Philip Aubry Hamlin, passed away at home from pneumonia on June 20, 2023. He was born on February 15, 1935, in Peyton, Colorado as the eighth child of Art Hamlin and Clara Hamlin (Zimmerman). After graduating from Peyton High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving his time in Germany. He acquired B.S. and M.S. degrees in Chemistry from Colorado State University and his PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Kansas State University. Phil taught chemistry at Panhandle State University in Goodwill, Oklahoma and later was employed as Manager of Environmental Programs at Rayonier, Inc. in Shelton, Washington. In 2003, he and Mary moved to Bremerton, Washington to be nearer their daughter Dawn.
Phil is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Hamlin, his daughters, Jeanine Stice (Scott) and Dawn Davis (Matt), five grandsons and two great-granddaughters.
He was a long-time member of the American Chemical Society, Toastmasters International, and Sons of the American Revolution. In 1978 he was the President of Mason County Forest Festival and President of Shelton School Board from 1980-82.
Phil gave back to his community by volunteering for numerous causes. After his retirement he joined The Mt. Rose Trail Crew, a group of his friends, that spent many hours doing strenuous work in the Olympic mountains keeping several trails clear of fallen trees, rocks, and debris plus building bridges. He loved this volunteer job and was sad to give it up when Parkinson's disease affected his balance.
His hobbies included playing bridge, chess, cribbage, poker, genealogy, writing family histories, fishing, hiking, reading, and traveling with Mary after retirement.
He was a man of integrity and could be trusted to do what he said he would do in a timely manner. His infinite wisdom, fun personality and great smile will always be remembered.
Phil's remains will be placed later at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington.
In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite charity or to his would be appreciated:
Wounded Warriors, Donor Care Center P.O. Box 758541 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8541.
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