Arch Hamilton, Yachats
Jan. 5, 1951 – Jan. 22, 2024
Arch Hamilton, who found a little slice of paradise in Yachats in the 1970s and made it his home for four decades, died Jan. 22, 2024. He was 73.
Hamilton was born Jan. 5, 1951, in San Mateo, Calif. and lovingly adopted by Warren “Ham” Hamilton and Lyda Chapman Hamilton.
He grew up on the central California coast and Bay Area where his earliest childhood memories of attending games at Candlestick Park with his father were etched into his mind, and ignited his passion for sports.
Arch moved to Oregon in the 1970’s starting out in Silverton, until he discovered Yachats in 1977. He instantly knew he’d found a little slice of paradise. He quickly found an acre of ocean view property, staked his claim and called it “Hamiltonia.”
In his first few years in Yachats, he worked for what was once the Yachats School (now the Yachats Commons), back in the day when it had an old boiler. He took great pride in caring for the structure and loved talking about the history of the building, and how it was a Frank Lloyd Wright edifice. Shortly before the Yachats school closed in 1983, the Lincoln County School District transferred him to Waldport Middle School, where he continued to take pride in his work for an additional 10 years.
He met the love of his life, Yachats native Nikki Forcier in 1986 and they were married at the Little Log Church on Nov. 21, 1987. They proudly raised their two children here. Arch always referred to Yachats as “paradise with an ocean view.”
After retiring early from the school district, Arch became an independent paint contractor for the majority of his remaining working years. In 2005, Arch was an avid supporter and cheerleader as Nikki took on a new adventure and became a small business owner in Yachats. His role during the first several years was invaluable to the growing success of her business, which continues nearly 20 years later.
Arch spent the last decade of his life comfortably retired at home, where he spent his days doing what he loved most — watching his favorite sports, playing his favorite music (and sharing it with others), and soaking up moments with his children and grandchildren.
Arch passed away surrounded by loved ones on Jan. 22, 2024. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, Zachary Forcier, Desiree Hamilton, Janelle Hamilton and Aura Hamilton, his beloved four granddaughters, three grandsons, and sister Roxanne Foote and step-sister Pam Bate.
Services for Arch Hamilton will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Yachats Community Presbyterian Church and it open to anyone in the community who knew Arch and wishes to join his family as they celebrate his life and say goodbye.