Chuck Hamlin

With a warm smile, quiet passion, and unwavering focus, Charles "Chuck" Hamlin lived a life devoted to family and serving others. Chuck was a man who always led with his heart and found deep satisfaction in supporting and empowering others. His integrity was unrivaled, his knowledge unparalleled, and his generosity knew no bounds. He delighted in sharing what he knew, his time, and his talents. With his beloved at his side, he embraced each day as a gift and every person as a friend. In so doing, he proved a powerful role model for all who were blessed to know him. Revered and treasured by many, Chuck's memory will long live in the hearts of those he loved. 1951 proved a year of increased comforts and exciting new possibilities. While unemployment dropped to 3.3% the nation additionally celebrated the first direct-dial trans-coastal phone call, easier travel in more comfortable cars and on newly paved interstates, and the premieres of "I Love Lucy," "The Day The Earth Stood Still," and "An American in Paris." Nowhere was the sense of hope for the future more celebrated than in the hearts of Harley and Beverly (Wickham) Hamlin as they welcomed their son Chuck into their family on February 14, in South Haven, MI. Growing up around Kalamazoo and Paw Paw during the 50s and 60s, Chuck enjoyed a childhood centered on family values. While his father worked as a truck driver, his mother worked in manufacturing. Along with his older half brother, Jerry, Chuck enjoyed being a big brother to his younger siblings, Linda, Tom, Rich, and Al. Days were filled with exploring the outdoors and playing with the neighborhood kids. While riding the bus to school as a teen, Chuck had the good fortune of meeting his beloved, Jeannie Arndt. Though she was a hard catch, Chuck's determination proved irresistible, and the pair were soon a couple setting their hearts on sharing the future with one another. Chuck graduated from Paw Paw High School in 1969 and married his sweetheart on June 26, 1970 and it was a happy affair for all. Ironically it would be one of the final events in the church before it was torn down Chuck and Jeannie figured they wanted the building to end on a good note. The newlyweds settled into marriage and soon welcomed children to their family. Their four sons, Charles, Jason, Bret, and Kiel quickly became the centers of their lives, and they worked hard to ensure them a happy and secure childhood. Hard-working and disciplined, Chuck was also extremely caring and fun. He knew the value of balancing one's labors with restorative play, which usually took the form of vacationing as a family. His workdays began in the early morning hours. He would come home for dinner and then return to work at the family business, Hamlin’s Harley-Davidson in Sturgis, Michigan, until late into the night. His many sacrifices and labors were graciously given to support his family. As entrepreneurs, Chuck and Jeannie had multiple businesses throughout the years. In the early years, there was HD Motorcycle Center in Benton Harbor, Michigan. In the early 1980s, they launched Hamlin’s Harley-Davidson. For 25 years, Chuck and Jeannie owned and operated Hamlin's Harley Davison. Chuck served his community with pride and excellence and where customers quickly became friends. During this time, they also had two other businesses: Custer/Mt. Rushmore KOA campground in Custer, South Dakota, and C&J Aviation in Sturgis, Michigan (Chuck was a proud, commercially-rated pilot). In addition to his businesses, Chuck gave to his community as a reserve deputy in the St. Joseph County, Michigan and La Grange County, Indiana Sheriff's Departments. After retiring from his businesses in 2007, Chuck enjoyed spending more time with his family which had grown to include his three grandchildren. He relished any time spent with his loved ones, and especially enjoyed camping and going to Disney World. A member of the Disney Vacation Club, Chuck vacationed at Walt Disney World nearly 100 times. While each visit was a fun adventure, Chuck loved nothing more than exploring the wonders of the parks with his family, which was made extra special by the grandkids, Blaine, Kiler, and Reagan Hamlin. He also loved camping in his large RV, which the family called the "Taj MaHamlin." Chuck was a humble man who treasured the simple pleasures in life like good music, a good road, and making a delicious meal. His radio was often tuned into the songs of his youth, John Denver, or any song that included a car or motor in it. Whether traveling by motorcycle, car, or RV, Chuck enjoyed the road and seeing the nation's wonders with his bride. He also enjoyed cooking delicious meals with her. His favorite was their black bean nachos. Though our days with Chuck were far too few, his legacy of wholehearted living will long be celebrated. With each stranger we greet as a friend, adventure we take, service we provide, and magic we believe in, we live the best of Chuck's legacy in our own lives. And in so doing, his bright light of love and generosity will continue to warm and inspire others. Chuck Hamlin, of Sturgis, passed away on Monday, January 11, 2021, at the age of 69. Chuck is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jeannie; four sons: Charles Hamlin, of Sturgis; Jason Hamlin, of LaGrange; Bret (Katie) Hamlin, of Sturgis; Kiel Hamlin, of LaGrange; three grandchildren: Blaine, Kiler, and Reagan Hamlin. He is also survived by four siblings: Jerry (Becky) Hamlin, FL; Linda Ranes, of Vicksburg; Tom Hamlin, of TX; Rich Hamlin, AZ. He is preceded in death by his parents: Harley and Beverly Hamlin; one brother, Albert "Al" Hamlin. The family will receive extended family and friends on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 from 4 to 7pm at the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 409 South Main, Vicksburg. A private family service will be held separately. A public celebration of life will be held at a later date. Burial will be held at the Plummerville Cemetery in Fennville. Due to the State of Michigan Covid restrictions, only 25 people will be allowed into the building at a time for the visitation. While hugs would mean the world to the family, guests are required to wear a mask and maintain proper distancing from others. While at www.mccowensecord.com please take time to sign Chuck's guestbook by lighting a candle and/or sharing a memory with the family. Those who wish may make contributions to the Shriner's Hospitals: https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give/158250/#!/donation/checkout. The Hamlin family is being cared for by the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 409 South Main, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269) 649-1697.