Robert Hamilton

“At one time, our Association did not have a Berkshire District,” said Association President Ralph White. “We had a Western Mass. District which, in area, was the largest District in the state. Eighteen years ago, we changed our bylaws to create the Berkshire District in order to take the load off Jack Walsh, our Western Mass. VP.

“Bob Hamilton had been doing volunteer work for us in his end of the state for some time and when we held an election he was unanimously approved. Over the years, he’s been a valuable asset to our membership. There was no chore too big or small for him to handle. He was a real people person, which has always been a prerequisite for any of our officers. Bob had a very impressive education and career resume, which he never allowed to get in the way of identifying with the many blue collar retirees he served.”

Phyllis and Bob Hamilton also found time to raise a fine family of three sons and two daughters. The family tree has now extended to eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Our Western Mass. Vice President Jack Walsh, who lives in Hadley, has also been covering the Berkshire District during Bob Hamilton’s illness over the past two years. We will be holding an election in the Berkshire District in September.