H. D. "Hamp" Hampton Obituary
H. D. "Hamp" Hampton
June 21, 1932 - January 1, 2025
H.D. Hampton, known to many as "Hamp," died peacefully on January 1, 2025 at the age of 92, with his devoted wife of 64 years, Suzy, by his side. Born on June 21, 1932, the summer solstice, to Edith and Harold Hampton in Walden, Colorado, Hamp's life was one of adventure, learning and unwavering dedication to his family and community.
Hamp grew up in the wide--open spaces of North Park where his childhood mirrored that of Huckleberry Finn-spending days exploring the wild, chasing rabbits and fishing in the mountain streams. This idyllic freedom continued until he was 11, when he was introduced to the hard work of ranching, beginning with long hours in the hayfields behind a team of horses. He worked tirelessly from that day forward, a work ethic that defined his entire life.
Raised in a family that valued three traditions--Methodism, the Republican Party, and the superiority of Hereford cattle--Hamp outgrew the first two through education and reflection, and the third simply lost its appeal over time.
As a teenager, Hamp found solace above the tree-line in the rugged peaks surrounding North Park. There was no mountain too high and no alpine lake too remote for him to explore. His love for the outdoors would stay with him throughout his life. At the University of Colorado he earned a bachelor's degree in geology and both a masters and doctorate in history--and served in the military during the Korean War stationed in Germany. His time working in Alaska as a surveyor and on the slopes at Aspen further enriched his adventurous spirit during the mid-century.
In 1961, Hamp married Suzy Galloway and embarked on a career in academia. He initially taught at The Ohio State University, and in 1965 he joined the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ where he became a beloved professor and influential scholar. His graduate seminar in Western History attracted Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ from a variety of disciplines, many of whom became lifelong friends. Hamp held high standards both in the classroom and in his personal life, and he was known for his integrity and honesty, never tolerating dishonesty from colleagues or administrators. Over the years, he published several monographs and numerous articles, essays, reviews and books.
Hamp's intellectual curiosity was boundless. He was passionate about history, geology, anthropology, botany, and astronomy, among other fields. He was a keen observer of the heavens, regularly checking the positions of the planets and the behavior of the moon. Music also held a special place in his heart, and he developed a deep appreciation for opera, particularly the Metropolitan Saturday afternoon broadcasts, which led to his fondness for learning Italian, French, and German. Hamp was also a devoted father who instilled in his sons the values of right and wrong, the importance of grace on skis, and the skill of casting a fly rod. Most of all, he ensured they understood and appreciated the rugged beauty of the high mountain country that had shaped him.
After retiring, Hamp focused on his passions for fishing, gardening, and tending his greenhouse, interspersed with spending time at his beloved cabin in the high mountains of Colorado. Hamp often said that he lived longer than he expected, attributing it to being born a long time ago. Despite his occasional gruffness, he was known for his kindness and consideration, particularly toward those who were irascible or in need of guidance. He was an integral part of the community, welcoming everyone with open arms and not missing a chance to engage with workers at the local grocery store or downtown at the Missoula Club with his friends. He enjoyed hosting the poker club every week for decades.
Hamp was preceded in death by his two sisters, Carmen and Linda, and his brother, Jerry. He is survived by his wife Suzy, sons Andrew, Wade and Matthew (Kari), and four grandchildren.
In accordance with Hamp's wishes, there will be no formal services, but a celebration of his life will be held in the summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hampton Public History Fund at the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ (www.umt.edu/history/support.php) or the North Park Pioneer Museum in Walden, Colorado ().
Hamp lived a full life--one of principle, adventure, and deep love for his family and the natural world. He fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith as he saw fit. He will be deeply missed.
Hamp grew up in the wide--open spaces of North Park where his childhood mirrored that of Huckleberry Finn-spending days exploring the wild, chasing rabbits and fishing in the mountain streams. This idyllic freedom continued until he was 11, when he was introduced to the hard work of ranching, beginning with long hours in the hayfields behind a team of horses. He worked tirelessly from that day forward, a work ethic that defined his entire life.
Raised in a family that valued three traditions--Methodism, the Republican Party, and the superiority of Hereford cattle--Hamp outgrew the first two through education and reflection, and the third simply lost its appeal over time.
As a teenager, Hamp found solace above the tree-line in the rugged peaks surrounding North Park. There was no mountain too high and no alpine lake too remote for him to explore. His love for the outdoors would stay with him throughout his life. At the University of Colorado he earned a bachelor's degree in geology and both a masters and doctorate in history--and served in the military during the Korean War stationed in Germany. His time working in Alaska as a surveyor and on the slopes at Aspen further enriched his adventurous spirit during the mid-century.
In 1961, Hamp married Suzy Galloway and embarked on a career in academia. He initially taught at The Ohio State University, and in 1965 he joined the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ where he became a beloved professor and influential scholar. His graduate seminar in Western History attracted Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ from a variety of disciplines, many of whom became lifelong friends. Hamp held high standards both in the classroom and in his personal life, and he was known for his integrity and honesty, never tolerating dishonesty from colleagues or administrators. Over the years, he published several monographs and numerous articles, essays, reviews and books.
Hamp's intellectual curiosity was boundless. He was passionate about history, geology, anthropology, botany, and astronomy, among other fields. He was a keen observer of the heavens, regularly checking the positions of the planets and the behavior of the moon. Music also held a special place in his heart, and he developed a deep appreciation for opera, particularly the Metropolitan Saturday afternoon broadcasts, which led to his fondness for learning Italian, French, and German. Hamp was also a devoted father who instilled in his sons the values of right and wrong, the importance of grace on skis, and the skill of casting a fly rod. Most of all, he ensured they understood and appreciated the rugged beauty of the high mountain country that had shaped him.
After retiring, Hamp focused on his passions for fishing, gardening, and tending his greenhouse, interspersed with spending time at his beloved cabin in the high mountains of Colorado. Hamp often said that he lived longer than he expected, attributing it to being born a long time ago. Despite his occasional gruffness, he was known for his kindness and consideration, particularly toward those who were irascible or in need of guidance. He was an integral part of the community, welcoming everyone with open arms and not missing a chance to engage with workers at the local grocery store or downtown at the Missoula Club with his friends. He enjoyed hosting the poker club every week for decades.
Hamp was preceded in death by his two sisters, Carmen and Linda, and his brother, Jerry. He is survived by his wife Suzy, sons Andrew, Wade and Matthew (Kari), and four grandchildren.
In accordance with Hamp's wishes, there will be no formal services, but a celebration of his life will be held in the summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hampton Public History Fund at the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ (www.umt.edu/history/support.php) or the North Park Pioneer Museum in Walden, Colorado ().
Hamp lived a full life--one of principle, adventure, and deep love for his family and the natural world. He fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith as he saw fit. He will be deeply missed.