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Marvin Hamilton Obituary
A service will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday at the Bethel Cultural Center.
Marvin was born Sept. 26, 1955, in Encino, Calif. Marvin moved to Alaska in 1989 and, after receiving his law degree, began working as a public defender in Alaska in 1990. He worked in the Pacific Islands as a public defender from 1992 to 1998, but returned to Alaska as a public defender, working in that position until 2007.
Marvin went on to work for the State of Alaska in the Alaska Court System from 2007 to 2011. Marvin has previously lived in Barrow, Anchorage, Ketchikan and Bethel.
He was a member of the Bethel Lions Club, Bethel Actors Guild, Alaska Bar Association, and was an amateur radio operator. He also served in the Peace Corps in Africa. Marvin loved acting, reading, and softball.
His family said that Marvin was a "devoted husband and father, dedicated his life to helping others. A friend."
Marvin is survived by his wife, Mili Hamilton of Bethel; daughter, Whitney Hamilton of Bethel; son, McKinley Hamilton of Bethel; brother, Bill Hamilton of Plano, Texas; sister, Kathleen Moorman of Greenbrier, Ark.; sister-in-law, Broyline Ligow of Bethel; brother-in-law, Rai Garangmau of Seoul, Korea; nephew, Andrew Sutton of Little Rock, Ark.; niece, Haylee Hamilton, and nephew, Houston Hamilton, both of Plano; and niece, Marcellina Fagaltinmad of Bethel.
Marvin was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Charles Hamilton II; and mother, Donna Lou Hamilton.
Arrangements are with Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel, www.janssenfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marvin Hamilton
Brian Kay
April 10, 2025
Marvin was a terrific Public Defender, Judge and friend. he was a "Mench".
Brian Kay
April 10, 2024
I miss Marvin and our talks. He was my friend. I hope his family is well. he made a difference in the lives of all who knew him. He was a "mensch."
Karen Hoopes
April 8, 2024
I still think of Marvin all the time. I lost a very good friend when he passed. I have never met anyone else like him. God Bless his family. They are in my prayers.
Marv wearing shorts, even on the coldest day!
Kitti Carriker
May 19, 2013
I did not know about this until recently. I am so sad and so sorry. Marv was always a genuine friend, an admirable lawyer, and an excellent writer. His wit brightened many a day when I knew him at Notre Dame, and I looked forward to his Christmas letter every year, filled with humor and wisdom; anecdotes from work and updates on family life. My heart goes out to his dear family and friends. Please accept my sympathy for your loss.
Michael Polacek
May 10, 2011
Lynne, Henry and I were deeply saddened and totally shocked by the news of Marv's sudden departure from us all. It was a sincere pleasure, not to mention a lot of fun, being housemates with Marv oh so many years ago during our law school years and staying in contact with him and his family over time and throughout his many moves. His sense of compassion for others, good nature, wit and intellect will long be remembered. Our thoughts and deepest heartfelt condolences go out to Mili, Whitney, McKinley, Broyline, Marci and the rest of Marv's family, friends and colleagues.
Susie Hayes
April 30, 2011
The world has lost a wonderful, funny, caring person. I'm so glad for the memories of being new to Alaska and having Marvin share in those early Alaska experiences with my family. He was part of our family when our families were so far away. My heart goes out to his family.
Brad Ray
April 22, 2011
I met Marvin while working in the hospital in Yap. We shared a house together. He was very kind to me and we became close friends. Marvin was passionate in his desire to help anyone he felt was vulnerable or in need. I am deeply saddened by his passing. Our family extends our love and support to Mili and his children.
Les Downs
April 22, 2011
Marv: yours was a gigantic, gracious, undeniably old, soul. We must give you back for your next chapter. Eternity's gain is our loss; our less wise, more ephemeral and for now, terrestrial, souls. It seems fitting that you should be called back so early: your spirit needs to somehow become older and wiser. Bless you, Mili, and I am so sorry for your loss. I bet your children are beautiful, bright and brilliant, just like a high octane, perfect blend of you and Marv. Marv is with you, and loves you.
Joe Clough
April 21, 2011
Marv and I faced each other in Yap State Court almost daily for three years, when I was prosecuting and he was defending. He loved his work, and worked as hard as anyone could to defend the rights of his clients. Off the job (was Marvin ever off the job?) Marv was always friendly, positive, enjoying life. Mili, you and your family are in my thoughts. Godspeed.
Marvin teaching at seminar on Chuuk
Bill Sublette
April 20, 2011
Karen Hoopes
April 19, 2011
Marvin was a true friend and a wonderful man. I met Marvin in Barrow, Alaska where together we laughed until we cried. I will never forget going to bingo night together or trying to spend the night in an igloo. I know he was a proud father and husband, and he will definitely be missed by myself and my family.
Bob Diemer
April 19, 2011
I'd known Marv for almost 20 years. When he was the public defender on Yap, I was the PD on Kosrae. I learned a lot from Marv, as a lawyer and a human being. I've never known another lawyer who cared as much for his clients, nor a man who loved his wife and children so much. Each time I spoke with Marv, the years and miles melted away, and I laughed until I was in tears. And each time what I came away with was Marv's humanity: patient, tolerant and always funny. So long esteemed colleague and dear friend. Mili, Whitney and McKinley, please accept our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill Sublette
April 18, 2011
Marvin loved his family and shared stories of them always. He was a great friend that we will miss so very much. Mili, Whitney and McKinley, please accept our deepest sorrow for your loss, but rejoice with us in the great life he had and the many gifts he gave to others. We were with Marv in Micronesia and had the chance to visit him in Ketchikan.
Marv, Whitney and McKinley with Bill Pam and Dylan Sublette Ketchikan 2007
Bill Sublette
April 18, 2011
Brian Kay
April 15, 2011
Marvin was a truly good man, lawyer and judge. He was very intelligent, hard working, compassionate, adventurous and had a wonderful sense of humor. I enjoyed our courtroom sessions together. Marvin was humble and really cared about people. He was devoted to his family. He was a terrific guy. His death is a tragic loss to his family, friends and all the YK community.
Mardy Hanson
April 14, 2011
Judge Hamilton, thank you for your efforts and public service. Your compassion, encouragement and positive recommendation to those who entered your court chambers knowing that families should make the right choices that will help reunite or stay together as families. Thank you for your support to our local Tribal programs. May all those who entered your chambers take to heart your effort and do what is right especially for the children. God bless the Hamilton family, relatives, friends and co-workers. May the Holy Spirit provide comfort, peace and strength. We all mourn his passing and he is already missed.
Patty Langman
April 14, 2011
I was an on-call secretary in the Public Defenders' Office from Fall of 2006 until May 2007. Marv was SUCH a nice guy, and I am really going to miss him...a mellower person you'll ever meet; kind. My condolences to Milli, Whitney, McKinley and the family. Mill, I never did get to meet you in person, but I knew your kids a little bit when they hung out in the office. Marv, may you rest in peace!
Bethel Court Employees Aug 2007
Scott Rankin
April 14, 2011
Christina and I met Marvin when we worked for the Bethel Court 2002-2003. He was a PD at that time and I enjoyed his smile and jokes. It was especially fun sometimes to see he and Brian Kay sparring in the courtroom. When we left Bethel, Mili was a great help getting our Alaska Airlines flight straightened out. Since leaving Bethel we have kept in touch with Marv and other Bethel friends through court system conferences, calls and email. It was such a shock to hear of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mili, Whitney and McKinley especially during this time. As well as all the many friends and colleagues that are also missing him. Take care knowing that he made such a big impact on so many people and places in such a short lifetime. He truly was a great man.
Gregg Olson
April 14, 2011
Mili, Whitney and McKinley, I'm so sorry for your loss. Marvin was a gem of a guy and someone I considered a close friend. We'd met in August of 1988 and had maintained our friendship since then.
Mili, if you need anything, please contact us.
Gregg, Betty and Alex
Bill VanderHyde
April 14, 2011
Marv and I spent a month in American and Western Samoa in 1985 traveling with friends- while I only had sporadic contact with him since then, he has always been one of the bright spots in my memory. I could never forget his great sense of humor, smile and kindness. I wish Mili, Whitney and McKinley all the best. You are in my thoughts.
Marshall & Bonnie Johnson
April 13, 2011
Marvin has been our friend since 1989 when he first arrived in Alaska & worked for Court of Appeals Judge Robert G. Coats as law clerk. We enjoyed his zest for life, humor and friendship ever since. To Mili, Whitney and McKinley: we wish you peace. Marvin will live on in our hearts too.
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