Richard “Rick” Allen Hamilton, 79, of Burlington, Washington, passed away Sunday, August 18, 2024, at home.
He was born on June 6, 1945, in Tacoma, WA, to Al and Ruby (Huff) Hamilton. He married Lynn Schmidt on May 8, 1965, in Sedro-Woolley, WA. They made their home in Burlington where they raised their two children.
Rick graduated from Burlington-Edison High School in 1963. He then went on to work for Witco for a brief period of time. In July 1966, he then went to work for John F. Martin & Sons Oil where he was a fuel & oil truck driver for 22 years and then was promoted to plant manager for the remaining years before his retirement in 2001. In 1989, he was recognized as Honorary Outstanding Employee.
He had many hobbies and interests throughout his life. Rick enjoyed riding motorcycles and off-road dirt bikes, snow skiing, duck hunting with his dad, building model semi-trucks and target shooting. His most favorite past-time was the annual trips to British Columbia, Canada, to go fishing for rainbow trout. When he was a young boy, he began going with his parents, and the annual trips continued throughout his adult life with his own family.
Rick was an incredibly talented and creative woodworker. It did not matter if the wood project was inside the home or outside, he just enjoyed working with wood. Some of his favorite projects were building furniture, bird houses and yard décor such as flower planters and wishing wells.
Some of his special memories included going to Reno with his wife, barbeques with family and friends, and getting together with the family during the holidays.
Rick is survived by his wife, Lynn (Schmidt) Hamilton; daughter, Janice (Mike) Sestrap; son, Neil (Racquel) Hamilton; grandchildren, Nicholas Wittrock, TJ Gill, Ricky Gill, Makayla Hamilton, Gavin Hamilton; sister-in-law, Lore Schmidt.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Ruby Hamilton; in-laws, Emanuel “Smitty” and Nora Schmidt.
Rick/Dad/Grandpa, you were a quiet, yet strong man who will always be remembered for your honesty, generosity, and kindness. But most of all, just being you. We can all agree that the memories of you working outside around the property and riding your special toy, the Kubota; your love of dogs; and those times you took to teach each of us will be the most special memories of all. Thank you for being here for us and we will miss you!
Per Rick’s wishes, there will be no services.
Arrangements are under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro Woolley, WA. Share your memories of Rick and sign the online guest register.
I had the pleasure of working with Rick. He taught me how to deliver fuel in a very calm and knowledgeable manner. A great guy to work with.