Obituary - Richard Lee 'Dick' Hamilton

Richard Lee Hamilton, 88 went to join his beloved wife, Florence, in Heaven November 1, 2022. Richard "Dick" passed peacefully at Sweet Memorial Nursing Home.

Dick was born December 8, 1933, to Lyle and Lillian (Miller) Hamilton Nace in Havre, MT. He grew up in Hogeland, MT, for the most part. His dad worked in a few different location so Dick attended school in a variety of places. He graduated from Hogeland High School in 1951. After graduation, he began farming in Hogeland.

August 9, 1953, Dick married his high school sweetheart, Florence Beck. Together they had four children, Doug, Dixie, Danny and Denita. After their marriage they lived in Havre, MT, and farmed with an uncle.

In 1954, Dick joined the Army. Later that year, Florence and baby Doug joined him while he was stationed at Fort Hood in Killeen, TX, and later at Fort Polk in Leesville, LA.

After two years in the Army they returned back to Havre where he worked for four years as a parts manager with Nordling & Fisher. In 1960, they moved back to Hogeland, where they lived and farmed until September of 2005. At that time they retired to a condo in Great Falls, MT.

Dick lost his beloved wife in 2011 to cancer. He suffered from a stroke in 2013, but luckily was still able to live on his own. In November of 2015, he moved to Timbercreek Village in Havre, an assisted living home. He lived there until COVID hit him, causing a move to Sweet Memorial Nursing Home in Chinook in January 2021. He remained there until his death.

Dick and Florence loved to travel! They traveled to many U.S, destinations as well as England, Mexico and various other countries on cruises. They enjoyed traveling each winter with different close friends and family. Dick reminisced often about those adventures and the many wonderful memories they provided. Camping, fishing and snowmobiling were favorite pastimes. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed making woodworking projects. Dick and Florence loved hosting many family gathering throughout the years and entertaining friends at their home. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

During his many years living in Hogeland, Dick was involved in several areas of the community. He was a member of the American Lutheran Church and American Legion. He was a director on the PCA board and served on both Hogeland and Turner school boards. Over the years he farmed many acres of land through leases and ownership. Dick took great pride in his relationships with his various landlords. He felt it was very important to be a good steward of the land.

Dick is survived by his four children, Douglas (Fran) Hamilton of Hogeland, MT, and Yuma, AZ, Dixie (Mike) Teague of Turner, MT and Yuma, AZ, Danny Hamilton and granddaughter, Lexi, of Gardena, CA, Denita (Steve) Humphreys of Hogeland; grandsons, Levi, Tyler and Shay, great-grandchildren, Harper and Jonah Humphreys; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence; his parents, Lyle Hamilton, Lillian Hamilton Nace and step-father, Clarence Nace; infant brother, Bobby, and most recently this year, his special sister, Shirley Erickson.

Memorials in Richard's name may be given to Hogeland Lutheran Church, Sweet Memorial Nursing Home or the charity of your choice.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Wilderness Funeral Home in Chinook, MT. A Memorial Service will be held December 10th at 11 a.m. Hogeland Lutheran Church with a luncheon to follow. The family will hold a private burial at a later date at the Silver Bow Cemetery in Hogeland.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Sweet Memorial Nursing Home for taking such good care of "Dad."

"A father is a son's first best friend and a daughter's first love."

Dad, we will miss you and love you forever!