Michael Mckever Hamilton

Michael McKever Hamilton
September, 7, 1935 June 9, 2019

Michael McKever Hamilton passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, June 9th at his home in Palm Springs, CA surrounded by his loved ones. Michael was born on September 7, 1935 in San Francisco to Ann and George Hamilton of Piedmont, California. Michael spent his youth exploring the coves, beaches and cypress forests of the Monterey Peninsula coastline. He was accompanied on these adventures by his best, and lifelong friend, Michael Colletto.

Although Michael never found the literary success of his cousin John Steinbeck, he did have a stint as the author of the Monterey High School newspaper's weekly gossip column, The Seagull Says. Michael graduated from Monterey Peninsula College with an Associates degree in Business.

Michael was a proud veteran of the United States Army, completing basic training at Fort Ord in Monterey before completing his military service in France.
Michael's business experience after the army included careers as a stockbroker, financial recruiter and real estate. However, Michael spent the majority of his professional career as a banker. The Executive magazine once called him the "Dr. Ruth of Banking". During his tenure as the President and COO of the Bank of Beverly Hills he brought the failing institution to financial health from the brink of insolvency.

Michael enjoyed the finer things in life. He and his wife, Kathleen, were avid gourmet cooks at home and also loved exploring restaurants up and down the coast of California. Michael prided himself on the many personal relationships he had with chefs, owners and sommeliers. His military experience in France led to a lifelong love of travel with a particular fondness for Europe, Mexico and Hong Kong. His children have fond memories of family dinners at Tony Roma's and the original California Pizza Kitchen in Beverly Hills. In addition to his love for food and travel he also appreciated fine wine and cigars.

Over the course of his life, Michael had many hobbies and interests. He loved to read, exercise and watch the Showtime Lakers, frequently attending games at the Fabulous Forum. He also devoted time to vintage automobiles, painting and sculpting.

Michael Hamilton is survived by his wife Kathleen. He is also survived by his 5 children: daughter Elizabeth (Jeff) Gratz of Batesville, Indiana; daughter Sydney (Chris) Lubbock of London, England; daughter Aimee (Joe) Bark of Rancho Palos Verdes, California; daughter Mary Hamilton Clark of Petaluma, California; son Michael Hamilton of Chicago, Illinois. He is also survived by his grandchildren Gemma Bark, Hannah Lubbock, Riley Gratz, Samantha Gratz, Jack Bark, Rachel Lubbock, Clare Gratz, Samuel Bark, Emily Bark, Georgia Gratz, David Lubbock, Mason Clark and Harper Clark.

Service:
Thursday, June 20, 2019 at 1:30PM
St. Theresa Church in the Daily Mass Chapel
2800 East Ramon Road, Palm Springs CA 92264
760-323-2669

Afterwards:
Directly following the service:
Traditions Café at Tahquitz Creek Gold Resort
1885 Golf Club Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264
760-328-1005