Daniel Hamlin
September 08, 2009
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Service Details
Dan Hamlin, 58, died unexpectedly Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at Iowa Methodist Hospital. Dan was born on February 24, 1951 to James and Leota Hamlin in Des Moines.
Dan graduated from Bondurant-Farrar High School in 1969 and attended the University of Northern Iowa where he played football. He was a life-long Chicago Cubs and Bears fan along with the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was a marathon runner, a yachtsman, and an encyclopedia of sports knowledge and information.
Dan was known for his generosity. He sponsored a child through the Christian Children's Association and loved his God, his family, and his friends.
Dan is survived by his mother, Leota Hamlin of Bondurant; siblings, Sharilynne (Richard) Boettcher of Altoona, David (Edna) Hamlin of Ankeny, Dana (Tom) Grimes of Cumming, Nathan Duane (Sally) Hamlin of Colfax, and Jim (Judy) Hamlin of Irvine, CA; special friends Tom and Josie Moberg; and a host of other family and beloved friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Hamlin; and loving long term companion, Buckwheat, his dog.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 12, 2009, at Hamilton's Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW, Altoona, with burial to follow at Altoona cemetery. A visitation with the family present will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, September 11, 2009 at the funeral home.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Gail
10/26/2009
I am so sad to hear of Dan's passing. We kept in touch thru Christmas cards and a little on Facebook. I popped on today and was shocked! My heart breaks for his family. Hammer, as I always refered to him, was such a big hearted person. He wanted everyone to have a good time. One of my first drinking experiences with him was when I was barely 21 and we bought $10 nose- bleed-section level Suns tickets...when they weren't very good...and we'd have to drink a class of beer a quarter...or else. He loved to joke and most of the things said were not always appropriate for office water coolers...but he made me laugh. I grew up a Bronco fan and he couldn't wait to nudge me about Cutler this year. Hammer...you will be missed.... Who am I going to poke when my Broncos are doing so well. I can still hear your laugh and see your grin...you were special!
Steve & Terri Cohen
09/24/2009
We just where told of the passing of Dan. We are both stricken with deep sadness and shock. Dan was my best friend and a close member of our family. I met Dan 15 years ago, we where both in the same business, and ended up working for the same company. I can not come up with the words to tell you how we feel, but Dan was a man among men. Dan was there when my son passed a way. His support was incredible. We will miss Dan very much, We will never forget him.
Tom & Josie Moburg
09/14/2009
The following was the Eulogy outline that I gave at Dans Funeral Service, Saturday, Sept 12, 2009. I also read the emails, poems & shared pictures of the many memories from his out of state friends. Dans family & friends at the service very grateful and appreciative of all emails received.
My Eulogy to Diamond Dan Hamlin
I have so many Memories of Dan, but to numerous to mention
Dan had a big heart & Big smile, He always giving you Big squeeze Hugs
You can tell by many of the pictures him squeezing the little people
Dan & I first meet in Altoona at Hamlins Furniture Store, mid 60s, just young teens
Brother n Law, Jim Vitzthum did some service calls, waited in car
I could hear Mr Hamlin now, son go make the deposit & get right back
Dan going to Bank, Only some 50 ft away door to door of bank
Dan pullls out deposit to show off & waving it around
A big wind comes up blows most out of his hand all over the parking
The deposit had be short day
Always called him Diamond the past forty some years
Forgot where it came from Diamond Dan the Furniture Man
Lived in San Diego while Dan & many of our Iowa buddies were also in SD
Jimmy Miller, Dave & Mike Carey
Josie & I spent most of the 80s sharing many good times & trips
2 oldest was born in SD.Called Travis The Trav Eye & Mackenzie Little Mac
Dan would often vacation with us even after moving back to Iowa
Moved back to Iowa, a big surprise Didnt call to tell us
Josie & I are Big sports Fans, but always took a Break from summer sports.Never watched Baseball, to boring & to Slow
Spent April thru July watching Cubs games with Dan, he would Easley get Frustrated with the Cubs as I then realized that Dan must be your typical Cub Fan
Dan was a regular fixture around our house till the Cubs starting to go Down Hill late July 2009
Canceled trip to the Cubs the week after the Fair, Aug 25th. Dan was so frustrated with the Cubs being 10 games back & NO shot of the Playoffs
Back living in Iowa, Dan was ready & excited for Football season . Going to games, Big Fan of the Hawkeyes, da Bears & Notre Dame
Bought new TV for upstairs getting ready for the Season & Had 2 chair
Had circled the calendar on the Iowa & Bears games we were going to
I Believe Dan had his own Bucket List & Separate Sports Bucket
1. Move back to Iowa & be with his Mom, brothers & sisters
2. Plant His own Garden & Share the many vegetables with friends & family
3. Visited Field of Dreams, grand parents house in NW Iowa traveled 850 miles over 2 daysasked if was traveling thru all the cornfield looking for someone
Leota encouraged him to Quit Talking about & Just Do I t
..Im glad you kicked him out for a couple of Days
Field of Dreams t-shirt, Dan asked me if I have wore it yet?
Told him I was Saving it for a Special Occasion.
Never could I imagine that I would be here today wearing it
Last time with Dan, Thurs, Sept 3rd, dinner at his Moms house, Josie, Dan & myself. Dan went with us to Iowa St vs. N Dakota St football game
Dan barbequed burgers Asked Leota if she wanted to go with us, Not knowing until a few days ago she was a IA State fan
Told Dan I found a Iowa Hawkeye shirt that would fit his big frame. He said save it for the Iowa vs. IA St, which you probably know is going on NOW as we celebrate Dans Life I so wish he was here wearing it
Of all my Memories of Dan the past 40+ yearsBy Most Fondest memory ARE my Most Recent Memories.was the Love he showed for all his brothers & sisters, and Specially his MOM, Leota
Even thou the "Diamond" had some rough edges, he shined the brightest. Dan was very much loved my Josie & I and will be dearly missed. Going to games, watching on TV or just talking about our favorite teams will never be the same.
Tom Moburg
email to Tom & Josie
09/14/2009
September 10, 2009
My Friendship with Dan Hamlin
Hopefully for most of us during the span of a lifetime we are fortunate enough to meet someone like Dan Hamlin. For me, Dan was a special person who created an immediate bond of friendship. I came to know Dan through his brother Jim who had already become a good friend of mine shortly after he moved to Chicago several years back.
My instant bond with Dan when I first met him was due to his engaging personality, sincere interest in the other person and love of the Cubs and Bears. Dan and his uncle came to stay with me a few years back while attending a series of Cubs games. He was gracious to invite me to the games. We would come back to my place from Chicago and spend many hours on the deck just doing life together. Dan was a wealth of sports knowledge and we would play sports trivia over a burger and beer.
Even though I wasnt able to spend a lot of time with Dan in person after we met we e-mailed frequently. I came to know him as a wonderful human being filled with love and compassion. He was selfless, positive, and truly reflected Christs love. I will deeply miss him and rejoice that I was fortunate to have known him and that I will see him again in eternity.
The world is a better place thanks to the friendships that Dan created.
Dans friend,
Riley Whitman
email to Tom & Josie
09/14/2009
Subj: Dan Hamlin
Date: 9/9/2009 11:26:14 PM Central Daylight Time
From: snowyriver1121@hotmail.com
To: themoburgs@aol.com
File: kristinschristmasparty'08004.zip (405784 bytes) DL Time (TCP/IP): < 1 minute
Sent from the Internet (Details)
Hi Tom. My name is Elizabeth Thompson. My husband Jesse and I would love to share a few words about our friend Dano. Thanks for the opportunity.
We will always remember Dan for the numerous funny,sad, and down right hilarious stories he would tell. His contagious laughter, and when he would break out in a song ( which I (Elizabeth) would always break out with him). Turn on some good tunes and man could he cut a rug!! He also cooked the best chicken wings ever!!! His huge smile will never be forgotten by us. We have so many good memories with him! Now he can make the Angels laugh.
We love you Dan!!!
Dance Party U.S.A. forever!!
Thanks again Tom, please give his family our condolences. I have attached all the picture I could find.
Dans friends and neighbors,
Jesse and Elizabeth Thompson
email to Tom & Josie
09/14/2009
Subj: Dan Hamlin
Date: 9/10/2009 10:50:22 AM Central Daylight Time
From: Theshore01
To: TheMoburgs
Just a couple thoughts about Dan Hamlin.
Had not seen Dan for about 30 years and reconnected with him this summer. Talked to him about coming to Florida for a week or two this winter and he said he would put it on his calendar. Also I received a call from Dan last month out of the blue. He was at the field of dreams in Iowa and mentioned that he could cross this off his list of things to do. Had a nice conversation with him and was planing to hook up with him in November.
Sincerely,
Ronald "Dino" Thompson
St. Petersburg FL
email to Tom & Josie
09/14/2009
Subj: RE: our friend Dan
Date: 9/11/2009 12:00:12 PM Central Daylight Time
From: DSternberger@amsofusa.com
To: TheMoburgs@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)
Tom in remembering Dan there are many funny things we did together he was one of the most outgoing fun people to be with. We went to a Padre / Dodger game because I told him I would call out Kevin Brown for going to the Dodgers. Dan got us tickets on the field and it was quite a scene we had the whole section rocking & rolling for if you know Dan, you know how contagious his humor can be. It was a magical night after the game we went to a bar that was 35 miles away and sitting at the bar was two of the guys that were sitting right behind us and they had so much fun at the game that they wouldnt let us buy any drinks. I am going to miss him very much but we will be all together again. Donnie
From: TheMoburgs@aol.com [mailto:TheMoburgs@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, September 11, 2009 7:47 AM
To: Sternberger, Donnie
Subject: our friend Dan
Poem email to Tom & Josie
09/14/2009
Subj: A poem and picture from Dan's friends
Date: 9/10/2009 3:27:06 PM Central Daylight Time
From: thewhitehousemail@yahoo.com
To: themoburgs@aol.com
File: dan07.zip (2323445 bytes) DL Time (TCP/IP): < 1 minute
Sent from the Internet (Details)
Hello Tom-
Pete told us the news about Dan yesterday. We are so sad to hear about the passing of our great friend and neighbor. We live at the Spanish Landing apartments in Carlsbad California where we were neighbors and friends with Dan for many years. After hearing the news, we celebrated his life last night at one of Dan's favorite restaurants in Carlsbad Village and we are planning to have a memorial for Dan sometime next week with his friend Pete and some of our other neighbors. We are heartbroken for the family and send our thoughts and prayers to everyone who knew Dan in Iowa. We wish we could be there on Saturday. But please know we will be thinking of Dan and his family.
I have attached a poem I wrote for Dan and a great picture I took of him in 2007. If you feel it is appropriate and if there is time you can read our poem on Saturday and share our picture with family and friends.
Dan was the greatest guy with the biggest heart. We will always remember the great laughs, the biggest smiles, the reminiscing stories he told, the best music that was always pumping out of apartment 105, all the singing and dancing he loved to do, and the jokes he told... We will miss him!
With loving memories of Dan,
Jessica and Brian White
760.707.6595
Dancin Dan
September 2009
Dancin Dan a wonderful man
He wrote the jokes and brought the band
Groovin smilin with a voice so hearty
His laugh was the life of EVERY party
Nostalgia rang through the stories hed tell
Hed pass our door on the way to the mail
Hed stop and ask, Hey, hows it goin?
Then leave you with a joke for the mornin
Apartment 105 sat along the pool
A little Steely Dan was Dans music cool
The neighbors gathered throughout the day
Dans DJ hand would flip and play
Dan loved his walks along the Carlsbad shore
To the jetties and back, 5 miles or more
A gentle man under that big frame
A soft, friendly loving heart too big to tame
We are left with such great memories
Many laughs we had by the ocean breeze
Our Dancin Dan well never forget
Dan Hamlin was Spanish Landings BEST neighbor yet!
We Love You Dan! We will miss you ALWAYS!
From Dans friends and neighbors from Spanish Landing in Carlsbad California
Apt.# 109 Jessica & Brian and our sons Jackson (9) & Tilor (18)
email to Tom & Josie
09/14/2009
Subj: Re: Dan's funeral
Date: 9/10/2009 7:43:09 PM Central Daylight Time
From: colcordnau@cox.net
To: TheMoburgs@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)
Tom,
I'm not much of a writer but here are a few thoughts that came to mind
Dave ...............
===========================================================================================
I first met Dan some 20 plus years ago when he started working for Stone Forest Industries
in Phoenix, Arizona.
It didn't take long to find out he was big sports fan. 'Big' doesn't adequately describe it.
And even better, he was a Bears fan because I too have been a lifelong Bears fan. As soon as
football season started, Dan started an office football pool. The first week, Jim won. Now,
there was no one in the office named Jim, so I asked Dan who he was. He said he was a friend
of his in California. As the season went on, 'Jim' was winning a lot of pools, so I started
kidding Dan about his made up friend in California winning all the pools. I later found out
Jim was a real person but that didn't stop me from kidding Dan about it.
After Dan moved from Phoenix, we would still visit each other fairly often staying at each
other's house. At the time, my two children were quite young and after a few times staying
with us, he started telling my kids that he was their new 'Step-Daddy-Dan'. Not knowing if
Dan was joking, my kids didn't know whether to laugh or be terrified. By the looks on their
faces, it seemed like the latter to me.
One of the things Dan did while he stayed with us was make some of his famous chili. Now,
I must admit it was pretty darn good and we enjoyed it very much. But I can tell that he
enjoyed making it for us even more than we enjoyed eating it.
Thinking back over the years, I found myself a bit surprised as to how many places we've
gone and things we've done. We've gone to Vegas, Bears games, Cubs games, Hockey games, the Bay area,
the Super Bowl in San Diego, we moved him to Fremont and then moved him to Carlsbad,
and even was in Rocky Point a couple of times which we then referred to as Rocky I and Rocky II.
Many years ago, we had made one such trip to Laughlin for a couple of days.
On our way home to Phoenix, we decided to check out the old mining town of Oatman, Arizona.
Now, Oatman used to be a mining town of about 3500 people years ago but today is closer to about 100.
It's primarily a tourist town and is known for it's Burros walking the streets downtown.
Anyway, Dan and I stopped in a small bar for a drink. We noticed hundreds of 1 dollar bills
with people's names stuck to the ceiling. Now, sometime ago, on one of our other trips,
Dan had referred to the two of us as "KosAnHam" and the name stuck. So we signed our name,
"KosAnHam" to the bill and stuck it to the ceiling. So if anyone ever happens to be in
Oatman Arizona, stop in the bar and look up and you'll see a glimpse into the past.
So Dan, you may be in another place now, but rest easy my friend, because "KosAnHam" is stll here
and when those Bears play, we'll both be watching.
email to Tom & Josie
09/14/2009
Subj: In loving memory of Dan
Date: 9/10/2009 11:27:16 PM Central Daylight Time
From: peteserandos@sbcglobal.net
To: TheMoburgs@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)
Tom,
Wish I could be with you all as you remember Dan. This was really difficult for me but I put a few words together.
Thanks,
Pete
Dan, one of the best guys I've ever known in my life. He was always there for me when I needed him and I was always there for him as well. We were a team. What do I say about Danny, I love that guy. He was my best friend and no matter what we always had a good time. It was a toss up on who could talk the most ... me or Dan but somehow we both got our fair share of words in. I still remember when we first met. He was renting an apartment at Spanish Landing in Carlsbad and I was the first guy he met. Dan later teased me about calling him Daniel for the first few months. Now I can only think of him as my best friend, Danny. Dan was a king among men with the heart of a lion and he will always have a special place in my heart.
Cheers, Dan!
email to Tom & Josie
09/14/2009
Subj: Dan's Neighbor
Date: 9/11/2009 11:27:22 AM Central Daylight Time
From: nantonelli@arborscientia.com
To: themoburgs@aol.com
CC: eric.antonelli@usmc.mil
Sent from the Internet (Details)
Hello Tom,
My husband and I were neighbors of Dan's at Spanish Landing, where he lived before he returned home. We were so saddened to hear the news that Dan has passed away. Pete was kind enough to keep me updated and let me know that you were taking e-mails. I just wanted to share what a wonderful man he was, as I am sure you well know. He was such a joy to be around and brightened up the room with his smile. My husband and I were just talking about how the apartment complex isn't the same without him. We miss his music at the pool and his occasional knock on the door to root for my favorite college football team. I take comfort in knowing he knows the Lord and has gone home to a better place.
His family and friends are in our prayers.
Thank you and God Bless!
Nathalie and Eric Antonelli
Nathalie L. Antonelli
Project Manager
Arbor Scientia
1930 Palomar Point Way, #103
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Tel 760.444.9926
Fax 760.931.8517
nantonelli@arborscientia.com
email to Tom & Josie
09/14/2009
Subj: Danny boy
Date: 9/11/2009 4:07:20 PM Central Daylight Time
From: audinocon@ccms.net
To: themoburgs@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)
Hi,
Just in case we dont make the funeral there are a couple of things that stood out about Dan, to me His boyish sense of humor and his contagious laugh. Once he got started laughing everyone laughed. Dan loved sports, loved singing like Frank Sinatra, was a true gentlemen. He had nicknames for Mark, it was Sparky, Mike was Ice, Im sure if he would have been there longer I would have had one.
I met Dan for the first time in San Francisco about 10 years ago. We sat around at Johns house and Dan and Mark started telling jokes by the end of the night we were in down town San Anselmo and Dan and Mark were holding hands skipping down the sidewalk, giggling like school girls.
When he came to visit us in Texas on his way up to Iowa, He woke up one morning and my nineteen year old cat had left a present for Dan in the hallway to the bathroom. Dan called me at work to tell me he had gotten up on the wrong foot that morning, maybe the seventh step.so it was a joke after that; he watched his every step at our house.
Our emails after ward:
How are you doing? Buckwheat bit the dust a few weeks ago. One month short of nineteen. He willed his liter box to you. I guess you made quite and impression on him (maybe it was just a foot impression). Youll be receiving it in the mail soon.
We love ya,
Debbie
Sorry about my pal Buckwheat The two of us really bonded in a strange kinda way
Give Sparky a hug from me ....
Dan
email to Tom & Josie
09/14/2009
Dapper Dan
Date: 9/11/2009 8:01:12 PM Central Daylight Time
From: greggsprosty@cox.net
Reply-to: gregg@aceaudiovideo.com
To: themoburgs@aol.com
CC: gregg@aceaudiovideo.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)
I was very surprised and saddened to hear of the unexpected loss of our long-time friend Dapper Dan Hamlin.
I had the pleasure of meeting Dan in the late 80s when he moved to San Diego. Our mutual friend Jimmy Miller made the introduction and we three Iowa boys all lived under one roof together for several years in Point Loma and in Clairemont. Of course we all watched the Hawkeye and Cyclone games (and about anything else sports related that was on TV) and Dan and I used to walk down the hill to the Sports Arena many times and catch the Gulls hockey games. We had some great times together.
Dan was a big guy with an even bigger heart. Not too big a man to let something stand in the way of friendship though. We lost touch with each other for a while and Dan called me up one day to say how he had been thinking and he wanted to apologize to my wife and me for something that we had forgotten long ago. That meant a lot to us and speaks volumes about his character and sensitivity. We got to share a lunch together a while back and I will treasure the fact that we both took the time. Dan had taught me the importance of keeping those long term ties and wish Id done a better job of keeping up with him. He had a special character and a great laugh that will stay with us.
Our prayers are with you all, especially his mom Leota, who meant so much to Dan.
We will all miss him.
Gregg Sprosty
email to Tom & Josie
09/14/2009
Re: Dan our friend
Date: 9/11/2009 8:51:50 PM Central Daylight Time
From: kandrie@piatti.com
To: ?themoburgs@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)
Hi Tom,
My name is Kristi, I am the manager at Spanish Landing Apartments where Dan lived when he was in California. What can I say about Dan?!! I loved him. I was very sad when he had to leave as were a lot of his neighbors. I have people come and go, but when Dan left there was a void at Spanish Landing. We missed his music, his jokes and I thought he was a bit of a brat, I missed that too! Dan would always make us laugh. I remember once being angry with him over a complaint (I can't even remember the details) I tried to stay mad, but it didn't work. I ran into him several days later and tried to give him a piece of my mind and ended up laughing and hugging it out instead.
I am sorry for your loss of a friend. Please tell his mom that he was loved and respected by his friends and neighbors in California. I know he loved his mom. He spoke of her often. We send our love to his mom and to you. Dan will be greatly missed!!!
Thank you, Kristi and Wade
Kristi Andrie
General Manager
Piatti Ristorante & Bar
858.454.1589
858.454.1799 fax
kandrie@piatti.com
Dino Thompson
09/14/2009
An old friendship renewed, will be dearly missed.