William 'Bill' Hamilton, 74

William “Bill” Linton Hamilton, 74, passed away peacefully in the arms of his daughter, Nicole, on Nov. 23, 2024, in his hometown of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Bill was born July 31, 1950, to Clarence James and Janice Hamilton in Coeur d’Alene. After graduating from Coeur d’Alene High School, Bill joined the Army in 1968 and began his military career, which took him all over the world. This is how he met the love of his life, Gerlinde. He retired in 1998 after 30 years and two months of service and moved back home to enjoy his retirement on the lake, his favorite place in the world.

Bill did everything with honesty and integrity. He had very strong values and was well-liked by everyone he met. His legacy will carry on forever, reminding us that we control our attitudes and futures. Bill chose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service and was an active member of many fraternal organizations, including the Shrine, Masons, Jesters and the Quiet Birdmen. Gerlinde and Nicole are extraordinarily blessed by the love and support of all of these groups’ members during this difficult time. They find comfort in one of his favorite sayings, “Old pilots never die; they just get a new set of wings.”

Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Gerlinde; daughters Nicole and Kelli; grandsons Noland and Logan; his sister, Jill; and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jack, and his parents, Jan and Clarence “C.J.” Hamilton.

Bill will be missed by so many, and nobody could or will ever fill his shoes. He left us much too soon, but his life was well lived. Many thanks to the staff at Kootenai Health and the Schneidmiller Hospice House for their tireless efforts to keep him with us and their help to Bill’s family when he passed.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, at the Coeur d’Alene Shrine Club, 1250 W. Lancaster Road, Hayden, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Spokane, Wash.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Bill’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.