Warren B. Hamilton

1925 - 2018

Warren Hamilton passed away at his home in Golden, Colorado on October 26, 2018 at age 93. His primary career was as a research scientist with the US Geological Survey in geologic, and later geophysical branches. He was a geologist known for integrating observed geology and geophysics into planetary-scale syntheses describing the evolution of Earth's crust and mantle. After retirement in 1995, he became a Distinguished Senior Scientist in the Department of Geophysics, Colorado School of Mines where he taught classes through fall of 2017. Warren also taught classes through winter of 2017 with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, and a holder of the Penrose Medal, the highest honor of the Geological Society of America. Warren served in the US Navy from 1943 to 1946, completed a bachelor's degree at UCLA in a Navy training program in 1945, and was a commissioned officer on the aircraft carrier USS Tarawa. After returning to civilian life, he earned an MSc in Geology from USC and a PhD in Geology from UCLA in 1951. Warren was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Alicita Koenig. He is survived by three children, Larry (wife Leslie), Kathy (husband Steve Harhai) and Jim (wife Marjorie Flavin), six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Jefferson Unitarian Church, 14350 West 32nd Avenue, Golden, Colorado 80401. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to the non-profit of your choice in Warren's memory.