Jack Rach Hamilton's Obituary
Jack, 83, stepped into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Friday, February 17, 2017. He was born in Spokane to John and Peggy Hamilton on July 15, 1933, and moved to Tacoma with his family when he was three years old. He was a graduate of Stadium High School, class of 1951, and the University of Washington, class of 1955. He was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity at the U of W, and a proud member of the “Beta U Boys,” lifelong friends from his pledge class.
After serving in the U.S. Army, Jack spent his career in the insurance business with Aetna; Schwarz Shera; Raleigh, Schwarz and Powell; and Brown and Brown. He was a faithful member of St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, Tacoma-West Optimist Club, Tacoma Rotary 8, Husky Tyee Club, the Lakewood Racquet Club, and an avid golfer with his Wednesday golf group.
He married Carol Semmern in 1956, and they had two sons, Scott and Craig. They enjoyed camping as a young family, and later, vacationed together at their Lake Chelan time-share. After a wonderful marriage of 46 years, Carol died in 2003. Jack was “twice-blessed” when he married his second love, Sharon Brown in 2006. They shared a delightful 10 years together, adding many happy adventures aboard cruise ships. Jack was an encourager, always very supportive of his (and Sharon’s) children and grandchildren’s endeavors. He was passionate about Husky football, tennis, travel, fishing, golf, and time with family and friends.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Roger. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Brown, Tacoma; Jack & Carol’s sons Scott (Jean), Port Orchard; Craig (Jill), Fircrest; Sharon’s daughters Lezlie (Scott) Peck, Greenville, SC; Stephanie (Bob) Howe, Tacoma; Whitney (David) Grisaffi, Tacoma; Karlee (Jim) Moore, Zionsville, IN; a combined sixteen grandchildren, six grandchildren-in-law, and seven great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all.
Memorial service will be 1:00 pm, Thursday, February 23, 2017, at University Place Presbyterian Church, 8101 27th Street West, University Place, WA 98466.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, PO Box 8328, Tacoma, WA 98418-0328; or to the Mary Bridge Children’s Foundation, PO Box 5296, Tacoma, WA 98415-0296.
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