Earl Leonard Hamilton
November 9, 1932 - April 16, 2022
Obituary
November 9, 1932 – April 16, 2022
Earl Leonard Hamilton was born November 9, 1932 in Everett, Washington, to Earl John Hamilton and Ragnhild Anwick Hamilton. He passed away in his home in Port Angeles April 16, 2022 at the age of 89.
Earl played trumpet since he was 9 years old. He went to Garfield High School 2 years where he played a trumpet in the high school band with Quincy Jones. His parents moved to West Seattle where he graduated from West Seattle High School where he also was in the band.
Earl was active in Boy Scouts and Sea Scouts prior to enlisting in the Navy. He enlisted in the Navy shortly after graduating from West Seattle High School and soon after met his wife, Beverly Blake, during her senior year of high school at West Seattle. They married about a year later on March 28, 1953. Earl was a hospital Corpsman and attained the rank of 1st Class Petty Officer. His Naval career spanned 16 years of active duty and reserve. He went on active duty in August 1952 during the Korean War. He was called back to active duty in 1961 during the Berlin Crisis, serving another year of active duty aboard the USS Charles E. Brannon D.E. 446. His ship patrolled the South China Sea around Viet Nam.
Earl and Beverly made their home in West Seattle for 33 years before moving to Renton where he was baptized Catholic later in life at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Earl worked for Travis, Fitzmaurice and Associates, a consulting electrical Engineering firm for over 40 years. He even drew up house and shop plans for some of his children. After retirement he and Beverly moved to Port Angeles.
Earl joined his local Judo group at the YMCA at age 32 and spent the next 57 years as a member, instructor and state referee. He was promoted to fourth-degree black belt (Yodan).
He always got a huge smile when a youngster ran up to him, bowed and said, “Hello Sensai.”
He was also active for several years with the West Seattle Sportsman’s Club, and club secretary for a number of years. He joined the Olympic Peninsula Fly Fishers over 25 years ago when he and Beverly moved to the Port Angeles area. He was their Treasurer for 6 1/2 years. Like his father, he enjoyed tying flies and sharing them with fellow fly fishermen and family members.
Earl made many lifelong friends within the Judo and Sportsman’s Club community in Seattle and Port Angeles. He was an avid fly fisherman and enjoyed hunting, camping and watching sports on TV; especially high school and college games.
Earl was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beverly, granddaughter Haley Hamilton. They had 5 children: John Hamilton (Cecelia), Debbie Alexander (John), Darby Ragghianti, Bertina Ody and Carol Hamilton. They had eleven grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be made in Earl’s memory to Assured Hospice, 1102 East 1st Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362, Phone 360-582-3796
Our family knew Earl as Sensei Hamilton for quite a few years. He was wonderful, kind, a great joy to be around and always a bit of a character (in the most positive way!). He will remain in our hearts forever.
-Steve, Melody and Elspeth Charno
Blessings to the family. Many fond memories for comfort.
Praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Glad you had such a nice long time with Dad!! Andrea and Jim