Ottis 'Britt' Hamilton

Ottis ‘Britt’ Hamilton

Ottis “Britt” Hamilton passed away peacefully on Dec. 6, 2019, with his wife and family surrounding him. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, 2019 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Reception to follow with memorial slideshow. Private interment will be in the Porthill Cemetery.

Ottis Britt Hamilton was born Aug. 13, 1949, in Alton, Ill., to John and Susie Hamilton. Britt had three brothers — Mike, Dan and Mark — and one sister, Linda. Britt’s family lived in Illinois until he was about four and decided to move out west to California. Britt grew up in the Sacramento area where he attended El Camino High School and then attended a junior college for two years, studying data processing and accounting.

Britt met Pam during high school and dated until they were married in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, on Sept. 13, 1969. After marrying Britt and Pam decided to reside in Bonners Ferry since her father had taken a position with the Bonners Ferry Herald as the General Manager. Britt’s first job in Bonners Ferry was at the local Safeway. Their first daughter, Barbara Marie, was born Oct. 17 at Bonner General Hospital.

Life in Bonners Ferry was new and becoming home. After expecting their second child, Michael Norman, they decided to return to Sacramento area where Britt went to work for Lucky’s as a journeyman clerk. Heartbreak struck when Barbara Marie passed away at the age of 2½ and made them decide to return to Bonners Ferry to be around family.

Upon returning Britt went back to work and then decided to enlist with the U.S. Coast Guard. After completing boot camp in San Francisco, Britt went on to attend schooling for store keeper in Petaluma, Calif., where Pam and Micheal joined him. Britt graduated in the top 5 of his class and was ready to start his new journey. His first Station was Sandy Hook, N.J., where they later had two more daughters, Sabrina and Sarah. After just over two years in New Jersey he was re-stationed to Homer, Alaska, aboard the “Sage.” When his orders were complete Britt and the family returned to Bonners Ferry where they had two more children, Stacey and Clifford.

Britt went to work for several lumber companies locally and gained an interest in law enforcement while volunteering as a reserve for the City of Bonners Ferry and with the Bonners Ferry Fire Department. Once deciding he wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement he returned to college to obtain a degree. Britt was hired on by the Boundary County Sheriff’s office as a correctional officer and then sent to Post to be certified. During this time he continued to enjoy volunteering his free time as a fireman and ran with the local ambulance. Several years later he was offered a position at Bonner County jail, which he accepted and worked there till he retired in 2011. During retirement he continued to volunteer with the ambulance as a driver up until about five months prior to his death, to spend more time at the gun shops and be with his family.

During Britt’s youth he loved to play Babe Ruth baseball, which he was good at but his flat feet caused him to be a little slow at running. In high school he learned the game of golf and continue to play through college. It has been said that he could have gone professional but he decided to dedicate more time to his new family. He continued to play the game throughout his life and enjoyed playing with his brother, sons and son-in-law over the years.

Britt was an avid gun hobbyist! Britt was a well-known face in the surrounding pawn shops and gun shows in the area. His wife and children also knew the gun shops well as they sat patiently out in the car as he went in ”real quick” to make a purchase or sale. Each one of the five kids got sent in at least once before he decided he better go. Britt gained many great friendships along the way and one dear to him was Ralph Agueros at Round Heels. He thoroughly enjoyed the environment and conversation he had with anyone who came in.

Britt also liked to collect watches, knives, flashlights, obsessed about yard work (even known for watering his snow in the yard), loved dogs and only believed in buying USA-made items.

Britt had a sense of humor like no one … or you could say more like a dry sense of humor. He always loved to pull your leg and if he didn’t then he probably didn’t like you. One particular story of his dry sense of humor was when he handcuffed one of his daughter’s friend’s hand to the chip rack in the grocery story and then left. After about 30 minutes he returned and said “You’re still there?” Ohhhhhh the smile he had on his face.

Britt mostly enjoyed spending his time with his family. After 50 years of marriage to his high school sweetheart, six children, 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren there was never a dull moment. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, 4-wheeling and family get togethers with all. Some think that money is what makes you rich, successful and memorable, but Britt was rich with love and family.

Britt was blessed to have his final wish, which was to remain in his home and be cared for by his wife and family. With the help of hospice … that wish was granted. He enjoyed his final days with all who came to visit him and the love that was shared during his final days. With laughter, tears and many long nights he was finally at peace and accept his fate.

He was preceded in death by his father John Hamilton, mother Susie Hamilton, brother John Michael Hamilton, father-in-law Clifford Kroeger, mother-in-law Barbara Kroeger, daughter Barbara Marie Hamilton and son Clifford Britt Hamilton.

He is survived by his wife Pamela Hamilton, son Michael Norman Hamilton (wife Allison Hamilton) of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; daughters Sabrina Winey (husband Robert Winey) of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Sarah Rosco (husband Jeremy Rosco) of Alexander, N.D., and Stacey Chouinard (husband Cale Chouinard) of Naples, Idaho; brother Mark Hamilton of Lincoln, Calif.; brother Dan Hamilton of Branson, Mo.; sister Linda Large of Branson, Mo.; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the Boundary Ambulance crew for the love and support they showed during this time; Hospice for their professional care; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for all the meals, blessings and support; and all the family and friends who stopped by to show their love and support.