Philip Ray Hamilton, 73, passed away on June 4th, 2018. He was born to Robert and Alma Hamilton in Ventura, California on July 22nd, 1944. He was a descendant of General Fernando Tico, the original Spanish land grant recipient in San Buena Ventura. During his idyllic childhood, he spend endless hours at the beach and riding his horse. As a child, he was a diligent worker grating cheese in his Grandmother Hamilton's restaurant named Julianna's Spanish Kitchen on the avenue in Ventura.
He graduated 8th grade from Holy Cross Catholic school, which was housed in the San Buena Ventura Mission, with lifelong friends: Don McIntosh, Bill Berlin, Mark Sorem, Mike Goethe and Andy Jaurquie.
Then, Phil graduated from Ventura Senior High in 1962. He was an excellent swimmer, and would dive off the end of the pier and swim back to shore. He was a lifeguard at the beach for years. After beginning to work for Southern California Edison, he married Geri Florance on May 15th, 1965 at First Baptist Church in Ventura. They had three children together: Rachelle, Robert and Ryan.
After working for over 30 years at Edison, he retired at age 52. Phil was always interested in going to target practice and was often puttering in the garage at woodworking and handyman projects. He loved live entertainment, especially plays. Also, he enjoyed traveling cross country on road trips and going on international cruises. He loved being outdoors, gold panning, gardening, or just relaxing.
Always one to keep family united, Phil is survived by his wife of 53 years Geri Hamilton; daughter Rachelle LaMonde; sons Robert (Rena) and Ryan (Alycia) Hamilton; half-siblings Jeanette Meinke, Linda Dennigen, and Bob Hamilton; sister-in-law Carla Florance; niece Julianne Autry; great-niece Olivia Autry; nephew Jeff (Raquel) Hays and their 3 children; 6 grandchildren Jessica, Nicole, Allen, Faye, Ella, and Molly. He adored his grandchildren, and they will miss him dearly.
Philip is preceded in passing by his parents; sister Judith Henthorne; half-siblings Georgia Joyce Monkres and Patsy Ann Belle;
He will also be sorely missed by his friends John Dunlop, James LaMonde, Chuck and Sheryl Wilson, Susan Ham-Vanderhoef, Ken and Ruth Olive, Paul Marnish, Len Soprano, Salah Colaco.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 30th, at 2:00 PM, at Sunset Memory Gardens Chapel. Ellers Mortuary is assisting with arrangements.
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