Gary Grant Hamilton

Gary Grant Hamilton, age 75, of Twin Falls, Idaho, passed away at home with this wife by his side on May 28, 2020 after a long-term illness. Gary was born in Flandreau, South Dakota on April, 1, 1945 on Easter Sunday to parents Howard Nelsen Hamilton and Dora Mangum Hamilton. He was joined by his 3 sisters and 1 brother, Rose, Ken, Marlene, and Loretta. His younger sister, Doris, died in infancy and his mother passed away when he was only 13. Growing up, he was very active in the scouting program and ultimately obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Flandreau High School and then served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southwest US Spanish speaking mission. He remained active in church service and utilized the Spanish he learned throughout his life. After his mission, he attended BYU and met Ann Smith. They married and had 7 children and were later divorced. Grant, David (Jenny), John, Melissa (Deceased), Ryan (Brittany), Tiffany, Elisha (Sherman), and raised De Vaughn Jamz. His passion for rocks and rock formations ultimately earned him a BS degree in Geology from BYU and years of working in gold mines in Utah, S. Dakota, Idaho, New Mexico, Honduras, Alaska, and Nevada. Just this week, Shauna found a large bag of special rocks he had collected and had the grand kids place around her yard. His children remember him as a kind and firm-handed father who encouraged them to pursue their goals and to think deeply and creatively. Gary was a man of many skills from construction to auto mechanics. He learned these skills, a love of solving problems, and a sense of frugality from his father. These traits made him a man who preferred a DIY solution to hiring professionals when a job needed to be done. He always had a low-cost, high-quality solution. Gary was a generous man that happily served others, loved reading, and was passionate about learning. Gary met and married Shauna Stephenson in the Boise, ID Temple on March 9, 2002. Gary and Shauna enjoyed 18 years together and enjoyed road trips to the Oregon Coast and many camping adventures. A few of their favorite trips included riding the ferries in the Seattle area and fishing for giant halibut and salmon in Alaska. To date, Gary has 16 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Gary and Shauna have enjoyed Shauna’s 4 children Karl (Amie), John (Fran), Diane (Wyatt), Melissa (Daymen), 12 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Grandchildren are always welcome to come and play in Gary and Shauna's home. Shauna would like to give special thanks to Idaho Home Health and Hospice, especially Terri, Lori, and Melissa for their great care and service. Funeral service for Gary will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the West End Cemetery in Buhl. Those who wish may share memories and condolences on his memorial page at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com Those who wish to view Gary’s Funeral Service via web cast may do so by logging onto: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88929989951.