Stanley "Stan" Kiyoshi Hamamoto

Stanley Kiyoshi Hamamoto, better known to many as Pastor Stan, was born on March 19, 1934, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. He passed peacefully in his sleep.

After graduating from high school, on July 23, 1952, he joined the United States Coast Guard. He served four years of active duty and four years of inactive duty. Then on July 23, 1960, he received his honorable discharged papers.

He lived in California for about 16 years and then he moved to Colorado in the late 1980s. While in Colorado, he met his wife of 32 years Shirley. After living in Colorado for about 4 years, they moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where they lived for the next 16 years. He was an accountant, and at that time, was a member of the National Association of Accountants, a national organization. He became one of 6 National Vice Presidents and was responsible for the Southwest region. During his tenure as National Vice President, they changed their name to Management of Accountants. During his term, he and Shirley traveled a lot throughout the United States. They had great times meeting new people and seeing different parts of the United States. He served the following areas as National Vice President: Southern California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.

After retiring from being an accountant, he became a licensed minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He felt his call from God when the time came. He was the Southwest Regional Treasurer for two years, and then was the Moderator Elect for two years, and then became the Southwest Regional Moderator for two years. During his term of office as the Regional Moderator, he took office when the region was in the red financially and after two years in office, he left the Region in the black. The first time in many years that this was done in the Region. He served as the Southwest Regional Men’s group as their Secretary/Treasurer for 10 consecutive years. He was a member of the General Church Board of Directors for 4 years and was appointed to serve on the General Church Nominating committee for 4years, this was a once in a lifetime appointment. He served small churches, in Hooker Oklahoma for 4 years and in Ordway Colorado for 5 years. He also did a short-term ministry in First Christian Church in Canyon City, Colorado. When Shirley was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, that is when he decided to retire from the ministry.

Stanley is a life member of the American Legion but never got involved with them. He was just not the type of person to stay at home. So, he decided to get involved with the American Legion, thinking that it would just fill the gap for him. He had been a member of the American Legion since 1994, but never did anything until he got involved with post 209. He joined American Legion post 209 in 2013 and immediately became their District 7 Chaplain. Then he took over as post chaplain. In 2015 he was elected to become the Colorado Department Chaplain. In 2016 his name was submitted for National Chaplain. Then in 2021 he became the first chaplain from the state of Colorado in over 100 years to become a National Chaplain. This completed his dream and he enjoyed his term as the American Legion National Chaplain. His only regret was that Shirley was not able to enjoy it with him.

Stan was also a life member of the Korean War Veterans Association. He became involved with the Dutch Nelson Chapter in Colorado Springs. He has been the Chapter President, Chaplain and Vice President of Membership. He has gotten involved with them on a National Level. Being elected to be one of the Directors for three years, from 2023 to 2026.

As a minister, Stan loved to sing old Christian Hymn’s. He would go to nursing homes and other facilities to sing to the residents. He also sang when he could, when he did memorial services and grave side services.

He loved to fish and while in California, he often went deep sea fishing during the summer. He often bowled while living in Hawaii and carried a good 209 average for many years. He never got the “300 game” but came close several times with 298 twice and even a 299! Stanley was not the type of person to just stay at home and do nothing. He always needed to be doing something, anything. He loved dogs and had many dogs throughout his life.

He is preceded in death by his lovely wife, Shirley Ann Hamamoto. His Father, Keichi mother, Chieko and older brother, Harold, His stepson Ricky Stewart and stepdaughter Penny Stewart.

He leaves behind his Son, Gary Hamamoto, Daughter, Sandra Hamamoto. Stepdaughter, Gennie and Kathleen Stewart. Grandchildren, Cheryl, Luca and Alex.