Ralph James Hamilton

Ralph Hamilton died at home, where he wanted to be and after a long battle with illness on July 15, 2007. He was born Jan. 20, 1938 to Clifford and Dorothy Hamilton in Philadelphia, Penn.

Ralph was raised and graduated from high school in Philadelphia. In 1955 he joined the U.S. Navy, beginning a proud 20-year career that took him all over the world.

In 1957 Ralph married the love of his life, Marie Kurtz, who was also from Philadelphia. Together they raised two wonderful children.

Much of Ralph’s life, both in and out of the Navy, was spent in lithography. He worked in various print shops all over the country. He was an avid reader and his command of the English language was remarkable. He was able to hold conversations with anyone on any level.

Ralph was a giving person, especially when it came to children. While in the Navy, stationed in Virginia, he started a program of “Safe Homes” where kids could count on being received and cared for. He spent his life giving to children, whether it be warm clothing in the winter or bicycles and dolls at Christmas where families didn’t have the means to afford those luxuries.

Ralph was an avid fisherman, spending a lot of his spare time teaching his children and grandchildren to fish. While stationed in San Diego, he worked part time on a party fishing vessel and started a program to get disabled children a chance to experience deep sea fishing.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marie, at the family home in Oak Harbor, along with daughters Morgan Hamilton and Lisa Morrison with husband Mike and son Ralph Hamilton, II, all of Oak Harbor. He also leaves seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, along with sisters Nancy, Lila and Doris. He was preceded in death by his brothers Harry and Al.

A memorial service for Ralph will be held at The Church of the Nazarene on Whidbey Avenue in Oak Harbor on Monday, July 23, at 2 p.m. He will be buried at sea as requested at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel.