Ivan Hamilton

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ivan Gill Hamilton, who left this world on May 1,2025 at the age of 71. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his family.

Ivan was born on April 21, 1954, in Roswell, New Mexico, to David Maurice Hamilton and Alta Loma Clay, and was lovingly raised by his stepmother, Doretta Hamilton. Family was a constant in Ivan's life, and he shared strong bonds with his siblings: David Hamilton, Ted Laxon, Bobby Laxon, Emily Hamilton Marquez, John Hamilton, Joe Westerhausen, and Bill Hamilton. To Ivan, there were no halves or steps - they were simply his brothers and sister.

Ivan worked hard throughout his life, spending many years as a computer technician in various roles. He worked at NASA alongside his father, then later at Bay Tech, where his daughters fondly remember visiting him at work. Eventually, he moved to California to work for Lucent Technologies. His work ethic - built on perseverance, loyalty, and determination - was a reflection of the lessons passed down from his father.

Ivan met Ava Lynn in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he worked as a bellhop and she worked the front desk at a hotel. Together they raised two daughters, Dana Elizabeth Torrens and Cassandra Lynn Dalley. Though they later divorced, Ivan and Ava shared an enduring bond that lasted for the rest of their lives, often keeping in touch through phone calls and memories.

Ivan loved the outdoors and lived for adventure. As an avid skier, he spent many of his happiest days on the slopes of Mammoth Mountain, even winning third place in a competition. He often joked about his younger years living as a "ski bum," sharing a station wagon and chasing the snow.

Ivan was known for being a hard man - a toughness that he passed on to his daughters, helping them grow into strong, independent women. Beneath that toughness, though, was a deep and lasting love. His daughters cherish memories of falling asleep to the sound of his guitar and his voice singing "Danny's Song." Family stories, like hiding splinters to avoid his "knife surgeries," still bring smiles today.

Friendship was just as important to Ivan as family. The loss of his best friend Rodney was a heavy blow, but he maintained lifelong friendships with Gary and Debbie, always staying connected to those he cared about.

Ivan was deeply proud of his family and was present at many of their most important moments. He attended the weddings of both his daughters and was there for the births of all his grandchildren except the youngest, as he was on hospice at their home when she was born.

He is survived by his daughters, Dana (Gregory) Torrens and Cassandra (Blake) Dalley, and his beloved grandchildren:

From Dana - Ashley Hamilton (23); Kylee Moore (17); Liyra Torrens (11); Stormy Torrens (7); Marla Torrens (5); Seven of Nine Torrens (7 months), and Aryonna Moraga (adopted daughter, 18); , Julie Mustoe (stepdaughter, 26) and her children Alice, Ivy, and Hazel.

From Cassandra - Jason Dalley (11) and Ava Dalley (8).

Ivan's legacy is one of strength, resilience, adventure, and fierce loyalty. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Ivan's memory by sharing a story, playing a song, or simply holding close the people you love.