Chuck Hamilton, 78, passed away at his residence in Anthem, Arizona.
He had moved south for a more hospitable altitude, staying near his daughter, Wendy, who lives in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Chuck was born in Lyman, Jan. 30, 1940, the third of seven children born to John and Lola Landers Hamilton, and was raised on the Hamilton ranch in Uinta County. After surviving a serious bout of tick fever, he attended school in Mountain View, graduating with the class of 1958. Proficiency in basketball was a hallmark of his high school career, and he was part of the first MVHS football team. He joined the Wyoming National Guard while in high school.
Shortly after graduation, Chuck married his high school sweetheart, DeAnna Branca, and gained employment at Sperry Rand Missile Plant in Salt Lake City. While there, two daughters, Wendy Gail and Heidi Leigh, were born. While in Utah, he became a better-than-average golfer. A strong desire to return to rural Wyoming resulted in a move to Pinedale, then later to Jackson Hole where they lived and worked on Senator Cliff Hansen’s ranch.
Chuck enjoyed ranching again and his expertise with horses facilitated his daughters’ 4-H horse projects, high school rodeo and Miss Rodeo Wyoming accomplishments. He shod and hauled horses and daughters many miles through the intermountain states in these pursuits.
Later the family moved back to Bridger Valley where Chuck worked for Texas Gulf Company from which he retired. He was an expert fly fisherman and enjoyed hunting throughout his lifetime. Chuck was a very good dancer; jitterbugging was his specialty.
Chuck was preceded in death by DeAnna, his wife of 47 years; infant sister, Nancy; sister, Jeraldine; and father, John H. Hamilton.
Survivors are his daughters: Wendy (Joey) Platts and Heidi Powers; grandchildren: Rylea Platts, Harleigh Powers and Jett Proffit; and great-grandson, Kaysen. Also surviving are brothers-in-law, Jerry and Dick Branca; sister-in-law, Sharlene; and valued friend, Connie Taylor.
Other surviving family are his mother, Lola; sisters, Pat (Lou) Potter, Claudia (Don) Proffit, Chris Aimone; brother, Richard (Carol) Hamilton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be announced at a later date.
