Douglas Clyde Hamilton

Doug was born in Medford, Oregon to Mary Ann and Charles “Charlie” Hamilton. At an early age, his parents and brother Steve moved to the Portland area. Sister, Sue Ann Hamilton, arrived a few years later. Mary Ann Hamilton died suddenly in 1969.

Time passed and Charlie Hamilton married Chiane Anderson, mother of Douglas, Judy and David. The new blended Hamilton/Anderson family had 6 children ages 12 to 20 years old. It was a true “Brady Bunch”. Doug had fond memories of those years.

Doug graduated from Sunset High School where he enjoyed many friendships and activities playing football and baseball. Following high school, he attended University of Oregon and graduated with a degree in Political Science.

His career path was launched at an early age as he and his brother Steve worked after school and in the summers for the family-owned business - Hamilton Engine Sales. His father taught and mentored Doug to lead the company’s marketing, sales and distributor relations responsibilities. When Charlie died, Doug became President of the company. He and his brothers, Steve Hamilton and Douglas Anderson, continued to grow the business. Beyond Hamilton Engine Sales, Doug was respected within the diesel engine industry and served in leadership roles on numerous national and international distributor councils.

In 1979, Doug married Judy Wren. Many dreams, adventures and lasting friendships were shared over those years. He loved his family most of all. As a father to Alex and Trent, he enjoyed coaching, mentoring and cheering for many of their baseball, basketball and soccer activities. He introduced them to golf. In recent years he treasured time with close friends and family activities ranging from Sunday family dinners to boating adventures in the San Juan Islands with sons, daughter in laws (Kalie married to Alex, and Maddy, married to Trent). Most recently he was able to welcome and know his first granddaughter, Walker Wren Hamilton, who never failed to bring a smile to his face.

In addition to family and work, Doug had a variety of interests. He was passionate about golf and had the opportunity to play some of the world’s most prestigious courses with equally passionate buddies. He was President of Columbia Edgewater Country Club. For many years he served on the Tournament Golf Foundation board of directors. This Portland-based nonprofit organization hosted the LPGA golf tournament. He took great pride in knowing that during his tenure TGF donated over $15 million dollars to Portland based under-privileged children’s charities.

Doug was an avid card player. As his health failed, the “card dudes” came to his home once or twice a week for an afternoon of “Gin” and laughter. One of Doug’s most notable talents was his vast knowledge of how things work and how to repair things when they didn’t. Friends and family frequently relied on his expertise and problem-solving skills. In addition to being handy, he truly enjoyed helping others and sharing his wealth of knowledge. Visitors at Doug and Judy’s home were immediately impressed with his meticulously maintained lawn and yard.

His family will miss him forever.

If you wish to make a charitable donation in his name, please consider Oregon Junior Golf or Evans Scholars Foundation. For information about the celebration of life, please contact a family member.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.finleysunsethills.com for the Hamilton family.