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BORN
1949
DIED
2023
Patrick Hamilton Obituary
August 13, 2023
Patrick Ward Hamilton was born July 17th, 1949 to Patrick L and Neva Wilkerson Hamilton, the second of six children, in Madison, Wisconsin. With strong roots in Oklahoma and Texas, he graduated from Gladewater High School in 1967, lettering in Basketball and Golf. In 1968, Patrick joined the Marine Corps in lieu of the draft. By 19 years of age, he was elevated to sergeant in the elite 1st Force Reconnaissance Company while serving in Vietnam. It was here Pat developed uncanny intuitive skills to protect his squad from danger that would serve him well in later life.
Pat then returned to San Antonio to become a photographer for the Express News while attending San Antonio College where he was editor of the school newspaper. In 1978, he joined the Associated Press as an award-winning photojournalist best known for his coverage of political violence in the Caribbean and Latin America. It was in Nicaragua while covering the Sandinista revolution that he met the love of his life, Sylvia Browne. He joined Reuters as chief photographer in 1985, covering major events around the world before leaving in 1993 to be closer to his family. He joined the McAllen Monitor as photo editor and returned to school to re-invent himself, earning a Master's in English Literature from University of Texas-Pan American. He taught Composition and Rhetoric there and at South Texas College before retiring in San Antonio.
Pat will be remembered as the best father, grandfather, husband and brother. He was a legendary cook and gardener, accomplished artist, scratch golfer, avid fisherman and born-again Christian. His colleagues and students remember him as a calm, inspiring influence who mentored and encouraged the best from them.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Sylvia, sons Patrick and Michael Hamilton, daughter Dr. Alina Hamilton and husband Tim Mangum, three grandchildren Kaylee, Avery and Emery Mangum, and sisters Claire Hays, Susan Johnson, Peggy Hamilton-Houser and brother Robert Hamilton.
Services will be held Tuesday, August 22nd at 9 AM Calvary Chapel Solid Rock 17018 Silverwood Dr 78232 with interment following at 10:45 at Ft Sam Houston National Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Patrick Hamilton
Phil Davison
August 18, 2025
Well, I'm a writer, but I think Tom Paxton described my relationship with Pat best: Google "youtube tom paxton ramblin boy." Pat was a shooter, I was a scribbler. We looked after each other in countless combat zones. Marines don't leave their pals behind. I wasn't a marine (although I spent a lot of time with them in later wars) but I knew Pat would never leave me behind no matter how fierce the gunfire. And he knew I would rather die than leave him behind. I don't really miss you, Pat, 'cos you're with me always. Ofttimes, I communicate with you via Jim, Jack, Johnny or Barbancourt 5-Etoiles. Juntos pa'siempre. xxxx
Phil Davison
February 14, 2025
You'll always be with me, Pat. You saved my life a few times. And, according to you, I probably saved yours. Best pal I ever had. We worked hard, in dangerous places, and, when we'd done the job, we played hard -- not with women, because we loved our wives -- but with Bourbon, Scotch, rum and the odd beer to wash it down. I think of you every day and so, to me, you're still with me. With your lens, and my pen, I know we made a difference. Sleep well -- Phil
Phil Davison
August 14, 2024
Not a day has gone by over the past year, that I haven't thought of my beautiful friend and professional partner. As Dave van Ronk sang: "He was a friend of mine." Phil Davison, London.
Curtis Trial
August 25, 2023
Semper Fidelis Marine, rest in peace.
Sgt.Trial
USMC/Ret.
Gary A Cameron
August 23, 2023
I was a very inexperienced Gringo Washington Post photographer who convinced my editors that I was "the" photographer to cover the elections/civil wars in El Salvador and Guatemala in the spring of 1982. You all know the extent of my Spanish skills; but how hard could it be??
I was in the central square of some village outside of Guatemala City covering an election rally, and all of a sudden, this chain-smoking photographer with Ray-Bans on said: "I've got a car waiting just over there, and when I tap you on the shoulder, it's time to go."
Figuring he knew a WHOLE lot more than I did on my first day in country, I complied, as very quickly all hell broke loose between the leftists and the National Guard. He got me back to Guatemala City, and we exchanged pleasantries on the way. Two Vietnam war veterans (his time in Vietnam was way more brutal and hairy than mine), and later, he introduced me to the ways of photojournalism in Latam and Fleur deCana rum.
Did not see Pat again until that kumbaya Reuters thingy in Naples, Florida that was required attendance, where everyone learned teamwork and was on red teams, green teams, blue teams, etc. Seeing how I was a new hire, I got through one day of that crap, and then Pat came up and tapped me on the shoulder again. "Let's go hit some golf balls, and I know a great ribs place."
I followed him again, and yes, the ribs were incredible (MichelBob's- https://www.michelbobs.com/), and the restaurant also owned a northern Canada fishing lodge!!! (which Herman and I have been to twice) This Hamilton was a good guy to follow.
He was an individual who answered only to himself and his instincts and experience. (That got him through Vietnam alive) He took care of me, and I always appreciated that. Rest in Peace Pat; it was an honor to know you.
Jenny Clark
August 22, 2023
Patrick taught me to be a better photographer during our many trips along the border wall in South Texas. He sold a lens to me for a dollar and lent me a camera, in his words, for life... he was one of a kind... he will be greatly missed .. my condolences to his family...
Phil Davison
August 21, 2023
Hasta pronto, my dearest of friends and colleagues. We sure hit some hard travellin, huh? And you always got us home safe. Best partner I ever had. Scottish Phil.
Tim Chapman
August 20, 2023
Pat was the best photojournalist & colleague to ride with covering wars for 25 yrs & rock solid friend for 43 yrs. He will be missed.
Tim Chapman, Retired Miami Herald Photojournalist
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