Thomas J. Hamilton

ONTONAGON, Mich. - Thomas J. Hamilton, 83, left this earth on the beautiful Saturday morning of Sept. 17, 2022. He was surrounded by his children as he passed away peacefully in a place that he held in his heart and soul as "sacred ground," his dad's cottage on Rose Island in Ontonagon.

Tom was a born and raised Yooper. His parents, Tom and Connie (Ayotte) Hamilton, owned the Hungry Hollow Bar; he grew-up hunting, fishing and trapping out there and along the Firesteel River. He enjoyed coming to town on the weekends to trade fur, trade stories and enjoy the bustling main street of his time. He was one of the greatest storytellers in Yooper history and was known to weave quite a tall-tale or two.

Tom joined the U.S. Navy as a teenager. He was extremely proud of his service and even more proud to serve next to many men he considered brothers. Tom's ship was the security detail that escorted Queen Elizabeth and her Brittanica through the Straits of Mackinac in 1959; he's now escorting her through heaven to make sure she makes it safely to her destination. One sight during his time in the military stuck with him to the end; he worked in the engine room, and it was extremely hot so he decided to go up and sleep on the deck, as he awoke the next morning, he saw the beautiful sunrise in the background of a fleet of American ships and one could only imagine the awe he felt to be there in that moment.

Tom is survived by his wife of 59 years, Virginia "Ginny" (Leslie) Hamilton; his daughter, Lisa; and his son, Bryan (Donna). He was blessed with six grandchildren as well as 10 great-grandchildren.

"That man is a success - who has lived well, laughed often and loved much, who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children, who has filled his niche and accomplished his task. Who leaves the world better than he found it, who has never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it, who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had."

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sept. 30, at Riverside Cemetery, on Old Norwich Trail in Ontonagon. A celebration will be held immediately following at Tom's Marina on Rose Island.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you make a donation to the Ontonagon County Cancer Association, or a veteran service of your choice.

The family would like to thank the medical staff at Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital as well as Aspirus Hospice.

Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.