Barry E. Hamilton

Mrs. Hamilton, my condolences to you and your family. Unlike many of my friends here, I had no great talent for art and did not pursue it after high school but found Mr. Hamilton's room a cozy, safe, and encouraging place to explore my own creativity. I am always struck by the odd things I know how to do intuitively because of his instruction and I still find the smell of paint immensely comforting. My home is full of bright colors and lovely things, probably due to his influence. I...

Dear Anne,

I have just now heard of Barry's passing. I was in Barry's art classes from 1984-1988 at Hereford High. Although I was already a drawer before I got into high school, it was Barry who challenged me to experiment with other art media, to think differently about what I was doing, and to seek out Art degrees later on. Today I am a digital media artist, and I can always credit him for inspiring me to keep to that direction. He was one of the few teachers at the time who took...

Dear Anne,

I was very saddened to hear about Barry's passing. My heart goes out to you and your family. From time to time, I think of the mentors in my life, and from the short list Mr. Hamilton is at the top. See, just like Tanner I have difficulty thinking of him apart from the art teacher role though, over the years, the Christmas cards and occasional visits put both of you into the category of dear, old friends.

When I was his student, he inspired me to explore my...

Dear Anne-
I hope this gets to you and isn't lost out in digital space. I am so very sorry to hear about Barry. It took me quite awhile to stop calling him Mr. Hamilton and stick with Barry. Without his inspiration and guidance back in high school I don't know if my life would have ever been the same. He inspired so many young people to pursue art and to see the possibilities when little else was available. I will always remember the rainbow suspenders and his hearty laugh. Also pulling...

Dear Ms Lu, I was saddened to hear about Barry. Just the other day I was talking to my daughter about him. She has artistic talent and we were talking about our art teachers. Barry gave me one of his water color pictures for a graduation present from nursing school in 1974 and it has always hung on a wall in my home. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Dear Chuck, I wanted to express how sorry I was to hear of your father's passing. I have walked this same road, so I know. I pray for peace for you and your mom as you begin this new journey. May God grant you strength and encouragement from your loved ones to uphold you during this time of grief.

Ms Lu, sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of my time at Hereford and the class reunions that you both attended. My youngest son had Barry as an art teacher, probably the last year before he retired. He enjoyed his class immensely. You are in my prayers. Susie Patterson Erickson class of 64

Dear Anne, I just received this terrible news and you know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God loaned us Barry and has called him home. Nothing I can say can ease the pain of your loss I'm sorry. Know I still love you and remember every moment I spent with you both If it hadn't been for you & Barry I'd not be the man I am today May God bless you and keep you safely in his arms Love Michael

Anne,
It is with great sadness that I hear of the passing of your wonderful husband. I have walked in those shoes of grief and it is a powerful journey. The acuteness of grief lessens in time but always will be a part of you now. You are a beloved memory in my bank of memories and were a huge influence on me and I wish you strength and peace as the days go by. Love always.