Howard Mack Hamilton

Howard Mack Hamilton, 82, passed away surrounded by loved ones on April 14, 2025, in his home in Longmont, Colorado. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, educator, spiritual and community leader, patriot, life- long learner and disciple of Jesus Christ.

Howard was born on July 7, 1942 in Las Vegas, Nevada to Everett Hamilton and Erlene McClellan Hamilton. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Portland, Oregon where he was raised. His parents divorced when he was a child and his hard-working mother primarily raised him and his younger siblings (Dennis and Brenda) as a single mom.

In high school, Howard was an accomplished athlete and assisted his high school basketball team in becoming Oregon State Champions. He attended Brigham Young University and paid for his tuition by cutting everyone’s hair in the dorm. He put his studies on hold for 2.5 years to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chile. He became fluent in the Spanish language, loved the people, culture and beauty of Chile, and said that this was one of the most formative experiences of his life.

Upon completing his mission, he returned to BYU where he was voted as one of “The Most Preferred Men On Campus”. This meant that every girl in the dorm knew who he was and tried to get his attention, that is, every girl except Karleen Grow, who noticed him but decided to ignore him. This got HIS attention and after a yearlong engagement, they were married in the Los Angeles, California Temple on May 25, 1966.

Howard completed his Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Psychology in 1967 from BYU, his Master’s in Public Administration in 1969 from BYU and his Doctorate in Educational Administration and Organization from the University of Southern California in 1976.

In 1974, Howard accepted a job as Vice Principal at Monte Vista Intermediate School in Camarillo CA, thus the Hamiltons made Camarillo their home for the next 30 years where they raised their four children.

Howard continued his career, quickly becoming the Principal at Monte Vista for 10 years and then spending the next 20 years in the Pleasant Valley School District office as an administrator, culminating in becoming the Superintendent of Schools prior to his retirement in 2004. He was instrumental in building a much-needed gymnasium at Monte Vista and was deeply honored when the school board named it the Howard Hamilton Gymnasium. He loved the countless students, teachers, principals and district office personnel he worked with during those many years in Camarillo. Howard was an Adjunct Professor at California State University, Northridge and California State University Channel Islands teaching school administration to graduate students. He also had a private practice as a psychotherapist where he specialized working with struggling teens.

Howard was a man of faith and served in various capacities and leadership roles in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Camarillo. He was a beloved Bishop and member of the Stake Presidency who shared his wisdom, guidance and love to countless people in need. He was a gifted speaker and teacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ and was thrilled to return to his beloved Chile once again as a missionary in 2009, only this time with his eternal companion Karleen at his side. The two of them served another mission together in 2015, this time in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Howard and Karleen relocated to Colorado upon retirement in 2005. He was an avid lover of the outdoors and enjoyed living at the foot of the Rocky Mountains.

Howard loved to learn. He was often found reading books, studying the scriptures, and studying languages. He was fluent in Spanish and learned enough Italian and French to “speak to the locals” when he traveled. He and Karleen loved to travel and enjoyed many trips to Europe, South America, China, and the Holy Land together.

Howard will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Karleen and his four outstanding children Tanya (Michael) Hancock, Tiffani (Leland) Angus, Trent (Rachelle) Hamilton and Tirsa (Blaine) Allen. Howard also enjoyed six years of a bonus foster daughter, Nellie Reina. He was the proud grandfather to 16 wonderful grandchildren and eight (and counting) really cute great-grandchildren.

Howard impacted so many lives by giving of his time, talent, and substance. He invested in many people in whom he saw potential, yet they lacked the means to fully pursue their aspirations. In lieu of flowers, please find a way (big or small) to help someone who may benefit from your time, talent, or substance in pursuit of their personal development. And think of Howard when you do!

A visitation for Howard will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1721 Red Cloud Road, Longmont, Colorado 80504 in the Relief Society Room. At 10:00 a.m. Howard will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery located at 620 11th Avenue, Longmont, Colorado, 80501. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1721 Red Cloud Road, Longmont, Colorado 80504.

https://zoom.us/j/96788195955?pwd=xmJjbARQAItHpVjpnVHzNbgdURXAXI.1

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with his loving family at www.howemortuary.com.