Gene Hamilton (officially Robert Eugene Hamilton), 61, of Loveland, passed away on February 4, from complications following a heart transplant surgery.

Gene was born in Denver, on November 23, 1961, and grew up in Arvada. In 1982 he met Julie, whom he would marry in 1983. They welcomed their first two daughters in 1984 and 1986. From 1989-1995, the family lived in Boulder, where Gene and Julie ran Hamilton Towing together. In 1995, they moved to Lyons and welcomed the birth of their third daughter. Around this time, Gene learned he had stage four cancer, which he would go on to battle for several years.

After he won that fight, Gene followed his dream to become a Lyons volunteer firefighter. He served the department from 2003-2009, an experience he was always immensely proud of. He also worked full-time at RTD from 1997-2015, working as a driver, a diesel mechanic, and then eventually as a facilities maintenance engineer. When he retired due to health troubles, he was deeply grateful for his many good years working with wonderful people at RTD.

Those who knew Gene knew that he was warm, funny, genuine, and kind. He loved making people laugh, reading books, watching football, 4-wheeling in his Jeep, traveling to the ocean, and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife Julie Hamilton, and by his daughters Jessica Hamilton, Jennifer Cisneros, and Samantha Hamilton, as well as by their partners and his four grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of a funeral, Gene wanted a Celebration of Life (or, in his words, "a big ass party"). We invite all of Gene's friends and loved ones to dress in bright colors and join us in celebrating his storied life on Sunday, February 12, 12–2 PM, at the Lyons Farmette.