Posted on December 28, 2018

With profound sadness, I share that Herman Hamilton passed away on Sunday, December 23.

I could write forever about Herman, as we worked together and shared a deep friendship for nearly 13 years. In 2005, Barry Castleman made the introduction that brought Herman and I together. Barry knew that Herman would be a terrific help to the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), as we worked to realize our mission. Although he wasn’t personally impacted by asbestos, he learned through Barry and our ADAO work that this man-made disaster needed to end. Through our many years of working closely together, Herman shared his three distinct loves with me.

First, his family. He was deeply proud of his children, especially Amber and Amanda. He would often share details about summertime fun with them and all of the grandchildren.

Herman’s 2nd greatest love was carpentry. Although he was self-taught, he skillfully made stunning furniture that was always given to others. He would spend hours in the ‘shop’ designing his artful pieces listening to Pink Floyd.

Lastly, he loved working to advance ADAO’s goals. He helped both ADAO and me with calls, emails, advocacy campaigns, and was instrumental in each of our annual conferences. During these past years, when it came time for ADAO to participate in Congressional hearings or legislative discussions, he was always eager to come into the District to show his support and voice his opinion for the cause. Herman not only helped, but he shared a love for the many people in our ADAO family.

Herman greatly valued truth, honesty, and kindness both in himself and others. When it came to politics, he was glued to the Sunday shows, State of the Union address, and any lively political debates. His quick wit and humor made our political discussions fun and yes, memorable.

Herman deeply touched many lives. Barry Castleman, ScD, shared, “Over 30 years ago, I bought a log cabin in the Appalachian Mountains and met my neighbor Herman. Over time, we became close friends.  His craftsmanship made my cabin a place I could enjoy all year. Herm figured things out and liked coming up with ingenious solutions. He learned electronics repair and soon was repairing everybody on the mountain’s VCRs. We cut firewood, watched “Saturday Night Live”, and bared our souls through life’s tribulations over the years.  And to be sure, we also talked about asbestos a lot in the late 1980s and 1990s.   

Then Linda and Doug started ADAO, and Herm said he wanted to help. One of his attributes was the ability to manage complicated things with methodical attention to detail. So he was essential in organizing the logistics for annual ADAO conferences for years and putting out the newsletter. He was disabled and somewhat shy, but we got him to put on a coat and tie and join us on Capitol Hill to meet with Congressional offices in Washington, to help lobby for banning asbestos. 

I lament the loss of a dear friend and a brother in the struggle for a world free of asbestos.”

Like Barry, I’m going to dearly miss Herman, but know that he is now with his parents and probably sipping a cold beer with Alan. Undoubtedly, his  memory will live on in my heart forever.

Herman’s spirit, character, and humor will live on through his five children, Dawn (Todd) Lewis, Amber (Josh) Hern, Amanda (Chad) Barnes, Joshua (Kristen) Hamilton, and Peter (Laura) Hamilton; ten grandchildren; Asia Lewis, Summer Lewis, Brayden Hern, Peyton Hern, Jordan Barnes, Madison Barnes, Olivia Barnes, Ethan Hamilton, Caleb Hamilton and Lilly Tannehill; two sisters, Linda (Dirk) Stahl, Mary (Donnie) Beall, a brother, Bobby (Amy) Matthews; and many nieces and nephews. Herman was preceded in death by his parents, his step-father, Robert Matthews, and brother, Jimmy Hamilton.

Herman’s family shared, “A private family memorial will be held. Memorial donations may be made in Herman’s honor to the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, an organization Herman most passionately supported. Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization 1525 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 318 Redondo Beach, California 90278″.  To read more about Herman, please click here.