Philip Ian Hamilton

Philip Ian Hamilton, 59, passed away surrounded by his family and friends on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 in Lansing, Michigan. Born January 16, 1959 in Birkenhead, England to George and Joan (Whitehead) Hamilton, Phil was a proud Scouser who could always be counted on for an honest word and riotous laugh… and had a lifelong love of curry. He loved motorcycles, drumming, and flying in airplanes, and he achieved a black belt in karate. Although he went blind at the age of 27, Phil never stopped learning and growing: he learned to use Morse code and taught it to others, he dj-ed, he joined the praise team at church as a drummer, and he loved to master new phones. He loved to walk, up to six miles a day at his healthiest with his guide dog Mugsy. Phil battled H1N1 in 2014, beating all the odds and continuing to live a full life - maintaining his sense of humor and trademark bluntness until his last days.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, David, Brian, and Patt.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Beverly Ann Hamilton; his siblings, Paul, Steve, Shirley (Mike), Jeanette (Steve), and Sheila (George); and his best friend, Heidi Stout.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, December 3, 2018 at 11am at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Chapel, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Monday and on Sunday, December 2, 2018 from 5:30pm until 8:30pm. Because Phil spent so much of his life in the dark, he asked that guests wear pink, his favorite color. If you do not have anything pink please wear something bright to the service to honor his love of all things colorful.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Corner Stone Community Church, 1997 Towner Rd, Lansing, MI 48840 or Leader Dogs for the Blind, 1039 S. Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307.

Words from Phil's family and friends:

No one who ever met Phil can ever forget him. I actually met him first on group and we were pals, but with Beverly he had romantic chemistry. Then we all met in person and he said he liked Beverly's voice better than mine, that she had the voice of an angel. She was his Princess and he was her Cuddle Bear. No one could master a Verizon device for the blind like Phil. And then there's Mugsy, his beloved service animal and sweet black Labrador. Who doesn't love Mugsy? My heart ...goes out to Beverly, Mugsy and anyone who knew Phil. You couldn't meet Phil and not be touched by him. He had a really thick UK accent that he never lost, so Beverly translated for him. I got so I could understand every few words. The thing you never forgot about Phil, besides his strong opinions, was his enduring sense of humor. Rest in Peace, Phil. We all loved you!!! <3 You will be missed.

- Kare Kaus-Nicolli

Today I lost one of my very best friend. I don’t know where to begin, but he was one of the most stubborn, opinionated (you never wondered with Philip Hamilton 🤣) courageous, greatest fighter, humerus beyond measure, loving, most caring, one of a kind souls you could ever have the privilege to love and call your friend. He was my family and will always be a part of me in my heart forever. Phil took the greatest care of my sister in law Beverly Vanderhoof Hamilton, and the love and admiration they shared for each other was one in a million. We all could be so lucky to have what they had with the love and strength right until the end. Life is short and unfair, but Phil lived each and everyday to the fullest! We all could learn so much from him! Until I see you again Phil, so much love and amazing memories I’ll cherish ❤️

- Heidi Stout

It is with a breaking heart that I tell you Phil has gone home to be with the Lord. While I am happy he is now in the hands of the Lord and his body has been restored, my heart is heavy with grief. Phil died peacefully holding my hand. I let him know it was OK to go. I am blessed that God's timing is perfect and Phil's passing is exactly how I prayed it would be. My cuddle bear is no longer suffering and I am very thankful for that. I am also thankful that he had a good ...day yesterday and we were able to share some laughs and say until we meet again. When you light your Christmas tree this year, remember Phil in your heart. He loved Christmas and I am going to really miss his joy and enthusiasm over everything that comes with Christmas. From the music, sounds at the mall, presents and even those sappy Hallmark Christmas movies -- he was a true kid at heart. I will love and remember him always.

- Beverly Ann Hamilton