Tom Hamill
Oct 17, 1956 -
Jun 15, 2021
Tom Hamill died unexpectedly while fishing at Willow Creek, Alaska, on June 15, 2021. He was 64 years young.
Born to Bob and Martha Hamill in Baltimore, Md., John Thomas "Tom" Hamill II was full of energy and would be known as "Tommy Tornado" by some who tried to keep up with him. Tom's two older sisters, Sharon and Robin, and two younger sisters, Missy and Cindy, rounded out the Hamill family.
In his younger years, Tom played baseball and was called "Golden Legs" for his quick and agile speed on the field. High school football followed as #23 played several positions at Bernardsville High School in New Jersey. Graduating in 1974, Tom went on to Ithaca College and earned a Bachelor of Science, majoring in psychology and minoring in biology. There he became the owner of a white lab rat named Ignet who would accompany Tom on many adventures, often found riding on his shoulder. Tom had a great group of buddies from high school and college who he thoroughly enjoyed and told stories about for the rest of his life.
Over the years Tom lived in Maryland, Long Island, Illinois, New Jersey, upstate New York, and eventually moved to Alaska, where he lived for 30 years.
When Tom drove to Alaska in his Honda Accord in May 1991, he planned to spend the summer maintaining trails and exploring fishing holes while working with Volunteers in Parks in Chugach State Park, at what is now the Eagle River Nature Center. One month after arriving in Alaska he met his future wife Angie, while working on a trail project on the Albert Loop trail. Sled dogs and dog mushing became a habit leading Tom and Angie to open Birch Trails Adventures and Sled Dog Tours – a bed-and-breakfast and dog mushing business where people from all over the world were entertained – building many cherished friendships along the way. Tom's love of fishing flourished in Alaska, fueled by catching salmon with his fly rod in clear streams and rivers. He liked being able to see the fish he was trying to catch. Fly tying soon became a hobby he would spend hours performing and perfecting.
In 1996, Tom earned a Master of Arts in teaching from the University of Alaska Anchorage. His desire to help young people navigate life was evident in his work in education. He influenced the lives of many students while working with a variety of organizations, including Chugach School District, Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Hope Community Resources and Alaska Military Youth Academy.
During Tom's work with Chugach School District, one of the programs which he was most proud of was Anchorage House – School to Life Program, to help students make informed decisions about their future and to successfully transition beyond high school. Recognized as a best practices program, Chugach School District won the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for education in 2001: https://www.nist.gov/baldrige/chugach-school-district.
Tom's many other passions throughout life were expressed in his woodwork, his designing and creating jewelry from a variety of gem stones; designing and creating hanging mobiles out of drift wood, sea shells and other interesting items; traveling and exploring near and far to exotic beaches, live music concerts, bird watching at many migratory bird locals; and savoring wine and cooking taste treats for family and friends - his specialty, smoked salmon, was a favorite of his nephews and nieces who dubbed it "fish bacon." As an avid note taker, one of his most frequent notes was to "Call Mom."
Tom was also a loyal football fan, seeking out broadcasts no matter where on earth he found himself, particularly to watch his New England Patriots take the field. He appreciated Maryland crab cakes and Alaska king crab. With audio speakers in every indoor and outdoor living space, his favorite bands from British invasion to Southern rock, blues and Alaska local sensations such as Hope Social Club, Steve Norwood, Whipsaws, etc., were background to his adventures whether at home or on the road.
Tom never met a stranger – his infectious smile and rosy cheeks lit his approach. He loved talking to anyone who would engage in conversation. While traveling through crowds, often at outdoor concerts, Angie would lead the way, frequently having to stop to wait for Tom who would be found several paces behind having found someone who would share a conversation and a smile. He loved spreading joy.
Tom is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 29 years, Angie Hamill of Chugiak, Alaska; mom, Martha Hamill of Charlottesville, Va.; sister, Sharon Hamill-Huff of Flint Hill, Va.; sister, Robin Hamill-Ruth of Charlottesville; sister, Missy Mclaughlin (Scott) of McLean, Va.; sister, Cindy Hamill of Reston, Va.; nieces and nephews, Sean McLaughlin, Matt McLaughlin, Gray McLaughlin, Cameron McLaughlin (Paige), Maggie McLaughlin, Cailey McLaughlin, John McGurn, Laura McGurn, Jamie McGurn, Leah Ruth, Aaron Ruth (Tara), Micah Ruth, Robbie Hamill Huff and Malachi Hamill; aunt, Edie Williams of Lynn, Mass.; aunt, Midge Henderson of South Paris, Maine; cousins-in-law, Gail Dalferes and Bailey Condrey of Kensington, Md.; Greg and Kim Dalferes of Fairfax Station and Smith Mountain Lake, Va.; other family in-laws, Dee Yates, Melvin King, Sue King, Billie Jean Erwin, Betsy King, Frank King (Misty); a hoard of other cousins scattered around the East Coast, many wonderful friends; and his "girls" Raven and Roxxy, black lab sisters, who patiently await his arrival at the gate.
Tom was preceded in death by his dad, Bob Hamill; brothers-in-law, Frank Huff and Roger Ruth; aunt, Bunny Morse; and uncles, Dick Henderson and Joe Williams.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom's memory can be made to the Eagle River Nature Center, via the donations tab on ernc.org or by mailing a check to ERNC at 32750 Eagle River Road, Eagle River, AK 99577. Please note "in memory of Tom Hamill." A remembrance gathering in Alaska will be held at a future date to be determined. Condolences and memories can be sent to the family at 22719 Robinson Rd., Chugiak, AK 99567. We are comforted knowing Tom passed from this world into the loving hands of his Creator and that he finds peace and joy in the presence of his Heavenly Father. Tom's spirit lives on like the moon, and the stars and the sun for eternity. Always remember the good times shared with him.
