Dr. O.W. "Bud" Hampton

1928 - 2017

Dr. O.W. (Bud) Hampton began his life journey in 1928 at 662 Columbine, Denver, Colorado.He passed on in the evening of November 27, 2017, at home with his wife of 67 years, Fleur, by his side. Bud's career began on a bicycle delivering newspapers. He created a Christmas wreath business, sold it, and attended Taft Prep High School in Connecticut on a full scholarship. He went on to graduate from CU Boulder with an MA in both Geology and Business. Bud was an officer in the Marine Corps, stationed at Quantico, Virginia and Camp LeJeune, North Carolina during the Korean conflict. Upon Bud's discharge, he had attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.In 1950, Bud married the love of his life, Fleur, and together they set off to share an extraordinary life of adventures and experiences in other countries and cultures. The couple were joined by their three children- Deedee, Win, and Holly. Bud cared deeply for nature. He was an avid outdoorsman and mountaineer. He enjoyed technical rock climbing, fly fishing, photography, scientific research, and exploration. He began running marathons at the age of 50. The Frost Giant was one of his favorite events. Bud lived life to the fullest. He would hike up to the Boulder Field, Flattop Mountain, or Gunung Agung in Bali and, at dark, crawl into a sleeping bag to be there to catch the first light of dawn. He also slept out on his deck and, in the wee hours, shared his yodeling with the neighbors during the Perseid meteor shower. Professionally, Bud worked for Standard of Indiana and, like many geologists, was transferred frequently. Over a 13 year span, Bud and his family lived in Phoenix, Boulder, Denver, Billings, Casper, Tulsa, and New Orleans- which was their jumping off place to an international career which began in Luanda, Angola, Africa. When the civil war there became too intense, the family was relocated to Tokyo, Japan where they lived for four years. During this time, in 1975, Bud and Fleur acquired their cabin in Estes Park. This became the family's home base in the U.S.A. From Tokyo, they moved to Houston and, then, to Jakarta, Indonesia where Bud was President of Amoco Indonesia in the Far East. During their four year stay in Indonesia, Bud and Fleur went trekking into the Highlands of Western New Guinea (then called Irian Jaya). This is where Bud became intrigued by the Dani tribe's use of only stone tools and, as a geologist, he wondered where the stone quarries were located and how the Dani knew the hardness of the different stones. At this time, he made the decision to retire from Amoco and search for the Dani quarry sites. He did discover five quarry sites and, with samples he obtained, he had confirmed by the CU geology department what the quarry men innately sensed for choosing the right stone for the right tool. Science confirmed the Dani method of holding a finger beside the nostril, while holding the sample rock, when choosing the correct stone. This epitomizes Bud's passion for scientific research and his curiosity and respect for other cultures' intuition and traditions. After approximately 10 years of exploration and study, both in the field and from home, Bud's colleagues urged him to share his research. He realized he needed credentials to present his findings to his peers and entered school at Texas A & M University, where he graduated at the age of 69, with a PhD in Anthropology. His research culminated with the book he wrote called "Culture of Stone". Bud's love for the outdoors and rocks also led him to search for and photograph Rock Art- ancient petroglyphs and pictographs. He traveled, often remotely, throughout the American Southwest, Northern and Baja, Mexico, India, Siberia, and Australia. Bud and Fleur both belonged to the American Rock Art Research Association where he presented some of his materials. Bud became a lifetime member of the International Explorers Club and carried their flag on several expeditions throughout the world. His local community was just as important to him and he is recognized for his outstanding commitment, leadership, hard work, and personal contribution toward preservation of the Knoll-Willows in Estes Park, for the perpetual enjoyment of present and future generations. Bud's family, including his wife, Fleur, their three children, eleven grandchildren and four great-grandsons, whom lovingly know him as "Kipa", invite you all to join us at a Celebration of Bud's life on December 30 at 1:00 PM at the Historic Crags Lodge (300 Riverside)(car pooling suggested) in Estes Park, CO. We would like to extend our gratitude to each of you who have touched Bud's life and he wants to remind you to "always carry a headlamp, compass, water, and sunscreen." "Like all explorers, we are drawn to discover what's waiting out there without knowing yet if we have the courage to face it." Pema Chodron In lieu of flowers Fleur asks you to consider a donation to Crossroads Ministry's or the Estes Park library in care of Allnutt Funeral Service 1302 Graves Ave. Estes Park, CO 80517. Please visit www.allnutt.com to leave a message for Fleur and family.