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Robert Sanford Hamilton Jr.

1947 - 2021

Robert Sanford Hamilton Jr. obituary, 1947-2021, Colorado Springs, CO

BORN

1947

DIED

2021

Robert Hamilton Obituary

Hamilton Jr
Robert Sanford
Hamilton Jr
June 27, 1947
December 14, 2021

Robert Sanford Hamilton, Jr., 74, of Wetmore, Colorado, passed away on December 14, 2021, at his ranch.

Robert was born on June 27, 1947, at Spohn Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Robert and Floy Viser Hamilton. He was the older brother to three siblings: Kay, Kent and Pamela. An enterprising businessman from the start, Robert, at age nine, bought his first property at the Colorado State Fair using his paper boy earnings. He graduated from W.B. Ray High School, ""The Fighting Texans,"" in Corpus Christi in 1965, Bethany Nazarene College, and the University of Texas Medical School.

He was the loving father of three children: Rob, Josh, and Elizabeth. He and his wife, Joan, enjoyed 22 years together. Robert lived an exceptional life full of adventure, countless accomplishments and adoring friends and family. He lived with gratitude and joy as a doting husband, proud father, melt-your-heart-with-sweetness grandfather and cherished friend of countless folks.

One of the very first board certified emergency medicine physicians in the United States, Robert came to Colorado from Texas to work at Denver General ER. He became a pilot to staff rural emergency rooms, eventually attaining instrument-rated pilot status. He worked years in the Parkview emergency room in Pueblo, establishing the first ER doctors in the hospital and ambulance service, in the days when physicians of every medical specialty took turns in the ER and funeral homes were the ambulance transportation services. He started up an air ambulance service with some of the finest friends in Pueblo. At the same time, Robert pursued his other passions with boundless energy, farming American bison and Texas longhorns. He loved living on his remote ranch, and eventually came to own other ranches in Texas, Colorado and British Columbia, in pursuit of ranching, wildlife conservation and historical restoration.

In the 1980s, Robert established freestanding emergency rooms, which were named Emergicare and grew to four urgent care clinics staffed by physicians. During 38 years in operation, Emergicare clinics became known for an exceptional level of care. Robert retired from medicine in January 2020, and because he was always in motion, continued as a real estate investor with numerous investments throughout Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico.

Robert had a deep love for his wife, Joan, and their blended families, a deep love for the West and its values and a deep love for our nation, with compassion the size of the Grand Canyon. He had a way of making his loved ones feel special with his words of encouragement and his deep concern for those around him; he always seemed to have just the right words to say. He was especially proud of his wife, Joan, and couldn't imagine his life without her. Acting marriage counselor to his friends, he was quoted by several of them as saying, ""It's critically important that your wife knows how much she means to you."" Robert loved people and never met a stranger. His family and friends often found themselves waiting for Robert when out and about, to find that he was talking up a storm with a new friend; he would find relatives wherever he went, even as far away as Sweden.

Life with Robert was never dull: he kept us on our toes, surviving an airplane crash, fires on the ranch, and various other misadventures. Friends and family who were invited to be accomplices in his infamous ""Robert adventures"" found themselves touring his ranches and beyond in a variety of off-road vehicles, moving trailers around for reasons known only to Robert, wrangling loose peacocks through the National Forest and singing along to Ian Tyson on the truck stereo at full volume. In fact, he inspired several women in his family to never leave home without a ""Robert Bag,"" including rubber boots, a machete, a large tarp, and dress-up clothes for a surprise event. Always ready to jump into action as a doctor, he saved the lives of multiple people while working on the ranch, driving down the road and on remote trail rides.

Robert's many interests included horseback riding (he especially loved his mules), ranching, German Shepherd dogs, hiking, camping, aviation, wildlife, land conservation and history, especially Charles Goodnight and his adventures. He was a proud member of RoundUp Riders of the Rockies and Pikes Peak Range Riders.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Harrell Hamilton; his children, Robert Hamilton III (Katie Gaston), Elizabeth Rose Knies (Chandler), and Joshua Hamilton (Bridget); grandchildren Abram, Huxley, Isabella, Lucia, Valencia Capri, Thomas, Tyler, Ansley, and Elizabeth; siblings Kay Beeson (David) and Pamela Corder (Murph); and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Floy Hamilton, and his brother, Lile Kent Hamilton.

Robert's life will be celebrated at the Flying W Ranch in Colorado Springs on January 16, 2022, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, where his youngest granddaughter, Capri, is undergoing cancer treatment:
https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html

He left the world a better place. Vaya con Dios, Roberto.

:

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html



He left the world a better place. Vaya con dios, Roberto.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Dec. 29, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Hamilton

Not sure what to say?





Mark Young

July 1, 2024

In just hearing of his passing, I am honored to have worked beside him and to have been mentored by him. He will be deeply missed.

Danielle syddall

July 6, 2022

For the handful of times I got to meet you, you always had a giant smile!!! With Love, Danielle

John L Sherman

April 1, 2022

I worked with Robert to provide imaging to Emergicare patients in the 1990s and had many enjoyable interactions. He was an impressive man and a model for others. I will miss Robert and will always remember his passion for life and for those in his care.
John Sherman, MD

Nanette Clare

January 22, 2022

I was a classmate of Bob's in medical school. Even though that was 50 years ago, he is an unforgettable person for his warm, giving nature. He would do anything for anyone in need. The world is a better place for his presence. He created so many wonderful memories of life for so many people. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Gary and Helen Vertrees

January 16, 2022

Thank you Robert for being our true friend. We love and miss you Robert. You were always available when needed for us or others in need!

Jan Fisher

January 14, 2022

I loved living next door to the Hamiltons in Pueblo. Quite a life, big Rob. You will be missed.

Michael Thessen

January 13, 2022

Backpacking in the Sangres', Robert accompanied me fly fishing Sand Creek Lake. Me, fly casting; Robert, on his belly soaked to his neck reaching under rocks for the elusive cutthroat. Robert caught at 23", five pound cutthroat barehanded! Several wonderful memories with Robert of the outdoor-kind. My heartfelt condolences to Hamilton family.

Jim Brumage

January 13, 2022

Robert was a good neighbor and friend.
I appreciated his support during tough times.
My sympathies go out to Joanie and family.

Jerry LaBonde

January 7, 2022

I was able to meet Robert (Doc) for the first time this summer riding in the Flat Tops Wilderness and as a member of the TITO tent with 3R. What and impression he made during our week long ride. A pillar of wisdom, A gracious and kind soul, Always had a smile and A friend whom I will miss.

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

Don & Helen Banner

Planted Trees

William G Smith

January 3, 2022

It was a pleasure to know and work with Dr. Hamilton. He was my mentor and friend...he will be missed.

Don and Helen Banner

January 1, 2022

We were shocked to hear of Robert´s death. We left for Mexico 12/16 and returned 12/25. The papers weren´t delivered on our return. Robert was a smart businessman, a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed by all who knew him. May God rest his soul. There was a time when with three other couples we studied the book of John once a week for no less than three years. We became close friends. Robert was a man of many talents. Sincere condolences to Joan and his adult children.

Mike Wilfley 3R

January 1, 2022

Robert was a man with a generous spirit; bright, entertaining, considerate and uniquely charming.

Steve Schriener

January 1, 2022

Rob, Josh, and Liz,

The passing of your dad is an opportunity for me to tell you how fortunate I feel for having known him, and by extension, all of you. I have fond memories of your quiet dedication to the task at hand, your joy and good humor, and your compassion for others. They enriched my teaching and coaching life, and I am forever grateful,

And they had a source. To Dad, I say, "Into paradise may the angels lead you."

Deepest, kindest regards for your loss.

Visit Colorado Springs - Jim Cassidy

December 31, 2021

Our condolences to Joan and family. Our organization had a great relationship with Robert, well beyond owner and tenant. We will all miss him. We will attend the memorial at Flying W.

Wayne Feindel

December 30, 2021

Hello Joan this is Wayne, i worked for yall for 5 years and it was a great pleasure working with Dr.Hamilton and being part of the emergicare crew and helping the community. I learned a lot from my experience and the knowledge Dr. Hamilton gave me in my carrier in health care. We enjoyed all the company parties we had at the ranch. So sorry for your loss. God Bless and take care

Lyn Cooksey

December 30, 2021

Spent quite bit of time with Robert the past few months, what an interesting & challenging person. Always willing to strike up a conversation with & discuss anything with anyone, ones of his favorites being the Babcock Hole Ranch & Charles Goodnight. Robert left a big foot print in the road of life. As he always said. Vaya con Dios my friend.

Jen Baker

December 30, 2021

Dear Josh, Abram and Huxley...I am so sorry for your loss. I remember grandpa coming to the preschool to talk to the students about being a cowboy and the kids were amazed. Grandpa was a gentle soul and I know Abram and Huxley will miss him, but will carry on his spirit.

Ben Weeks

December 30, 2021

I am so sorry to hear of Robert's passing. I know he had many exceptional qualities as doctor/businessman/rancher but the ones I had the pleasure of knowing were his extraordinary ability to instantly connect with almost anyone. He could truly engage in a conversation on any topic and you knew he was truly interested in you as a person.
Joan I never had the pleasure of meeting you but you must be wonderful as Robert shared many warm thoughts of you in the conversations we had on the trail and in camp on the Round-up Rides.
His enthusiasm for life was contagious. I will miss him and my heartfelt condolences go to his family and all whose life he touched. He truly did leave the world a better place.

James Evans

December 30, 2021

Joan, so sorry to learn of Robert´s passing. Mary and I send our condolences, and our prayers are with you and the family. Peace be with you. Love Jim and Mary Evans

Christine Evans

December 29, 2021

Was a honor to have know Robert, even if only for a short while. I am glad we met and talked and so on. He was a Good guy and made me giggle a few too. Wished I could have known him longer.

Patty Ruwoldt

December 29, 2021

Robert was a blessing to us and we will always be grateful for our friendship with him and Joan. We shared so much together and especially loved our horseback trips. We will miss him.

Tim Sanford

December 29, 2021

My sympathies go out to all Robert's family. He left us far too soon. We always connected because our names connected. My middle name is Hamilton and Robrt's is Sanford. During the 2010 ride he took my tent mate and great friend, Fred Larkin, to the hospital in Laramie(I think). He got a police escort and did 100 MPH in my 09 Lexis. My last ride, 2011, my slicker felloff my saddle horn on a steep rocky trail. I decided to abandon it rather than dismount and pick it up. But not Robert, 2 horses behind me he retrieved it for me. Just a note on the little things, among the big things that distinguished this wonderful man.

Tim McCarty 3R

December 29, 2021

We all lost a great man and a close friend. What an amazing person and character!

jj Klikus

December 29, 2021

My sympathies to the family of Dr. Hamilton. First heard of him through my Mom and Dad, as they had met him at one of the Drs. offices in Pueblo. He had just moved to town and had no place for his horses. My dad offered to pasture them, and lo and behold he accepted. They developed a lasting friendship. I personally, used to see him at soil savers on occasion. Nice man - lived life to the fullest.

Lyle and Pam Laverty

December 29, 2021

A wonderful man who will be greatly missed.

Terry Nelson

December 29, 2021

Our heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with you during this time. I had the blessing of riding with Robert on the Roundup Rides and he was a gift of friendship to many. Always a smile on his face and warmth from his heart.
Respectfully,
Terry and Denise Nelson

Mike Jenner

December 29, 2021

I met Robert on the 3R rides 10 years ago. Always great to share the trail with this very fine man.

Jim Goff

December 29, 2021

That was a beautifully written obituary capturing the life of an amazing man. On the Roundup Ride, my cot was usually right next to Robert. I loved being near him as he always expressed genuine interest in me and my journey, and he had so much to share on his journey, books we shared, and many topics of life. It seemed he never cut short a conversation, always had time for you and made you feel special and valued. There are so many other fine qualities of Robert I am missing here. I feel knowing Robert has been one of the great blessings of my life. - Jim Goff

John Young

December 28, 2021

Great man. Sincere sympathy to the family.

Betty J Rivera

December 28, 2021

Our deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of Dr. Hamilton. May your memories of Dr. Hamilton bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Keeping you in prayer.

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Memorial Events
for Robert Hamilton

Jan

16

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m.

Flying W Ranch

Colorado Springs , CO

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