Douglas Mitchell Hamilton

Douglas Mitchell Hamilton, age 81, passed away at home in Fort Collins, Colorado, on June 9, 2026, surrounded by loving care.

Born in Portland, Oregon, Doug spent his youth mountaineering the peaks of Oregon and Washington alongside his parents and brother - adventures that shaped a love of the outdoors. He went on to attend UC Davis, where he met his wife, Victoria Stanich. Together they raised their son, David, and shared a love and enjoyment of life.

Doug spent his career in the brewing industry, which he loved deeply - first as a plant manager for Great Western Malting, and later as a manager with Anheuser-Busch. He took great pride in his work and the craft behind it.

Doug was an avid skier since he was young, and it became a cherished family tradition - he and David spent many winters together making fresh tracks on newly fallen snow. In retirement, Doug found new ways to stay active and inspired, becoming an avid watercolor painter and cherishing the friendships he built within his art group. He also enjoyed long bike rides and travel. In his later years, he found love again with his beloved companion, Sylvia, who brought him great joy.

Doug was known for his intelligence, wearing his heart on his sleeve and for his sense of humor. He was warm and well-liked, the kind of man people felt at ease around.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Victoria, who passed in 2011. He is survived by his son, David Hamilton; his brother, Bruce Hamilton; his beloved in-laws Richard and Jennifer Stanich, who were like a second brother and sister to him; and nephews Josh and Matthew Stanich.

Doug's ashes will be laid to rest at his favorite ski resort in Idaho, a place he and his family frequented throughout the 1980s and where some of his happiest memories were made on the mountain.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Doug's memory to the MDS Foundation at:

https://www.mds-foundation.org/donate

This will support research into the blood cancer he faced in his final years.