A life well lived, a multi-talented, dedicated public servant, and an entrepreneur, Frank Hamilton, 80 years old, peacefully surrendered his life to the Lord on Friday, January 5, 2024, in the loving arms of his wife, Corinne. Frank was a very patient, soft-spoken, kind, considerate, and eloquent man who never complained, no matter what life threw at him. He loved life and was always ready and willing to serve his community and fellow man.
Francis Ross “Frank” Hamilton was born to Dr. Ross E. and Ruth McEown Hamilton on May 16, 1943, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The family moved to New York City when he was three or four years old and later moved to Olympia, Washington, where Frank became a U.S. citizen at age 10.
Frank graduated from Olympia High School in 1961. After graduation, he, along with a group of friends, sang the tunes of the Kingston Trio, Peter, Paul and Mary and other popular musical groups at parties, taverns and the like. Frank attended several colleges and technical schools. He enlisted and served in the U.S. Air Force and joined the Olympia Police Department, serving as a Police and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer, retiring after 25 years. Frank then served as a Thurston County Deputy Sheriff until his retirement, once again, 14 years later.
Frank was an avid Scouter for 37 years and Founder of and Senior Advisor to the Olympia Police Explorers Post 717 for 19 years. He was a charter member and past president of the Washington State Law Enforcement Association and served as a past Regional Executive with the Northwest Region Sports Car Club of America. Frank belonged to Kiwanis, Lake Fair, the Capital Historical Museum (Wooden Boat Fair and Harbor Days), the Washington Fire Commissioners Association, National Association of Elected Fire Officials, Olympia Amateur Radio Society (OARS), ARRL Special Service Club, the Sons of Norway, and the Tumwater Historical Association. Frank was definitely community-oriented and a dedicated volunteer with many organizations.
Frank’s hobbies and interests included spending time with family and friends, enjoying outdoor meals, amateur radio, photography, camping, fishing, boating, racing rally cars, restoring old cars, snowmobiles, working in the yard, and futzing around the shop. Frank loved and enjoyed travels to England, Canada and many states throughout the U.S.
Frank is survived by his wife Corinne Olson Tobeck; son Doug Hamilton; sisters Marion Elizabeth Amatangelo (Portland, Maine) and Patricia Ruth Hamilton (Portland, Oregon); and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Frank was preceded in death by his parents; sons Jeff and Scott Hamilton; and the mother of his children, Sally Ann Gibson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Frank Hamilton’s name to the Olympia Amateur Radio Society (OARS), PO Box 2861, Olympia, WA 98507, or the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org/.
