As a lifelong Portlander, he attended Ainsworth Grade School and Lincoln High School. After high school, he attended and graduated from Oregon State University earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry. Subsequent to graduating from OSU in 1955, he served in “Active Duty” with the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Captain.
As a young boy, Virgil attended “marksmanship” classes at the Multnomah Athletic Club. His interest in the sport led to many achievements; including, being named the State of Oregon Collegiate Champion in 1952, 1953, and 1955 and was named a college All-American in 1953. In 1959, he won a United States National Championship and went on to participate as a member of the United States International Rifle Team.
After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Air Force, Virgil attended the University of Colorado Medical School, graduating in 1963. Following internships at both the U.S. Veterans Admin. Hospital and Providence Portland Medical Center, he opened a private practice of General Internal Medicine. Virgil practiced medicine and was affiliated with Providence Hospital for over 45 years.
While in Colorado, Virgil married Dorothy Marie Gill of McClave, CO, on August 31, 1958. They enjoyed spending time with family, and many close friends (especially, alongside their backyard swimming pool!). They traveled several times to Europe, visited the Islands of Hawaii frequently, and took over sixty (60) trips to Las Vegas, NV, throughout their 61 years of marriage.
Dr. Hamlin is survived by his wife, Dorothy Hamlin of Portland, OR; son, Gregory Hamlin (wife Julie) of Gresham, OR; daughter, Denise Stratton-White (husband Keith) of Sandy, OR; son, Jeffrey Hamlin (wife Chrissy) of Happy Valley, OR; and seven grandchildren.
A funeral will be held at 11:00am, on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, in the Chapel at Lincoln Memorial Park. A reception will follow. All are welcome to celebrate Virgil’s life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Bristol Hospice Foundation.
