Elmer Lee Hamby

E. Lee Hamby, as he preferred to be known, passed away January 2, 2007, just weeks shy of his 81st birthday. He was born in Georgetown, Indiana, spent most of his childhood on his family's cantaloupe, sugar beet and alfalfa farm in Rocky Ford, CO, graduating from Manzanola High School in 1944. He immediately enlisted in the Navy, where he served his country in the Pacific for the duration of World War II. Although encouraged to attend officers' training school in Idaho, he instead traveled around the Rocky Mountain region, working at times as a truck driver in Utah, as a miner at the Climax Mine in Leadville, CO, and at the Gates Rubber Company in Denver. Through the G.I. Bill he was able to enroll at the University of Denver, earning a bachelor's of political science degree, and in 1955, a degree in law. He practiced as a defense attorney in downtown Denver until 1978, when he was appointed a magistrate of the Denver Juvenile Court. He occupied this position with distinction until his retirement in 1997. He was active in the Denver Democratic party, the Colorado and Denver Bar Associations, the American Friends Service Committee, and the Thai community through the Wat Buddhawararam of Denver. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirlee in 1982. He is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Kelly, of Denver, his sisters, Ione Bergren and Mary Marcilla, both of Albuquerque, NM, and his loving companion, Kathe Kelley, of Denver. In accordance with his wishes, he was cremated at Fairmount Mortuary. A celebration of his life will be held January 27, time and location pending. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Hamby's name to Manzanola School/Public Library, Att: Sarah Lester, P.O.Box 205, Manzanola, CO 81058 or Wat Buddhawararam of Denver, 4801 Julian St., Denver, CO 80221.