POCATELLO, Idaho — William Earl Hamp (Will Hamp), 41, died Thursday, Nov. 30, in Pocatello, Idaho, succumbing to injuries sustained in a vehicle accident just a few days prior.
Will Hamp was born on Sept. 16, 1976, in Ogden, Utah, to Ron and Brenda (Maxfield) Hamp. He lived in and went to school in Lyman, and caused a lot of havoc by his shenanigans, along with his cousins and life-long friends he considered his brothers. The dairy farm he grew up on, and his immediate surroundings, became the foundation of his love for the outdoors, wildlife and country living.
He spent some time growing up in Tooele, Utah. He learned many lessons in carpentry, welding and heavy equipment operation. Grandpa and Grandma Hamp were instrumental in shaping Will’s work ethic and good nature.
Will Hamp continued to master his heavy equipment operating and carpentry skills when he moved to Victor, Idaho, in 2000, and added carpentry, landscaping and pipefitting skills.
Will Hamp met for the first time in person, Stacy Kono, on May 3, 2013. They had been corresponding online since April. From the beginning, he referred to her as his wife, because in his heart, he already felt she was his wife.
Will loved hunting, fishing, camping and RZR riding. A country boy at heart, Will learned the city-life and gradually embraced it through the devotion to his fiancée.
He had a tender, giving heart. No one who knew Will Hamp was a stranger. Numerous times Will Hamp would stop to check on people, if it looked like they were broken down on the side of the road and needed help. And, he did things like changing tires, towing them and going to fill up gas cans.
Cash never stayed long in Will Hamp’s pocket, because anyone who would ask for a couple of bucks would have been given all he had. He always felt he had more than he deserved and wanted to share the bounties from his life with those, he felt, needed it more than he did.
In the two days following his accident, Will Hamp and his fiancée were able to spend quality time, between naps, making plans for the coming new year and professing their love.
Will Hamp is survived by his fiancée, Stacy Kono, Pocatello, Idaho; parents, Ron and Brenda Hamp; brother, Dustin Hamp; sisters: Mitzi Hamp, Brandi Ivie and Amy Henderson and their families. At the request of the families and because they knew he considered his fiancée to be his wife, it is noted he is also survived by his fiancée’s mother, Grace Kono; her brother, Ricky Kono; her sisters: Leilani Kono (Mitt Reason, whom he considered his brother) and Bobbie Demille; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, whom he loved and dearly adored.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Earlen and Loretta Hamp, Tooele, Utah; and Lewis and Margaret Maxfield, Lyman; and his fiancée’s father James Kono.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan 20, at 1 p.m., at the American Legion Hall in Fort Bridger. A celebration of life will be held, Saturday, May 5, with a venue and time to be determined at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent, payable to ‘The Will Hamp Donation Account,’ Citizens Community Bank, P.O. Box 1689, Pocatello, ID 83204.
