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Robert Hamilton Obituary

HAMILTON
Robert H. Hamilton of San Antonio passed away bravely and peacefully "going to see God" on March 16, 2012, at the age of 90. He was born May 27, 1921 in Naugatuck, West Virginia, and was raised in Asheville, NC. Hamilton enlisted in WWII, and served our country as a Frogman in the elite UDT-17 Special Forces unit, which later became the Navy SEALs. He moved to San Antonio in 1946, where he was assistant Chief of Police, and he pioneered the River Boat industry by operating and running canoes up the city's canals. Always a promoter of San Antonio, he rolled out the red carpet in Hamilton-style for countless dignitaries such as Gen. Douglas MacArthur, John Wayne and Pres. Ronald Reagan. He founded Hamilton Swimming Pools and for 35 years built custom pools, such as the pool at the Governor's mansion, across Texas. Hamilton was a very special and unique man who could handle any situation. Known as a master negotiator, he lived and loved his life's work as a meeting planner for large associations which kept him traveling and making friends all over the world. He led an active, eccentric and fully-engaged life - working, traveling, golfing, hunting and dancing until the very end. He is survived by his loving bride of 38 years Loretta, his daughters Debbie Lyn Hamilton of San Antonio and Jennie Lyn Hamilton of Marfa, and step-children Craig Woodford of San Antonio and La Rena Wildemann of Dallas. Robert was proceeded in death by his brother Big John Hamilton and parents Jennie Glenn and Robert C. Hamilton. Memorial service will be held at Trinity Baptist Church, 319 E. Mulberry, on Tues., March 20th at 10am with a military burial at Ft. Sam Houston on Wed. March 28th at 1pm. Online guestbook may be signed at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com. In lieu of flowers the family appreciates donations to the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, FL.

Published by San Antonio Express-News on Mar. 18, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Hamilton

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We miss Bob, the invisible man.

Jim & Lois Lohman

Friend

March 10, 2019

Dear Hamilton Family,

Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved. There are never any right words to express how deeply sad I am for the pain your family is enduring at this difficult time.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, I am sincerely thankful for his valiant service in defense of our rights and freedom.

His commitment to family, friends, our community, and to serving our great nation leaves a wonderful legacy. May the love and the wonderful memories you shared with him help you when you need it most. He will never be forgotten, and your family will be remembered in my prayers.

Senator Leticia Van de Putte

April 25, 2012

Thank you all for the wonderful messages about a wonderful man. He was my night in shinning armor. The only thing that keeps me going is that I know I will see him again with his Lord and Savor.
Until we meet again.
Loretta Hamilton

Loretta Hamilton

April 16, 2012

We should all be this accomplished and living life with such intention. My warmest thoughts and love to the entire family for the loss of such a great man.

Eric Goldstein

April 5, 2012

I never had the luck to meet Jennie Lyn's Dad, but I always knew if I had, I would have liked him. Jennie Lyn always had such wonderful stories about him. No doubt a great loss for San Antonio and all those who knew him. My deepest condolences to Jennie Lyn and the family.-Mira Brockelman, Portland Oregon

March 30, 2012

Fair winds and following seas, shipmate. I have made a remembrance profile for you at togetherweserved.com, member number 580644.

OSC(SW) Berry
Ret. '03

James Berry

March 27, 2012

Loretta, I am so sorry that Bob has passed, if I meet a kinder gentler man going forward, it would be hard to picture. Our office would light up when he would just walk into my office area, he enjoyed "entertaining" our admins! I remember taking him to a Spurs/Sonics playoff game in Seattle several years ago, just a few rows from the court and he was cheering for the Spurs, as he should, but also to get under my skin a bit too. I will miss him very much and will certainly miss the phone calls from "Old Hamilton" just to catch up with me. He's a dear man and a person that I will keep in my heart the rest of my life. My life is better because of Bob Hamilton and having him as a friend

Kim Peterson

March 27, 2012

Jennie Lynn, I'm just now learning of your loss, and my prayers are with you, your family, and your dad's friends. Reading about him, his life, makes me regret not having known him. Such a patriot, accomplished, talented and creative man--what a great life he lived to the fullest, and loved that he "danced up until the end". I hope you'll balance missing him with the blessing of having had him so long, and from reading about his life, you'll have tons of wonderful memories upon which to reflect and cherish. Best regards,
Tex Toler
Marfa

Tex Toler

March 27, 2012

Sending you my deepest sympathies. Men like him were truly the greatest generation!

Dr John Paul Schwartz

March 26, 2012

Dear Jennie Lynn,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult life passage. I am glad to read about your amazing Dad and knowing you see how much sense it makes that you are his daughter. I am also glad that your Dad was with you for so many vibrant years. But I am so sorry for your loss that words cannot assuage now.
Love,
Nina Martin, Paul Hunt, Ian Hunt

Nina Martin

March 24, 2012

Dear Jennie Lyn.
I was saddened to learn of your loss. It is so hard to lose a beloved father. I lost mine 15 years ago and I miss him to this very day. He was my champion. My father was of the same era as yours and shared mutual life experiences during the Great War and old fashioned values that made them great men, We are fortunate to have been their daughters. I mourn for you. Just remember him, his lessons about life and his individual dignity. He will never be gone as long as those who loved him remember his love and life.

Mona Garcia

March 24, 2012

Loretta, We were so saddened to hear of Bob's passing. We have enjoyed both yours and Bob's friendship for so many years that we will always charish the many memories. We are in prayer for you and your family that God will guide you through this time. He will certainly be miss by us all.
Joel, CLaudette, Karen Grayson

Joel Grayson

March 24, 2012

dancing to the end..there is a goal we should all have..what a handsome man! my heart goes out to you and the family

Robert and Valerie Arber (Marfa,Texas)

Robert Arber

March 24, 2012

Sending thoughts and prayers to you Loretta. Buck and Rusty Torstenson are my aunt and uncle and I had the pleasure of meeting both you and Bob through them. My sincere condolences to you and your family during this time of loss.

April Lemieux

March 23, 2012

Loretta, LaRena and family,
Our deepest condolences for your loss of Bob, you have been and will remain in our thoughts and prayers always, love Mark and Christina

Christina Wildemann

March 23, 2012

Loretta and family.
Bob will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was a great person and a true friend. You are all in our prayers. Don and Jan DeBolt

March 23, 2012

Loretta and family,

My most sincere condolences for your loss. Bob was an inspiring member and was so well liked by the Buffalo Hill golfing community. No doubt that we will all miss his positive influence around the clubhouse.

May God Bless all of you during this very difficult time.

Steve Dunfee
General Manager
Buffalo Hill Golf Club
Kalispell, MT

Steve Dunfee

March 23, 2012

Jennie, wishing you and your family love and peace.

carey

March 22, 2012

Bob was truly an inspiration to us all -- he lived life to the fullest...and he always made us smile. We will miss him especially at future ACG meetings, but we'll always have the memories of the good times we shared.

Carol & Jay Popp
Trey, Michael, Ryan, and Jason

March 21, 2012

Dear Loretta and family,
We are so sorry for your loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Mark, Andrea(Beddes), Jared and Marissa Meyer

Andrea Beddes Meyer

March 20, 2012

Loretta, you have been in our thoughts and prayers. What a life he lived! I can close my eyes and see that twinkle in his eyes while at the same time keeping us all in line and on time. We love you very much.
Angel and Elwyn Lyles

Angel Lyles

March 20, 2012

Such beautiful memories of Bob and Loretta over four decades. We will miss a wonderful human being on this planet but know that he will be organizing things in heaven. My love and prayerful support to Loretta

Joseph Kordsmeier

March 20, 2012

Loretta, I'm so sorry for your loss. We think about the two of you often, and wish we could have seen more of you wonderful people.
-Sarah, Trey, and Kyle Griffith

March 20, 2012

Dear Loretta and family, we are thinking of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We will always have special memories of Bob. He will be missed!

Love, The Scott Bare Family!

March 20, 2012

Dear Loretta and family, Eldon and I are greatly saddened to hear of Bobs passing. He was such a character and we admired his passion for life. We enjoyed his stories of his interesting life. Blessings and love to you as Bob rests in the arms of God. Eldon and Polly

March 20, 2012

Loretta--Tudi and I have had the joy of knowing you and Bob from the time you were married and of course at the same time ever since Bob came up to me in NY --he said "I have been told you can help me find God"
That night Bob prayed to claim Jesus Christ as Savior in his hotel room at the NY Hilton-
While you were in Montana praying and Tudi was in Az doing the same!-Our prayer is that Abba Father will surround you with His love during this very difficult time--as He has promised "..we will be with the Lord forever". We have written you an email also--Ted and Tudi Sprague

Ted and Tudi Sprague

March 20, 2012

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Andrea & Hunter Weller

March 19, 2012

Bob was one of a kind. We all loved him and can't help being sad about his passing. However, we are comforted knowing that we have not seen the last of him - “not by a long shot.” We all have the same goal—he just happened to achieve it a little ahead of us. Loretta, please know that when you hurt, we all hurt--- We love you and will continue praying for you and your family. God Bless...

Bobbie, Rhonda & Gary Jones

March 19, 2012

Dear Loretta and Family,
Bob's passing is like losing the "Brother" I never had. Loretta you will remain "Sis" forevermore. Your family became my family as we grew closer over the years. The visits to San Antonio, Kalispell, San Francisco and many stops in between kept bringing us closer in a loving circle. I miss Bob already... but it gives me peace to know he has already organized his first meeting in his new home....a site tour of Heaven !!!
Love Always,

Mike Hartnett

March 19, 2012

Loretta, we were so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless. Gwenn and Criste

March 19, 2012

Dear Loretta, we are so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. You will be in our hearts and prayers.

Tom & Irene Gallagher

March 19, 2012

Loretta, so sorry to hear of Bob's passing, he will be missed by all of his golfing friends here at Buffalo Hill Golf Club. Dave Broeder, PGA Professional

March 19, 2012

Loretta & family,

We send our love and thoughts of the wonderful life you and Bob had together. Bob is a one of a kind and stands alone in what he was able to accomplish. We are proud of you.

Jay & Junell Ashton

March 19, 2012

Loretta,

I am so sorry to hear that Bob has passed. What a great man that he was! I am sorry he is gone but feel privileged to have known him.

Love, Martie

March 19, 2012

Steve Dunfee

March 19, 2012

Dear Precious and Loving Loretta, Shirley and I love you dearly. We know you have suffered a great loss in Bob going home to his Father in Heaven. Bob was a dear friend to us as well and we will definitely miss him. Bob had a wonderful life here on earth. He completed his mission and God has called him home to continue his growth and service to Him in Heaven. We rejoice knowing Bob in now with his Heavenly Father. May God comfort you and give you peace and rest. Love Norm & Shirley

Norman Grimmett

March 19, 2012

Loretta & family,
You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
With much love,
Ellen, Brian, & the boys

"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
Psalm 18:2

Ellen Broom

March 19, 2012

Loretta, our thoughts are with you, Gina and I will both miss Bob alot, he was a very special man.

Richard and Gina Dasen

March 19, 2012

Thoughts and prayers to the entire Hamilton family, during this difficult time.
Tiffany (Frenzel) and Karl Harden

Tiffany Harden

March 19, 2012

Loretta, Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
We will miss Bob greatly.

Love,
Dwyght & Sandy

March 19, 2012

Dear Loretta,
We were privileged to know you and Bob and are sending our loving thoughts to you and your family.
Lois and Larry Brandt

March 19, 2012

My heartfelt condolences to my sweet and wonderful friend Jennie Lyn, her entire family and all those who knew her dear father.
Love and support,
Georgeanne Kalweit

Georgeanne Kalweit

March 19, 2012

Loretta, Dick and I have nothing but great memories of Bob. Lots of them on Buck's boat. We were blessed to know him. Love to you and the family.

Dick & Suze Dasen

March 19, 2012

Dear Loretta,

I was heartbroken to hear of Bob's passing. He was a mentor to me. I will always celebrate the great things Bob showed me throughout the many years I knew him. He was a very caring person.

My prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.

Mark Henry

March 19, 2012

We are so sorry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Much Love, Patrick, Katie, Nicholas & Alexa Torstenson

March 18, 2012

Loretta and Bob were our breakfast buddies at Earl Abel's. There are no words to express our grief and sorrow at Bob's passing. There will be an empty chair at the breakfast table.

Jim and Lois Lohman

March 18, 2012

Loretta and family - We are so saddened about Bob's passing. He was truly inspirational to us and our children. His energy and skills amazed us. The entire ACG family will miss him very much. Please keep in touch. Love, Ann and Larry

Ann & Larry Schiller

March 18, 2012

Mrs Loretta, I love you and Mr Bob so very much. May God comfort you and your precious family during this season in life. My heart is sad and know I will continue to pray for your strength, health and well being.
Sincerely,

Karen Klett

March 18, 2012

Our family will honor the memory of Bob Hamilton's long and amazing life. We are so grateful for his friendship and support for meetings of the American College of Gastroenterology over the years. It is an understatement to say that things at ACG will not be the same without Bob.
Anne-Louise, Michael & Emily Oliphant, Washington, DC (ACG staff)

March 18, 2012

A real long time friend......He will be missed,,,Please know ,,My heart, My prayers and My love are with you at this time of need..May God bless...BRUCE HATHAWAY

March 18, 2012

Dear Loretta & family. Our hearts are broken on the passing of Bob. He was a very special, dear, loving friend and "our buddy". We will miss him so. May God surround you, each and everyone, with His love and mercy. You have our most heartfelt sympathy.

Phyllis & Bill

March 18, 2012

Dear Loretta, Laurie and I were so sorry to learn of Bob's passing. We enjoyed so many good times with you both over the years. He was such a fine man and it was our privilege to know him. You are in our prayers and hearts. Love, John & Laurie McClure (Anaheim, CA)

March 18, 2012

Dear Loretta,

I was very saddened to read of Bob's passing. I will always remember and be grateful for the friendship he shared with my dad, Eric Brendler. They shared many wonderful times together and I can recall many of the stories he passed along through my dad. Bob had an illustrious carrier and was admired by many people including myself. We will hold you and your family up in our prayers.

God Bless,

Rick and Ginger Brendler

March 18, 2012

Loretta and family - may the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Bob was a wonderful man and it was an honor to have known him!! We have all learned so much from being around him and will hold a special place in our hearts for him!

God Bless you and our thoughts and prayers are with you

Kelly Blecke

March 18, 2012

We will miss a great hero and friend.

Steve and Elaine Finch

March 18, 2012

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