Timothy C Hamilton

November 15, 1956 - March 13, 2014

It is with deep sadness that Tim's family announce his unexpected passing on the morning of March 13, 2014. Those who were lucky enough to know Tim will always remember his laughter and smile, his zest for life, and for being a loving husband, a devoted son, the best brother anyone could have, the funniest uncle, a respected and loyal colleague and a true friend with a big heart.

Tim was born in Omak, WA, to Richard and Shirley Hamilton, and was the oldest of eight children. He attended Omak High School where he was involved in sports, student council, drama, choir and DECA. Tim went on to receive his BA in Business/Marketing from Washington State University in 1979. As an active Cougar alumni, Tim served terms as president of the Pierce County Cougar Club and was a regular attendee at WSU fundraising dinners, golf tournaments and sporting events. He and Gina were devoted WSU football fans and spent many fall weekends with their trailer in Pullman attending Cougar football games and tailgating. Tim was known as the happiest guy in the tailgate lot!

Tim's early work experience included jobs as a newspaper delivery man, forest fire technician and crew boss with the US Forest Service, sales clerk at Marv's Men's Store in Omak and a labor worker with Crown Zellerbach in Omak. After graduating from WSU Tim worked as a sales rep for Owens-Corning Fiberglass for several years. Since 1982 Tim was employed by Armstrong World Industries where he held sales management positions in various divisions and was the proud recipient of several company awards including the Chairman's Award for Excellence in 2003, the highest honor an Armstrong employee can receive, and the Gold Award for Excellence in 2010. He highly valued his relationships with his colleagues and customers, past and present, and was a mentor to many.

Every year Tim looked forward to spending the opening day of fishing season with his family at Lake Conconully and going on his annual fishing trip to Alaska with his work buddies. Tim's other interests included skiing, golf, watching westerns, travelling, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on his Cougars. His "hidden" talent was being a Human Rolodex!

Tim is survived by his loving wife, Gina, of Lake Tapps; his parents in Omak; brothers Neil, David, Michael and Jeff; sisters Joanne (Dave), Kerry and Kim (Jay) and their children LaBrie (Mike) and their kids Olivia and Liam, Deneige and her daughter Ava, and Leo; brother-in-law John Honnold (Sally) and their son Jeffrey; sister-in-law Julie Wilson (Scott) and their children Kevin, Eric and Janey; mother-in-law Betty Honnold; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

To honor his life, the Tim Hamilton Memorial Scholarship has been set up at Washington State University. Checks can be made out to the WSU Foundation: Tim Hamilton Memorial Scholarship and sent to: WSU Foundation, PO Box 641925, Pullman WA 99164-1925.

Family viewing on Thursday, March 20, at Powers Funeral Home in Sumner, WA, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Public viewing will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. A celebration of Tim's life will be held on Friday, March 21. Please contact family for details.

Tim, you left us way too soon, but we are all better for having known you. Your spirit will forever live on in our hearts.