Byron C. Hamilton, 70, of 8185 Rte. 305, Black Creek, passed
away Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at Erie County Medical Center of natural causes.
Born on December 17, 1949, in Cuba, he was a son of Guy and
Rosabell Bishop Hamilton. On November
14, 1981, in Cuba he married the former Pearl E. Burdick who survives.
Byron was a graduate of Cuba Central Schools Class of
1969. He then graduated from Alfred
State College with an associate’s degree in Architectural Drawing.
Byron’s life was defined by hard work. From the age of seven, he was milking cows
starting at the family farm on Hamilton Hill Road where he grew up. Shortly
before his high school graduation he became business partners with his parents
and brother, Marty, purchasing the farm in Black Creek.
Byron was the embodiment of resilience. When his left arm
was severed due to a farming accident in the early 80’s he rehabilitated by
returning to work. Even in the hardest times- he was what Teddy Roosevelt would
have described as a “Man in the Arena.”
Byron was dedicated to public service and advocacy for
agriculture. He was a member of the FHA Board, Farm Bureau, and was very
involved with the Cuba Central School FFA.
He was a former Town Justice in Black Creek, a former tax assessor for
the Town of West Clarksville, and had been a 10-year member of the Cuba Central
School Board.
In 2007, Byron was given the gift of a lifetime when he
received a kidney from his wife. This allowed him to spend more time devoted to
the farm and the family he was most proud of.
Early this month he received a second kidney transplant. He was
recovering well from the transplant due to excellent care from the Erie County
Medical Center transplant team.
Surviving in addition to his wife are his mother Rosabell
(Norm Case) Hamilton of Hinsdale; his children Brandon (Teri) Hamilton of Marion, Iowa, Brian (Angela) Hamilton of Grand Island, Bridget (Gail) Hamilton of Grand
Island and Tracy (Scott) Bradshaw of Charleston, SC; his grandchildren which
were his pride and joy; Caleb, Ashley, Isabella, Jacob, Jocelyn, Jaiden, Ethan,
Eryn, Elijah, Brianna, Zachary, and Nathan;
two brothers, Martin (Cynthia) Hamilton of Troy, PA and Kevin (Cathy)
Hamilton of Friendship; a sister, Sue Shedlock of Scio and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his father. Private family funeral services are being
held at this time. A celebration of his
life will be determined at a later date. Burial will be in Black Creek
Cemetery, Town of New Hudson. Please consider memorial donations be made to the
Cuba Rushford Central School FFA, 5476 Rte. 305 Cuba, NY 14727, or to the ECMC
Foundation, Shanor Fund, 426 Grider Street, Buffalo, NY 14215, all funds
donated to this foundation are used to benefit transplant patients at ECMC.
