Howard Duane Hamilton, 87

Howard Duane Hamilton, 87, passed away Dec. 12, 2016, at his home in Whitefish surrounded by those he loved dearly.

Howard was born April 9, 1929, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, to Paul and Edna Hamilton.

He graduated from Flathead County High School in 1947.

He enjoyed working, gold mining, camping, fishing and flying aircraft, as well as snowmobiling with his family and friends. Howard also enjoyed attending equipment auctions.

Howard met Elaine Betty Drake in Kalispell and they married on Feb. 2, 1952, in National City, California.

Howard proudly served as a U.S. Marine in Korea and received a Purple Heart during his service.

After moving to Whitefish in the late ‘50s he owned and operated the Whitefish Block Shop. Sixty years later he was still the active owner and operator of Hamilton Sand and Gravel.

He was a Master Mason with the Whitefish Lodge No. 64, Scottish Rite and Butte Shrine Club, and a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose

Howard was preceded in death by his wife Elaine and his parents.

Howard is survived by his children, Brenda Banning and husband Tom of Whitefish, Mike Hamilton and wife Judy of Columbia Falls, Julie Hamilton and husband Richard Sproul of Columbia Falls, and Mark Hamilton of Columbia Falls. Howard was proud of his seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Howard is also survived by his very special companion, Colleen McGillis; longtime best friends, Bob Mack, Phyllis Sprunger and Jerry Wier; as well as close friends and loyal employees Ron Oens and Cheryl Charlton; and many other close friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Home Options Hospice or any of the veterans’ organizations in the Flathead Valley.

Cremation has taken place and services will be held at a later date.

As his friend Bob said, “I would like to think that Howard is with Elaine again, but knowing him, he has to stop and visit with old friends on the way. So she is still waiting for him.”