Recent Obituaries

An easy going, common sense soul who moved through the world with unique humor, Fred Hamilton was born and raised in Seattle, Washington along with two brothers.

Fred graduated from the University of Washington in 1965 with a B.A. in architecture. He then entered the Air Force and became a C-141 jet transport pilot. In Viet Nam, he served as tactical liaison officer coordinating men and supplies.

Fred met his wife, Cile, at a neighborhood hamburger stand and they married in 1967. Shortly thereafter, Fred and Cile relocated to Milwaukee, WI where they raised two amazing daughters.

Fred was an avid and talented model railroader. In Milwaukee, Fred worked on the advertising sales staff of Model Railroader and Trains magazines. After 25 years, he returned to Seattle to work as general manager at NorthWest Short Line, a manufacturer of model train parts and assembly tools. His love of trains led him to become Trustee and President of the Model Railroad Industry Association and later, serve as its Executive Director. Founding Director of the Narrow Gauge Trust Fund and the Narrow Gauge Preservation Fund rounded out his career.

In retirement, Fred and Cecile settled in Maple Valley, WA. Fred enjoyed getting together weekly with friends and fellow train enthusiasts to build and operate model train layouts. Shannon and her husband, Keith, are working remotely while traveling the U.S. in their RV. Heather and her husband, Eric, are very busy with teenage triplets in Frisco, Texas.

Fred died peacefully on August 1, 2024 at age 82 and is survived by his wife Cecile (Hopper), daughters Shannon Bolchen (Keith) and Heather Cannon (Eric), grandchildren Sam, Ben, and Ella, and brothers Mike and Jim. He will be buried with military honors at Tahoma National Cemetery on Thursday August 29th at 1:00pm (18600 SE 240th St, Kent, WA). A casual gathering will be held following the service at the Meadowridge Clubhouse located at 22522 SE 237th Place, Maple Valley, WA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA.org) or the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org).