John Hamson

John Hamson John was born in Portland, OR on November 17, 1923 to Lena and George Hamson; one of four siblings. Every summer, the family spent summer holidays at Cannon Beach & made numerous road trips as far as St. Joseph, MO in their Model A Ford-no small feat in the 1920's & early 30's. After John graduated from Franklin High, he worked in the Portland shipyards & began his college studies. On Dec. 7th, 1942, the day Pearl Harbor was attacked; John & his buddies were skiing at Mt. Hood. The very next day they applied for and were accepted into the 'ski troops', the Army's newly found elite 10th Mountain Infantry. 1st Lieutenant Bill Bowerman was John's C.O., for whom he had great respect. John served his country from 1943-1946 as a ski trooper as well as in the Army Air Corps as an aerial gunnery instructor. His squadron was the training group for the Enola Gay. After the service, he began his 30-year career in a Portland-based plumbing & electrical supply business. His sales route took him throughout much of Oregon, building such a large client base that he was promoted manager for a new branch in Eugene. He then moved his young family in 1958 and ran a thriving business from that time until retirement. As in everything John did, whether work or play, he gave of himself 150%. On August 2nd, 1975, John married the love of his life, Yvonne. Together they enjoyed over 40 years of world-travel (every continent in the world except for Antarctica-several times), water skiing at Tripass, beach combing at their vacation home on the coast and cultivating many many lifelong friendships. John & Yvonne loved to entertain and are well-known for their gratuitous hospitality. For over 50 years, John has given back to the community in countless ways; primarily through the Eugene Downtown Lions Club (as both a very active member as well as Club President from 1973-1974). John & Yvonne both volunteered in many capacities with the Lion's Sight & Hearing Foundation, Peace Health & the Lion's guest house and annual fundraisers. John was pre-deceased by his brothers George (Butch) and Joe, and son Robert (Bob). He is survived by his wife Yvonne, sister Janet White (& Charles) of Anacortes, WA, daughter Judi Hamson (& Randy Noyes) of Bend, OR nieces and nephews. It was a privilege and honor to have John in our lives; he's deeply missed. A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, September 14th at 3:30PM at the Musgrove Family Mortuary, West Lawn Chapel, at 225 S. Danebo Avenue, Eugene, OR. In lieu of flowers, remembrances be made to any of the following: Lion's Sight & Hearing Foundation, 1010 N.W. 22nd Avenue, #144, Portland, OR 97210; Volunteers in Medicine, 2260 Marcola Rd., Springfield, OR 97477; or Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation, 123 International Way, Springfield, OR 97477. Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com.