Bruce Hamilton

Bruce Bucknam Hamilton, 88, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in Brewer, Maine, with family at his bedside. He was known for his dry sense of humor, considerable intellect, and fierce love for his family.

Born on September 19, 1936, in Gardiner, Maine, Bruce was the second son of Walter B. and Annella (Bucknam) Hamilton. He and his older brother, Alan Hamilton (predeceased), spent their childhood in Hallowell, Maine, as well as at the family cottage on Cobbosseecontee Lake in West Gardiner-fishing, swimming, and boating.

Bruce earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maine at Orono and began his career at Standard Packaging Corporation in Lincoln, Maine. When his country called, he enlisted in the Air National Guard, where he became a pilot. While stationed at Spence Field in Moultrie, Georgia, for training, he met his future wife, Jean O'Neal of Doerun, GA. After a six-month courtship, they were married on February 25, 1961, and remained happily married for over 64 years.

Following pilot training, Bruce returned to work at Standard Packaging Corporation in Brewer, Maine, while continuing to serve in the Air National Guard for six years. During this time, their son Stephen was born. A temporary move to Raceland, Louisiana, for work followed, where their daughter Amy was born.

After returning to Brewer, Bruce became one of four individuals who, with strong community support, successfully reopened Standard Packaging Corporation in 1968. The mill was renamed Eastern Fine Paper Company, and its revival helped save hundreds of local jobs. Eventually, the mill was acquired by E.B. Eddy of Canada, and Bruce served as president. Under his leadership, the mill experienced a period of notable success.

Upon retiring from the pulp and paper industry, Bruce-along with his good friend "Skip" Schult and brother-in-law Buzz Watkins-purchased Cold Stream Lumber Company in West Enfield, Maine, which he co-owned and operated until his full retirement.

Bruce had a love for speed. Whether in a fighter jet, motorcycle, boat, or snowmobile, his philosophy was "the faster, the better." He also inherited a love of music from his mother and frequently played the guitar while sitting on the deck of their lake cottage-much to the delight of the chipmunks, hummingbirds, and his family. He cherished time at the lake, hunting with friends and family, and traveling to Florida for fishing and relaxation at his sister- and brother-in-law's beach home, visiting family on the way.

Bruce is survived by his devoted wife, Jean; his son, Steve and wife, Catherine (Coleman); his daughter, Amy (Richards) and husband, Todd; grandsons, Zachary Hamilton and Cameron Richards (and wife, Jessica); granddaughter, Heather Jones (and fiancé, Gilman Thibeault); and great-grandsons, Anthony and M.J. He also leaves behind numerous much-loved nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Eastern Maine and the Visiting Angels home health care agency for their excellent care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4550 Montgomery Ave., Suite 1100 N., Bethesda, MD 20814.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, to be announced.