Walter Fred Hamelrath, 92

A light has gone out in our lives. Walter Fred Hamelrath, CDR, USN (Ret), of Hayden, Idaho, passed peacefully at Hospice House on Sunday morning, November 16, 2014. He was 92 years old.

Born in Twin Falls, Idaho, on December 18, 1921, to Ruth Millikan Hamelrath and Walter Hamelrath, Fred grew up throughout southern Idaho in the depression era of the 1930's. In 1940, he left high school at the end of his junior year and enlisted in the United States Navy, where he found a home, and served out a 30 year career. He was a survivor of the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941, while assigned as a fireman aboard the USS Tangier (AV-8). After the war he continued his self-education, earning his commission as an Ensign in 1954. His tours of duty took him to Florida, Louisiana, Virginia, Maryland, Montana, Hawaii, Washington, and Japan. He retired in 1970.

Independence, industriousness and determination are qualities he carried with him and exhibited daily throughout his entire life. He was an adventurous soul with deep emotions and had a way with words. He loved music and was known to "cut a rug". Fred was an avid outdoorsman, carpenter, lover of nature and self-described grease monkey. In retirement, he and his wife, Rose, enjoyed many years traveling in their RV. Fred was also a poet, song writer, and deeply sentimental. He wrote and published two books about his life as a boy during the Depression, his wartime experiences and recollections as a young man in the Navy.

He is survived by the love of his life, his favorite and constant companion, his dear Rose Ann Lucas Hamelrath. They would have been married 68 years on December 21. Also surviving is his daughter, Linda Hartzell and son-in-law, Ray and their three children, Frederick Hartzell (Kristine), Heather Hartzell, and David (Eileen) Hartzell. Also surviving are six great-grandchildren, Daniel Brunick, Ryan Brunick, Kaitlyn Hartzell, Jonathan Hartzell, Jackson Hartzell, and Charlie Hartzell, and a great great granddaughter, Ana Brunick.

Our family would like to thank his Hospice caregivers and Hospice House for their dedication and compassion during his last weeks and hours. Special thanks to Don and Eleanor Clark, Dick and Jean Schmidt, and his neighbors in Leisure Park for all their concern and support.

Fred will be cremated and his ashes will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice House, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.

May he rest in peace as his good soul sails west, knowing he was a source of inspiration and love for so many.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Walter's online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.