CHEBEAGUE ISLAND — Leon A. Hamilton, 67, died March 29 at his winter home on Pine Island, Florida, after a long battle with lung cancer.

He was born Feb. 5, 1948, in Portland, the son of Leland M. and Elsie (Ross) Hamilton. Leon grew up on Chebeague Island, attended island schools and graduated from Greely High School in 1966.

He joined the U.S. Navy after graduation, subsequently served with the Portland Fire Department and saw duty as a member of the U. S. Coast Guard. Among his assignments, Hamilton captained the Coast Guard boat that laid power cable to lighthouses along the coast of Maine. During Operation Desert Storm, he served in the Middle East, and later retired as a chief petty officer.

As a young boy helping his father, and throughout his life, Hamilton fished lobster. For 15 years, he also worked as a captain for the Chebeague Transportation Co., running its ferry and barge. He also operated Reel Deal, a deep-sea sport fishing company, which allowed him to pursue his love of the open ocean. More recently, he worked by ferrying workers from Harpswell to Snow Island in his boat, Greta and Sean.

Hamilton was known for his generosity, kindness and humor. He was also known for being straight-forward and outspoken in his opinions about island politics. As Chebeague prepared to become a town, he was elected to the island’s Transition Committee. He later served on the town’s Board of Selectmen.

His spare time was spent hunting, fishing, clamming, cheering on the New England Patriots and doting on his grandchildren, Greta and Sean. In recent years, he discovered the pleasure of fishing in the shallow waters off the Florida coast.

Hamilton was predeceased by his parents; his twin brother, Leland; and a sister, Loretta Parker.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer (Trower) Hamilton; brother Sherman Hamilton and wife, Teri; sisters Lois Cafmeyer and husband, Bob, and Holly Dixon and husband, Bob; sister-in-law Martha Trower; stepdaughter Jessica Jackson Fleck and husband, Rich; stepson Benjamin Jackson; grandchildren Greta Fleck and Sean Fleck; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. 

Visiting hours will be held Friday, April 17, from 4-6 p.m. at Lindquist Funeral Home, 1 Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth. A memorial service will take place at Chebeague Island Methodist Church on Saturday, April 18, at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Island Commons, 132 Littlefield Road, Chebeague Island, ME 04017.

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