'Jack' Hamilton, tennis court advocate, dead at 97
By Walter Wright
Advertiser Staff Writer
John L. "Jack" Hamilton, a retired architect who championed development of parks and tennis facilities in Honolulu, has died at age 97.
Hamilton, who died March 22, was a longtime Kailua resident before moving to a Kane'ohe care facility in 1995. He was a member of a team of architects who designed Tripler Army Medical Center from 1942 to 1944. He moved to Hawai'i in 1966 after retiring from the New York City architectural firm of York and Sawyer.
An avid tennis player, Hamilton was recognized most recently in 1995 for his contributions to the Department of Parks and Recreation Tennis Program, including "reviewing and improvement of tennis court plans.
"Through his efforts, thousands of Honolulu citizens and visitors benefited by playing on the best planned tennis courts anywhere," Mayor Jeremy Harris said of Hamilton in 1995.
The United States Tennis Association also commended Hamilton for his work on the Ala Moana Tennis Center, in an "outstanding tennis facility award" in 1994.
A decade earlier, first lady Jean M. Ariyoshi named Hamilton her outstanding volunteer in 1984. Hamilton, Ariyoshi said, represented "the vigour and generosity which enrich the quality and human concern in each of our lives."
In 1979, the state House of Representatives commended Hamilton for "myriad" services and accomplishments, including participation in the Kailua Community Recreation Council beginning in 1972, organization of that council's tennis committee, and planning for and monitoring development of the Kailua Recreation Center tennis courts.
Hamilton was also honored for his work with the Kawainui Community Park, Kalama Beach Park and Maunawili Neighborhood Park, and for his work on the Honolulu Tennis Advisory Council.
Hamilton's daughter Sarah Preble said yesterday that her father played water polo for the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Illinois, and played four hours of tennis four days a week into his 70s.
Hamilton is survived by a son, Philip; daughters Carol and Sarah; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
The family will hold private services; donations in Hamilton's memory to Hawai'i Public Television are suggested.
Reach Walter Wright at wwright@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8054.
