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BORN
1969
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Matthew Hamil Obituary
Sept. 23, 1969 - Mar. 27, 2017
Resident of Santa Cruz
"Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those that love with their heart and soul there is no such thing as separation." -Rumi
Matthew Thomas Hamil, 47, of Santa Cruz suffered a major stroke and passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 27, 2017. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones and held most closely by his beloved wife, Hannah Hamil.
Matt was the youngest son of six, born into the Hamil Family on September 23, 1969 in Detroit, Michigan. After the family moved to Santa Cruz in 1978 he attended Bay View Elementary, Mission Hill Junior High and Santa Cruz High School, graduating in 1987. Matt earned an Associate's Degree in Project Management and held a contractor's license.
Matt grew of age immersing himself in the Santa Cruz surfing community. Hambone, Hammy, Hambo, Hammaker, Stabone, or The Bone as he was affectionately called was a prolific surfer, paddle boarder and accomplished waterman. Matt could be seen surfing The Lane, Mitchells', or escaping up the coast to Waddle Reef. He was a founding member of Ghostryders Waterman Club with a love for paddling and the well-deserved post-party.
Matt got his first job in junior high at the iconic West Side Fun Spot. He also worked at Arrow Surf Shop, Ideal Fish Company and Zelda's. He eventually established his own local business, Hamil Tile. During the past several years Matt was a professional for medical device sales.
Matt is survived by his loving wife Hannah Hamil and their Jack Russell Terrier of twelve years – Max Hamil; father Thomas Arthur Hamil (Reilly) mother Carolyn Lee Hamil; brothers Sean Cortland Hamil (Lisa); David Patrick Hamil (Suzanne); sisters Kennon Joan Hamil; Heather Lee Young (Gary) and Bunny Allison Tupper (Tom); five nephews, and three nieces.
Matt was as a devoted husband, dedicated son, sibling, uncle and friend to so many. He was present in the moment to take in the beauty of the ocean and a breath-taking sunset, or laughs among dear friends. Matt always had a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eyes, and a sympathetic ear for anyone who needed it. He was admired by most, loved by all, and will be missed eternally.
To honor Matt there will be a paddle out from Cowell's beach on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 11:00 am. A service and reception will follow at the Dream Inn at 1:00pm. Please leave extra time for offsite parking. To share a memory or condolence with Matt's family please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com.
View the online memorial for Matthew Thomas Hamil
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Hamil
Sponsored by santacruzsentinel.com.
Carl Olivarez
March 28, 2021
Matt's sincerity I will always remember as he unceasingly offered a helping hand. I miss his smile and warm greeting.
CARL Olivarez
March 27, 2019
Matt was one of the most beautiful and gracious people to have known. I miss his warmful greetings!!!
Matt, Max & Hannah
Family and Friends of Matt & Hannah
April 15, 2017
Family & Friends of Matt & Hannah
April 9, 2017
Family & Friends of Matt & Hannah
April 9, 2017
Family & Friends of Matt & Hannah
April 9, 2017
Family & Friends of Matt & Hannah
April 9, 2017
Family & Friends of Matt & Hannah
April 9, 2017
Family & Friends of Matt & Hannah
April 9, 2017
Family & Friends of Matt & Hannah
April 9, 2017
Family & Friends of Matt & Hannah
April 9, 2017
Family & Friends of Matt & Hannah
April 9, 2017
Mary Cabrera
April 9, 2017
My deepest condolences to Matt's Wife and family. I met Matt at WCH and soon found out that we had lots in common. Not only did we attend the same High School, he also went to school with my little brother Cesar Cabrera. Both are now in heaven watching over us and remembering all their great times spent together. I have Matt to thank for all of his professional tips in preparing for an orthopedic procedure and also on how to complete projects I would start at my house. He is in the top ten kind people that I have met in my life time. I will forever continue to make his spicy jelly that he would take to us at Christmas. I sill have his hand written instructions on how to make it. I so wish I could have gone to his services but was in surgery for most of today. Everyone at Watsonville Community Hospital Operating Room also send their condolences.
Irene Sisk
April 8, 2017
I never met Mathew or his family. But my more sincere condolences to his wife, family and friends. God bless he's soul.
Jennifer Kressman
April 8, 2017
My deepest condolences to Hannah and Matt's family. There are not many words for a loss of such a good and kind person to pass away so young. May peace and love carry you through this time of grief and loss. Matt, all our love to you, buddy...I will always remember the many times he came into Westside Surfshop when he worked across the street. We were 14...His big smile, stuffing a wetsuit under his t-shirt and jokingly walking out..He did this all the time. Later years, I spent many weekends driving Matt and Chris, Stewart and Daryll around in my Mazda 323. Good memories and great friends - all brothers to me. We all are left with a hole in our hearts - love and blessings to Hannah and your families.
Carl Olivarez
April 4, 2017
My sincere condolences to all Hamil family members for Matt's early passing. I'll always remember him with his forever smile, never a harsh word to anyone. Matt always made me feel welcomed whenever I was able to experience life moments with him. He will be Greatly missed. God Bless +
Always...
Leslie Lindgren
April 3, 2017
Uncle Tom, Aunt Carolyn, Sean, David, Kennon, Heather, Bunny and Hannah,
Knowing how shocked I was to hear of Matt's passing cannot not even touch the depth you are feeling. I only met Matt a handful of times. I remember when he was born and thinking I wish all of you lived here and not in Detroit so I could meet him and hold a baby. I remember pictures throughout the years then finally getting to meet Matt in late 1979. I took a picture of all of you (and if I ever find it in my boxes of disorganized photos I will share it). This moment stuck with me because you all, my beloved cousins, were finally back in town and now I was leaving - moving to Spokane.
I guess my sharing this is to lay witness to say whether we knew Matt really well or just a bit, he had a profound affect on everyone. Those people (souls) are so rare and what an honor to have him in our family. He will always be with us.
With love,
A Stranger who cares
April 3, 2017
To the Wife, Four-legged Friends, Parents, Family and Friends of Matthew. I never met Mathew or his family, yet would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to all
L W
April 3, 2017
To the family and friends of Matthew please accept my heartfelt sympathy and sincere condolences may you find comfort during this most difficult . Psalms 18:2,6
David Hamil
April 3, 2017
Rest in Peace dear brother Matt. The outpouring of love for you has been amazing, and comforting to all here who's hearts are so broken. I send my deepest condolences to Hannah, Matthew's beloved wife and soul mate. You have been so very strong through this, it is beyond comprehension. A tremendous mahalo also to Hannah and Matt's friends, who have been there for the whole Hamil Family from the minute this tragedy started.
I will miss you forever, brother Matt, and will carry your smile and warm spirit deep in my heart and my memory for eternity.
J Ford
April 3, 2017
Dear Hannah and family,
I am sorry to hear about your loss. As the days pass missing "Matt" will get greater but with the many prayers and thoughts from all will help you get through the difficult days ahead.
May the God who :binds up the brokenhearted" comforts all who mourn and sustain your family.
Isaiah 61:1,2
-with heartfelt sympathy
chris fish
April 2, 2017
I am completely shocked.....I was just an acquaintance and friend from high school...and periodically would run into Matt here and there....I just saw him walking with his wife two weeks ago.....I am so sorry for your loss.....Shocked.....
Leonard and Lynda Martinez & Family
April 2, 2017
Dear Hannah and Hamill Family,
We send our love to you and to Matt's entire family. Learning of Matt's passing was devastating. A beautiful life, a beautiful human being, in thoughts and deeds, taken away much too soon.
We wish to offer our prayers and our sincere condolences to Hannah and to her family and to the Hamill family and to all of Matt's friends and colleagues during this difficult time.
Rudy Rocha
April 1, 2017
HAMBONE LOTS of memories Growing up on the WESTSIDE you were one of brothers that always had my back in the water also lots of surf sessions growing up.I know There is an unreal lineup pumping endlessly see you on the other side Thank you for never judging me and treating me like a brother...I LOVE YOU...ROACH...W/S....
Joan Hamil
April 1, 2017
Just reading Matt's name here is a shock. It is so unreal.
He should be catching waves and spreading sunshine.
Beautiful boy, gone much too soon.
You really left a whole lot of people broken hearted, Matt.
Hannah, family, no words can soften this blow.
Thinking of Matt daily.
Offering my deep felt sympathy for you all.
Loving you forever. Aunt Joan
Karen Wolfe
April 1, 2017
Matt was my littlest cousin. So full of love and laughter, just pure joy to be around.
Surfing the clouds with an incredible view now. Hang loose Matt.
I love you,
Karen (Utterback) Wolfe
Susan & Chris Galjour
March 31, 2017
We were blessed to meet Matt 2 years ago. We knew at the time we met him, that he was a very special person. There are no words to express how sad it is to have someone so wonderful taken way before his time. He was beautiful inside & out. To his family & many friends, our hearts break for all of you for the loss of this wonderful man.
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