MONTE VISTA — William Wayne "Bill" Hamilton, 67, a long time resident of the San Luis Valley, lost his battle with cancer on Monday, Jan. 11, 2010.

He was born Nov. 23, 1942 in Durango to William and Virginia Hamilton.

 Bill was a business owner and a man of many interests. He enjoyed the great outdoors and was an avid hunter and amateur archeologist. He loved his family, friends and working.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 49 years, Judy; mother, Virginia; children, Steve (Terry) Hamilton, Christine Wright, Jodie Haynie, Rachel McCormick (Cameron Oliver) and Andrea (TJ) Serak; brother, Richard; sisters, Ann, Lori and Janice; 10 grandchildren and two more on the way. He will be greatly missed.

The family chose cremation. A memorial service to honor and celebrate William’s life was held Friday, Jan. 15, at the First Christian Church in Monte Vista.

Arrangements were by Stroh-mayer’s Funeral Home.