Charles "Wes" Hamilton

CHARLES WESLEY “WES” HAMILTON, longtime Yreka resident, passed away at his home on August 9, 2016 after a long battle with cancer. He was 86. Wes was born to Charles and Ethel Hamilton on January 26, 1930, in Klamath Falls, Oregon. He grew up in Malin, Oregon, working on many community projects as a Boy Scout. He volunteered for the US Army during the Korean War and served in Okinawa. He returned home to study Forest Management at Oregon State University, graduating in 1957. It was there he met his wife, Marian Rae Mesner of Klamath Falls, marrying her on December 30, 1954. He worked for the US Forest Service for 29 years serving on the Modoc, Klamath, and San Bernardino National Forests in ever increasing roles of responsibility before returning to the Klamath N.F. Supervisors Office. Following his retirement in 1986, he crafted wooden rocking animals, toys, and children’s furniture. He and Marian created and operated Fabric Country and Crafty Collectibles in Yreka from 1986 through 2000. The shop specialized in fabrics, custom-made clothing and Wes’ wooden toys and rocking “critters”. On their five acres east of town he created an arboretum, and he and Marian became successful orchardists, raising wild plums and varieties of raspberries, boysenberries, and tayberries. Wes not only served his country in war and peace, but also the communities in which he lived. He was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, DeMolay, the Masons, the Shrine, Rotary International, Lions Club, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks. Wes was an avid genealogist; he researched and wrote several books on his parents’ and wife’s families. He also had a passion for restoring vintage jeeps and leading the family on “jeep runs” each Independence Day. Wes is survived by Marian, his cherished wife of 62 years; son Harry and his wife, Dianne, of Huntsville, AL, daughters Robin Bingham and husband, Neil, of Yreka, CA, and Becky Valdez and husband, Bob, of Highland, CA; seven grandchildren; two great granddaughters; and a great grandson. A family-only graveside service will be conducted at Malin Cemetery, Malin, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Fairchild Medical Center, Yreka, CA.

Charles "Wes" Hamilton

January 26, 1930 - August 9, 2016