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Richard Hamill Obituary

Hamill, Richard M. GUILDERLAND Richard M. Hamill, 59, passed away on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at his home, surrounded by loving family and friends. He faced his illness, in the words of his oncologist, with grace and stubborn poise. Richard was born on May 27, 1952, in Holyoke, Mass. and was the son of the late Donald W. and Helen C. (Marten) Hamill. He was reared in Chicopee, Mass, graduated from Williston Academy ('70), and earned degrees in psychology at Union College (BS '73), Harvard University (EdM '74), and the State University of New York at Albany (PhD '84). For 30 years, Richard was founder and director of Forensic Mental Health Associates and consultant to St. Anne Institute. He creatively and tirelessly promoted community safety and best treatment practices in local and national arenas, and was a leader in the creation and management of numerous community task forces, service boards and programs, and professional organizations, such as the START Children's Center and the NYS Alliance of Sex Offender Service Providers. He was consultant to various entities within the criminal justice system and adjunct professor at Union and Sage Colleges. Richard is survived by his wife of 21 years, Bianca Schaefer; his daughters, Lillian and Audra Hamill; his sister Clare Hamill; his aunt, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was loved and admired by many who basked in his generosity, infinite kindness and compassion, and envied his drive and energy. As jazz devotee, gardener, Red Sox fan, connoisseur of Scotch whiskey, (ethical but ruthless) player of racquetball, and consummate shopper, he enjoyed making the world a better place. Everyone who met him, however briefly, was charmed by his quick humor, warmth, patience, and genuineness. As a father, he readily expressed his pride and love, and considered his daughters to be life's most precious gifts. As a husband, he gave love unconditionally and emerged from the crucible of marriage with a soft glow. His unique interpersonal compass will be sorely missed. Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie on Thursday, May 24, 2012 from 4 to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 16, 2012 at the First Congregational Church of Albany, 405 Quail Street, Albany, NY 12208. In memory of Richard, contributions may be made to the START Children's Center of Rensselaer or Dana Farber Cancer Institute. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerAlbany.com

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

Published by Albany Times Union from May 23 to May 24, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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June 8, 2012

I was so saddened to hear of your loss. I will always remember his kindness. He always had a smile on his face when he walked into the Ginger Man. I remember his kind words he spoke to me when my son was born. He will be missed.
Shannon Kelley-Borowiec
Ginger Man

Erik Schaefer

June 2, 2012

Dear Bianca, Lilian and Audra - We are thinking of you a lot and send you our love and support at this tough time. Richard was such a great man and father. We will miss him a lot. We must cherish our memories of his spirit, graciousness, drive and zest for life. We imagine that he has the best seats for the most heavenly of jazz festivals. Love, Erik, Cathy, Ryan, Peter, Gregory and Arianna

May 30, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. I have known Richard my entire life. He was a wonderful and caring person whom shall be sorely missed.

Kevin Davis

May 29, 2012

Dick Hamill was a gentle and generous soul to work with. I had the pleasure of playing racquetball with him and he got around that court pretty quick for a big guy. Sad to hear, yet a pleasant reminder of his presence. Blessings to his family.

Ira Band

May 29, 2012

My deepest sympathy to the Hamill family. May God give you comfort. Psalms 55:22.

Jem D. Florida

Anon.

May 27, 2012

I met Doc. Hamill once, recently. Consulted with him on a priority investigation. He gave my partner and I his time, on short notice, recognizing the importance of our quest. I found him approachable, kind, intelligent, funny, focused, informative, and extremely helpful. A man I would have enjoyed as a friend. Godspeed, Doc. May you continue to affect the world in positive ways through those who knew you. - Peace to all.

May 26, 2012

A great brother-in-law and Uncle. He will be sadly missed by us and by many more. Our love will for him will live on~ Andrea, John Sydney and Kyle

May 25, 2012

Richard was a wonderful man who we all at The Ginger Man, took delight in taking care of in his usual visits with Larry while they sipped Lagavulin. We are deeply saddened to hear this shocking news and send our deepest sympathy to his family. He was a true gentleman and will be deeply missed.

Peter Cristo

May 25, 2012

To the Hamill family- I met Dr. Hamill a few times during my practice. He was considered a leader in his field. He will be missed in the family law community. Peter A. Cristo, Esq.

Andrea Smith

May 24, 2012

There are few men in the world like Richard Hamill. Some one easy to work with,talk with, joke with,laugh with or cry with,someone who would do anything to help you. His being made this world a better place and he shall be sorely missed.

Anonymous

May 24, 2012

I am shocked and saddened to hear of Dr.Hamill's death.He was a great and very kind man.I was a client of his a few years ago and will never forget him, he helped me and so many others.

- He will be truly missed.

May 24, 2012

Who will ever understand why the good die young? Richard wasn't just good, he was the best..a brilliant and successful therapist, teacher, administrator, mentor, leader, businessman, entrepreneur, and consultant; a huge contributor to his profession, community, and society; an adoring husband and father; a great lover of life, and a trusted and beloved friend to so many.

I was privileged to know and work with Dick for many years, and am honored that he was my friend.

May Richard's life and legacy propel us all to leave the world a better place than we found it..as he did!

Rest in peace, my dear friend,

Marilyn Etcheverry
(Scottsdale, AZ)

Patrica Aikens

May 24, 2012

Our deepest sympathy from the administration and staff at the Albany County Probation Department. Richard will be truly missed for his kind and caring compassion for those of us who worked along side of him to help make this world a better place. May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead.

Karen Skarupski

May 23, 2012

Dear Bianca, Audra and Lillian,

We were very sad to hear this news and hope you are taking comfort in each other and your family. Love, Karen, Hannah and Molly

maureen rotondi

May 23, 2012

My deepest condolences. Richard was an inspiration and mentor to many of us in the field. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to know him and for all that he gave to my students and the community. I am forver better for having known Richard. May you find comfort and peace in the days ahead and know that he lives on in those fortunate enough to have known him.

Lisa Chapnick

May 23, 2012

So young and he accomplished so much. A life well lived. How great is that? Perhaps his next legacy is that we strive to achieve this in our own way. No comment on Richard's wonderful life would be complete without mentioning 'his 3 girls'. You are the best and a brilliant reflection on him as you move through life. I have zero doubt that over time all the wonderful memories will bring you laughs, 'grrrs' and peace.

All my love

May 23, 2012

Dear Bianca, Lillian and Audra

I am deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Richard. He was a very kind, caring, thoughtful, compassionate and loving husband and father. We both shared two things in common; our love for our daughter(s) and our passion for our cars. He will be missed greatly by Kristina, myself and all who were fortunate enough to know him!

- Donald Marilla

Debbie Oatman

May 23, 2012

To the Hamill Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I met Dick when we both worked at Saint Anne's in the 80's. He was a good guy, who truly put his all into his work.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Heichel Family

May 23, 2012

Bianca and family,
As I was notified on Tuesday of Dr. Hamill's passing, I was shocked and devastated. I can't even imagine how you are dealing with the loss of such a Great, Respected and Reverend person as he was and will ever be. He will be sorely missed. Prayers to you and your family

Dina McManus

May 23, 2012

Dear Bianca, Lily & Audra
I am so, so sorry for your loss. Words cannot convey the impact that Richard has made in this community and in in all of our lives. For me he has always been a source of tremendous support and inspiration. I feel so fortunate to have been able to spend some time with him last month. He will be sorely missed.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Alex Verrigni

May 23, 2012

Sincere Condolences. I was saddened and surprised to hear of his passing. He was a compassionate, consumate professional; it certainly was a priviledge to have known him. He will be sorely missed.

Bouton Family

May 23, 2012

Bianca, Lillian and Audra

We are truly shocked and saddened by Richard's death. It's been awhile since we connected but that does not soften the blow. We are really sorry and are thinking of you.
- Steve, Janet, Elena, and Emily

Anonymous

May 23, 2012

I am so shocked and saddened to hear that Dr. Hamill passed away. He was a lovely man -- he just radiated kindness. I was a client of his years ago, but I still often think of conversations we had then, and his words still resonate.

I am so terribly sorry he is gone.

Rebecca Arp

May 23, 2012

Dear Bianca, Lilly and Audra,

Richard's passing has made me even more deeply aware of how precious life's moments are. You are a family who leads rich, meaningful lives. And that is what it is all about. Saying I am sorry is such an understatement that I can't find the words to express my thoughts and caring for you all - What a wonderful person! So thoughtful, giving and fun. He has taught me so much of what I do professionally, and that I love. I owe so much to him. I respect each of you so much for how wonderful you have all been throughout all of this. The obituary sums it up so well. Sorely missed. Rebecca Arp

Dennis and Tanette McCarty

May 23, 2012

Bianca -
Rich was a great person who faced his death with extraordinary grace and dignity. Rich, you and your entire family are certainly in our prayers.

Tim Gordon

May 23, 2012

Truly this world and our community is much improved because of Richard's life and work. His was a balm that protected and brought healing to many and what he established will continue to do so. I am profoundly proud to call Richard Hamill my friend.

May 23, 2012

Dearest Bianca
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Please know that you and your girls are in my prayers and meditations.
Barbara (from Yoga)

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