Roland Simmons Hamilton, our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, August 30, 2020 in Spanish Fork, Utah. Roland was born April 24, 1929 in Spanish Fork to Calvin Dwight and Anne Simmons Hamilton. He attended schools in Spanish Fork, graduating from Spanish Fork High School in 1947. Roland earned a Bachelor’s of Education from Brigham Young University, later going on to complete his Master’s degree.
Roland was drafted into the United States Army and served his country as an artillery unit radio operator in the Korean War from 1953 to 1955. He mastered Morse Code during his service and loved showing off his Morse Code knowledge by reciting the Alphabet for his kids and grandkids.
Roland married LaRae Jex on January 19, 1951 in the Salt Lake Temple and together, raised four children. One of his greatest accomplishments in life was being an educator – in and out of the classroom, serving his family and community. He loved hearing from his former students as well as teachers who worked under him during his time as a Principal. Roland performed many quiet acts of service over the years and had many talents. He was an outstanding athlete, expert gardener, avid outdoorsman, and craftsman. Roland was a competitor in everything he did, winning Yard of the Week too many times to count. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, and hosting parties with LaRae in their beautiful yard.
Roland was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in many capacities. His favorite being home teaching.
He is survived by his children: Craig Roland (Melanie) Hamilton, Spanish Fork, Sharla Rae (Charles) Patterson, Tempe, AZ, Rand Layne (Kandace) Hamilton, Spanish Fork, and Lori Ann Hamilton, of Spanish Fork along with siblings, Blair Hamilton and Ramona Rust. He also leaves behind 12 beloved grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren whom he adored. Roland was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, a daughter-in-law, Susan, and siblings, Gordon, Mildred, Eleanor, Elaine, and Baby Mae.
Funeral services and interment will be held Saturday, September 5, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at Spanish Fork Cemetery. For those who wish to attend, the family respectfully asks that they please not hug, but reserve hugs for a later date, when CoVid-19 is better under control. If you are joining us and wish to sit, please bring a chair. Masks are required. Thank you!
5 Condolences for Roland Simmons Hamilton
Condolences(5)
Roberta Smith says
September 2, 2020 at 7:35 pmTo Roland’s Family,
I wish to extend sincere sympathy to you and yours in Roland’s passing.
He enriched many lives in various ways. He was a friend and co-worker to Gordon at Spanish Fork High School. We had opportunities with Roland and LaRae to get acquainted and to socialize. Good memories.
May your good memories and the Lord’s spirit help to bring comfort and peace to your lives now and in the time to come.
Sympathy and caring,
Roberta Smith
Lisa Hamilton says
September 4, 2020 at 9:08 pmI am sorry for your loss. I enjoyed watching the keepsake video, It really made me think of my Dad and how much he and his brothers were and are so similar with their love of family, fishing and their yards.
Due to the virus concerns and my daughter’s medical conditions I am unable to attend, but I send my love and sympathy to your family.
Lisa
Larry Forsey says
September 3, 2020 at 5:51 pmTo Roland’s Family,
We are saddened by the news of your father’s passing, he and your mom were some of our favorite people. I so appreciated their friendship and examples. I always enjoyed my conversations with Roland and appreciated his stories. What a wonderful man and he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Charles and Audra Thorpe says
September 5, 2020 at 1:49 pmRoland Hamilton family,
Thanks to a great man and leader for making awesome contributions to his family, community, and country. His abilities are many. He hired and influenced many while he was a principal. Our lives were made better to get to know him there. We know he will be tremendously missed. But the love he leaves will bring great memories. He will rejoice with being together with his sweet wife. Extend our love and appreciation to Sawyer.
Sally Nelson says
September 9, 2020 at 7:13 pmThis is late but please know it is sent with love. I was PTA president when Roland was principal at Salem Elementary, and he was the most pleasant person to work with during that time. My older children enjoyed him as principal, and he became a good friend to me. Even in later years he never failed to greet me with a kind smile and comment, and I am glad I have been enriched in my life by knowing Roland Hamilton. I send my condolences to the family but know he is loving being with his beloved wife again.
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