Max Raymond Hamilton Sr., 73, born March 31, 1940 to Dave and Myrtle Rozella Hamilton in St. Francis, Kansas, passed away on April 3, 2013 in Gilbert, Arizona, with his loving family and friends at his side. Max was a well-respected, self-employed, general contractor and developer who built homes, commercial buildings, schools, churches and more across the entire nation. He quickly made his mark as a pioneer in the contracting industry. Max wasn’t an artist, but what he did with wood was artistry. He lived life with his hands. Creating things was a way of life for him and a source of joy. He continued to build until a few months before his death (the latest project being a deck on one of his daughter’s house just 6 months ago). Few people could see the fruits of their labor more easily than Max could. Max had an unflagging work ethic which he instilled in his children and grandchildren.
Max learned important values early. He grew up in St. Francis, Kansas...a community where families worked hard. This is where his life-long love affair with horses began. He moved to Wyoming at a young age and began horse wrangling. Later in life, he owned many horses...his prize possession being his Arabian Show Horse, Fortunate Son.
At 18, he moved to the San Luis Valley, where he met his late wife of 53 years, Shyrel. Together, Max and Shyrel owned numerous businesses and traveled the country from sea to sea.
His life painted the picture of a man perfectly happy with his place in the universe, and of a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and teacher who had left much to all of those who were touched by his wisdom and drive. In the words of his son, who speaks for his sisters as well: “he was my teacher, my mentor, my boss, my hero, my father. I am so blessed to have a father who loved all his children and family and was a great provider.” Max is survived by his children: Roshel Mae Merrill of Denver, Colorado; Max “Ray” Raymond Hamilton Jr. of Orlando, Florida; Kelly Jo Johnson and husband John “Dee” Johnson of Gilbert, Arizona; and Laura Noreen McMillan-DePew and husband Larry DePew of Edgerton, Kansas; as well as his siblings: Maxine Viola Scott of Gallup, New Mexico; Joe Hamilton of Lakewood, Colorado; Melvin “Mel” Eugene and wife Sally Hamilton of Westminster, Colorado; and Betty Lou Buhr of Phoenix, Arizona; 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Shyrel Noreen Allen, great-grandson James Christopher Martin Jr. and his brothers Gale Wesley Hamilton, Tony Rex Hamilton, Robert Lee Hamilton, David “Crock” C Hamilton, Chester “Chet” Merlyn Hamilton, and Larry David Hamilton.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Alamosa Stake Center in Alamosa, Colorado where friends may call one hour prior. Following services, burial will be held at the Alamosa Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Max’s memory to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org/donate.

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