Willard John Hamilton

Willard John Hamilton, 70, of Clinton, Montana, passed away among loved ones on September 27th, 2023. Willard was born in Missoula, Montana, on February 16th, 1953, and was the third child of Melvin and Wilma Hamilton. Willard, his parents, two older siblings Melvin Jr. (aka Punk) and Maxine, and younger sister Wanda completed the family. Willard made many friends in his youth at Bonner School and graduated from Sentinel High School. He also made many special memories in the Ovando area. After completing his high school education, Willard enlisted in the Air Force before continuing his studies at St. Philip's College in San Antonio, Texas, where he would earn his associate's degree in applied sciences. After completing his degree, he went on to work at the oil wells in Laredo, Texas, until he returned to Montana in 1976 and began working at Anaconda Company (Champion) Mill. In 1980, he married Sidney Jorgenson, and the two settled in West Riverside, where they were blessed with two wonderful children, their daughter Cristal and son Jonathan. Once Champion Mill had been bought out, Willard returned to school at the University of Montana College of Technology to earn his Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technician Certification in 1995. With his certification in hand, he was hired and became a dedicated employee with Eastgate Rental for more than 20 years.

Willard had a big heart and he always stuck up for the underdog. If you were a friend of Willard's, you were a friend for life. He could forever visit with his family and lifelong friends about the mysteries of life and also about nothing. His friends meant the world to him. His lifelong brothers Hardy Hackman, Ernie, Ralph, Dennis and Vince Hult, Cameron Blake, Curtis Fifield, Larry Connell, Chad Manning, Rodney Hambley, and Jerry from South Carolina will carry his memories. Willard loved to take daily drives in the mountains with his dogs Buddy, Betty, and Zoey. This was a favorite pastime, and he would rush home every day to get out in the woods. His life was filled with incredible adventures in hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping; he was a true man of the woods. He was also an avid snowmobiler and a motorcycle enthusiast.

Willard is survived by his son Jonathan (Jamie, Tyler & Colton), daughter Cristal (Skyla & James), brother Punk (Aggie), sister Maxine (Roy), and younger sister Wanda along with numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his brother-in-law Bill Orvalla, his father, Melvin, and his mother, Wilma.

Cards and any monetary contributions to help the family with final costs can be sent to Jon Hamilton PO Box 403 Clinton, MT 59825.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 14th at noon at 170 S 1st Street Clinton, MT.