiet, thoughtful and principled man, one who didn't insist on having his own opinions heard, and who had a deep and contemplative nature, his daughter said.

The commercial property at Arkell Road and Gordon Street has seen many business incarnations over the years — as a tavern, lawn and garden supply shop, restaurant, and finally as a service station and garage. Since the mid-1970s, the Hamiltons operated it as a mechanic shop dedicated primarily to Volvos.

In booming south end Guelph, the lot full of Volvos from different eras and in various states of repair, polish or disassembly stood out in the midst of encroaching apartment buildings and subdivisions.

Anyone in southern Ontario, and even some customers around the world, seeking Volvo know-how turned to Hamilton's Corner Garage for mechanical expertise and parts. There was always a good supply of junkers on the lot fit for parting out to classic Volvo owners known for wrenching on their own vehicles.

After his brother died in September 2012, Jim vowed to keep the business going, and that is what he did. Until quite recently he worked in a shop that has a certain old-world grease-and-grim charm to it — its customer service and office area overrun with a clutter of parts and papers.

The Hamilton brothers ran their automotive business in an old-fashioned way, Carolyn said.