Leonard Franklin HAMILTON

1936 - 2021

BORN

1936

DIED

2021

Leonard HAMILTON Obituary

Leonard Franklin Hamilton was born March 22, 1936, in Little Fork, MN. He was one of nine children and the doll his mother promised his older sister. On November 14, 2021, as requested, he passed at home with his family around him of Covid related illness. He married Ruth Louise Best in 1956 in Coeur d'Alene. He then transferred from the Great Northern RR in Whitefish, Mt to Spokane WA. He retired after 43 years of working on the Great Northern RR which merged into the Burlington Santa Fe Railroad in 1970. In 1966 he graduated from Spokane Community College and received an Associate's Degree in drafting. This helped him put his ideas on paper. Metal fabrication was his big interest. He worked on the Alaska pipeline in 1975 and 1976, started Three Bears Trucking in Alaska 1980-1986. In 1985 he started Turbo Burn, Inc. an alternative heating system. From 2003 to the present he had LRH LLC, a fabrication business. He was very social and loved people. His family did not have to push him but run after him. At times it was a rocky road, but we stuck together and came out smelling like a rose. He wanted to give his family what he did not have growing up. We love you, Mr. Hamilton.

He is survived by his wife Ruth and six children; Paul Hamilton, Gwen Groothoff (Kenny), Nancy Hamilton Fioravante, Melany Sheikh (Athar), Dwight & Laura Hamilton (twins), and his sister Sandra Kay Lloy in Maui Hawaii, ten grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He proudly donated his body to science to continue his legacy of teaching. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to support the Willed Body Program. Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, RE: Leonard Hamilton, Attn: Advancement Office SAC 503C, 412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd. Spokane, WA 99202.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review on Jan. 9, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Leonard HAMILTON

5 Entries

Dan Bailey

January 12, 2022

This man since I was a young boy was a great part of my life, having lived in Dogtown with my family next to Esmeralda golf course, I would stop by and see Paul and get a chance to talk to Leonard sometimes. My father and Leonard were a lot alike in many ways, a custom fabricator, car and truck builder, painter, welder, always willing to help you solve a problem if you were stuck on a project and needed help, worked on the railroad at Western fruit Express North of the Francis bridge. Leonard was all of that and also good friends with my father as well. They're probably up in heaven right now working on a project together, these guys I will always look up to because they were the last of a very tuff breed of man and always had a kind word to say to you. I don't know how life unfolds but I had a feeling to stop over and see both of them, ironically it would be the day before he passed. A very nice talk man to a great man at his kitchen table, not unlike my father at our table. To the family, I would just say you guys didn't miss out on anything in life. Yes, sadly, he is gone now, but he will always be in your hearts, You have got your mom so godspeed. Your friend for life and beyond- Viva La Dogtown!!!

Love from Dan Bailey, an old Dogtown friend!!!

Lisa McKay-Sweeney

January 11, 2022

My condolences to the Hamilton Family. My family, The McKays lived right down the road. Their children were our closest friends as we grew up. Lots of stories and fun times with the Hamiltons. We continue to be connected and good friends into our adulthood. They are like family to us and we love the Hamiltons. Leonard cherished a picture I drew of him when I was a child, of him riding a snowmobile over the hills with his beard flying in the wind. (He used to give us rides on his snowmobile when I was a kid). He framed that picture I drew for him and kept it in him and Ruth's room his whole life. That meant a lot to me. He was a great man and will be missed by so many people. We just lost our Dad in September from Covid related illness and we are all numb from grief. Keeping Ruth and the Hamilton children close in my thoughts and prayers, as Leonard was a one of a kind man and he won't be forgotten!

Elroy & Ellen Marsh

January 11, 2022

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our longtime friend. Leonard was kind and loving he touched my family in a very positive way. We become friends with Leonard and Ruth in 1970, throughout the years we have had many good times together. Our love and support will always be here for the Hamilton family.

Karen Buzanoski

January 10, 2022

RIP Leonard. Hugs to you, Ruth. Condolences to the wonderful family he and Ruth created. I will miss sitting around and talking about our ideas and ongoing projects. This man was brilliant, open hearted and would share his knowledge, and skills with those in need. It was so fun watching him with his clan of cats and him driving his cart with a big smile on his face. I am so grateful to be part of your family. You will be greatly missed by all.

Denise Briggs

January 9, 2022

My condolences to the entire family! I am Laura`s childhood swim friend and whenever I was at the Hamilton house I was always welcomed by Mr. Hamilton! He would sit down at the big dining room table and always asked me how I was doing and shoot the breeze with us kids. He was always so warm and welcoming to me and showed me a very gentle side of himself that was calming and he made me feel like we could talk for hours! He was so proud of Laura and everything she has accomplished! You could see it in his eyes when he would look at her and talk about her. He and Ruth made their household so welcoming to everybody! We could walk right in the front door without even knocking and open their fridge and make something to eat without asking. I have never experienced a more warm, welcoming and relaxing home that he opened up to everybody.

His ability to create and build anything out of metal was so impressive to me! He will always be a positive role model for me to look up to as I grow older myself! He never stopped moving, thinking, creating and loving his family!

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