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Hamilton Scharff Obituary
Hamilton (Ham) C. Scharff, 93, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2020 in Delaware, Ohio. Formerly of Portage and Kalamazoo, Ham relocated to Delaware in 2019 to be closer to his son Kenton and his family. Born in Chicago on May 28, 1926, Ham was a World War II veteran and retired from The Upjohn Company. A favorite pastime was coaching his son Kent in a variety of sports, but especially soccer, where he is credited with bringing organized soccer to Portage and served as the first coach of Portage Central High School's club soccer team. An active member of the United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo until he moved to Ohio, Ham also served on the Board of Directors of Heritage Community of Kalamazoo for many years. A larger than life presence (both literally and figuratively) he will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Ham was preceded in death by his beloved Alice (Grant-Watters), his parents Walter and Mildred, his brother Walt and sister-in-law Myra, and his brother-in-law Colin Grant-Watters and sister-in-law Donna Grant-Watters. He is survived by his son Kenton (Maureen), his grandchildren Samuel, Felipe and Elena, his nephews Gary Scharff and Steve Grant-Watters, and niece Patricia Miller.
A memorial service and celebration of Ham's life will be held in Kalamazoo later this year.
Please visit Ham's personalized online guestbook at https://www.langelands.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Hamilton Scharff
Jim Bischoff
May 12, 2023
Hi Ham, I think of you often and all the things we did together at work. May you always rest in peace.
Jim Bischoff
April 28, 2021
I have thought about you many times this past year Ham. I have fond memories of working with you at Upjohn Healthcare all those years. The many laughs we shared and all the unselfish help and guidance you gave me. You were indeed a pleasure to be with through the many times and incidences we had together. I always revered having to "look up" to you! Kent is a fortunate man to have had a father so dedicated to his wellbeing and a successful future. May God rest your eternal soul.
James Vander Slik
June 30, 2020
Ham was my first boss with Upjohn-Homemakers, and good friend. We had.many great times when he came to Tampa to spend time in my territory. Thankfully I had breakfast with him during the past few years. He loved his family, was a joy to know and I will miss him.
Jim Bischoff
May 12, 2020
Ham was a highly regarded & respected friend & coworker. He was fun & enjoyable to be with. He was a kind, caring & loving husband. He was very proud & supportive of Kent. God bless you, Ham, you'll long be remembered.
John Gisler
May 10, 2020
Ham was the founder and social chairman of the Distinguished Gentlemens Club. We met for lunch at the Beacon Club and were able to solve all the worlds problems during our monthly sessions. One the most intelligent, erudite and humor-filled men Ive known. Ham will be deeply missed.
Jon Hill
May 10, 2020
Ham was a long-time friend and a remarkably fine person. Many of us enjoyed his good company and unfailing humor, much of which was on display on the tennis court. He will be well-remembered and missed by many. Rest well, old Friend.
David Court
May 7, 2020
Ham was one of my favorite mentors when I joined Upjohn in 1980. Not only were his business insights helpful but his compassion and views on life were very valuable. Although it had been many years since I saw Ham I will always treasure our times together at Upjohn. Thank you My friend. David Court Atlanta
Donald McCreery
May 6, 2020
Ham and his family were great neighbors here at Austin Lake. So sorry for your loss Kent.
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