John Lilbern Hamp

John Lilbern Hamp died peacefully at St. Patrick Hospital while under hospice care on Friday, March 31, 2017. John was born 90 years ago on Sept. 6, 1926, a child of a very large family in McPhee, Colorado. At the time it was one of the largest lumber camps in the state. He came into this world as Everett Weslie Howlett, until he was adopted by John and Rosa Hamp of Ovid, Colorado at the age of four years. His sister Laura was adopted into the family in 1938.

John grew up in eastern Colorado where his father taught him the skills and instincts to hunt and fish. He often said his Christmas morning was opening day of goose and duck hunting season.

John served in the Navy as a Seaman First Class on the LSMR 404 in 1944 as a gunner and gun captain. These ships were built for the invasion of Japan.

He was active in Kiwanis and civic organizations and held membership in the Masonic Lodge of Englewood, Colorado, for a period of 50 years.

Dad enjoyed his years competing in the Olympic International trap shooting competitions where he was very successful. He also spent many a day out at the Missoula gun club competing, judging and helping run the meets. He and Florence loved going to watch the University of Montana football and basketball games. They cheered on both the men and women’s basketball teams and watched on TV when they couldn’t attend.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and one of his step-sons. He is survived by his wife Florence, daughter Allison Stuchlik and son-in-law Vladislav (Walter) Stuchlik and stepsons Steve and Grant Noblitt. Nephews Jerry and Butch Josh reside in Colorado. In addition, John leaves two grandsons Bartolomej John Stuchlik and Jordan Jensen Noblitt.

Our special thoughts go out to Red Schlichting who was the son Dad never had. They shared many a hunting and fishing trip together.

Funeral Services will be at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Sunday, April 9, at 2 p.m.