Obituary of Haldon L. Hamilton

A gentleman, and a caring and gentle man, Hal passed away from heart failure on January 6th after a short stay at Havasu Regional Medical Center. Six months short of his 100th birthday, Hal was in good health and good spirits until December 28th when he was taken from his home to the hospital. He was surrounded at death by his longtime caregiver and friend, Barbara Bronson, her husband, Andy and his beloved Jack Russell terrier, Lala. Hal was born in Newberg, Oregon on July 16, 1916. He spent years in the timber business in the northwest and Alaska, and served in the Navy in the Seabees. In the early 1960s, Hal and his brother, Buck formed Hambro (Hamilton Brothers) Forest Products pioneering a method to utilize waste wood shavings and scraps to produce particleboard which was utilized in manufactured housing, cabinetry, and many other end products. At one time, Hambro was one of the largest private employers in Del Norte County. Hal and Helene, his beloved wife of 62 years who preceded Hal in death, moved permanently to Lake Havasu City in 1995 from Napa, California after having spent a number of winters in town. Hal was generous to community and national charitable organizations, including the Mayo Clinic, Hospice of Lake Havasu City and the local Humane Society. He was also giving of his time and resources to a variety of friends and acquaintances in various communities in which he resided. A quiet celebration of Hal's life will be held at noon on February 4th in Lake Havasu City. Please respond to Alice Vawter at 928-855-9880 if you plan to attend. Services were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory. Thoughts and condolences may be sent to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.