Don "George McClellan" Hamilton

1929 - 2023

One of our great local entertainers, Don Hamilton, peacefully passed Feb.1 at the age of 94. Born 1929 in Dolton, Illinois, he was a US Army Veteran and served as a Medic in the Korean War (1950-1954) Beloved son of late John W. McClellan, and late Alma, (Le Claire), loving brother of late Lorraine and (Melvin) Schroll, and late Donald J. and (Betty R.) McClellan. Loving uncle of late Thomas Schroll, late Francis Schroll, late Lorettta Schroll,,, and survivors George Schroll, Edward Schroll, John D. and (Betty) McClellan, Father Keith McClellan, and Kathyrn A. (John) Hollahan, Great Uncle and Great Great Uncle to many and beloved by many friends. George was a talented artist and musician. He Studied at the American Academy of Art in Chicago and worked several years for Lion's Intl in Chicago doing artistic design and display. But his real love was music. At the young age of 30 he became the lead organist and choir director at St. Mary's Church in Riverdale, Illinois for several years. He then became an excellent singer and piano bar entertainer in the Chicago and surrounding area. Before settling into Nevada County's musical scene in the early 80's, he had a long and varied career dating back to his military days where he served as master of ceremonies for military shows. His Hollywood career included stints on Peyton Place, tv commercials and performances at major hotels and nightspots around Hollywood, Pasadena, San Francisco and Las Vegas. He rubbed elbows with Hollywood stars of the time including Lana Turner, Elizabeth Taylor and Dorothy Malone.

In Don's words, "I love performing. It's my life." He was known as the last of Nevada County's old style lounge acts. Many of you will remember seeing him performing at Lake of the Pines clubhouse, The Office Lounge, Elks club, Lake Wildwood, National Hotel, Alta Sierra Clubhouse, Scheidel's and many other locations in Nevada county.

He was a loving, compassionate, extremely talented and gentle person and will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. We lost a star but he continues to shine above.

He requested his ashes be laid to rest at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery. A private Memorial Mass will be held in his honor near his hometown at a date to be determined.