this cover is dedicated to my Papa "Michael Lewis Hamilton", who passed away on March 9, 2025.
He grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida on August 18, 1947 and learned how to scuba dive growing up, spearfish, and became a great angler. After high school he joined the Marine Corp and fought in the Vietnam War earning a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and received the Cross of Gallantry when he took over a platoon under fire after the platoon leader was killed. Upon his honorable discharge and return to the
, he continued to have a full life of adventure - he became a firefighter, police officer with the Detroit Police Department, a homebuilder, handgun marksman, and a rancher who raised quarter horses (just to name a few), all before the age of 40. After that he settled into a life of entrepreneurship, building a successful career and expertise in commercial roofing, serving the largest school districts in the greater Houston area and beyond. He and his business, MHI Roof Consultants, won numerous awards and honors over the years, and was sought out to provide services to FEMA in the wake of natural disasters.
He continued to have a storied life, spending his leisure time fishing with friends in The World's Richest Tarpon Tournaments, hunting trophy deer in Texas and wild game all the way in Africa as recently as last summer. He continued his love for skiing, traveling to Colorado frequently over the years. Florida also continued to hold a special place in his heart, sometimes splitting his time between Tampa Bay area and Houston, keeping close to his childhood friends along the way. Eventually, he settled back in Texas completely and built his retirement ranch, undoubtedly reminiscing on his robust and colorful life.
He is loved and missed dearly.