Birth date: Jul 29, 1947 Death date: Nov 28, 2019
“Sincerity, Humility, Courage” Geoffrey Richard Hamlin died peacefully on November 28th, 2019, at home in Clearwater, FL. Geoff was born in Buffalo, NY in 1947, the oldest of four children. He was preceded in death by his parents Read Obituary
Although I nearly completely lost touch with Geoff after law school, he always remain fresh in my memory as a prince of a fellow. Known among his classmates as "Airforce", Geoff was a gentle, quiet, but super-smart friend and companion to me--we were both a bit out of our element at Yale, having no family nearby, but enjoying the conviviality of the others living in our corner of the Yale Law Quad. I knew Geoff had ended in Arizona, but was unaware his postponed military service saw him rise as high at LTC. In an anti-war environment, Geoff never raised his voice or, so far as I'm aware, generated any hostility among his peacenik classmates, most of whom tried to duck military service or reduce it (to the extent our Class of '72, which was about 100 admittees larger than that of '71, was known as "Hershey's Revenge", because instead of the draft causing attrition of 40% as expected, nearly everyone found a way to stay the course). I for one joined Yale ROTC and ended in the Army Reserves from 1972-1980, where the white flags held out until I made Captain and got my honorable discharge. Geoff was one of the leaders of our ad hoc Neil Diamond Carolers--every session began with "Red Red Wine" and a big bottle of Southern Comfort being passed around as we sang in various keys, and ended raggedly with "Wild Blue Yonder" as demon rum took its toll on our attention span. In 3 years of law school I don't think I ever heard anyone say anything unkind or even mildly critical about Geoff--he was a great listener, a boon companion, a redoubtable ally, a witty interlocutor, a wonderful person. It saddens me that I just learned about his passing from my Summer 2020 Yale Law Report that sat unopened near my desk for several months. It does gladden me that he found a terrific woman to share his life, and that others saw in him during the past 50 years the same sterling qualities I recall so vividly.
Allan Falk
Stephen and Greta Finney. Geoff and Kathy have been a loving influence in our lives. Geoff always had time to meet me and discuss spiritual issues. I will never forget the way he radiated LOVE, especially when Kathy walked in the room. He will be greatly missed. We are there for you Kathy. Love the Finneys.
Geoffrey was so kind with me in my early struggles, always a good friend. A real man's mans... my friend.
My fondest memory of Jeff is the first time I met him, he was always so inviting and so welcoming and and he made me feel important and respected. When I was invited to the wedding and to the reception which was a baseball game I was so thrilled. Jobs always had an eye out good luck and help others I cannot tell you how well he made me feel I loved you made me feel I only hope that I made him feel the same way. I will miss you my fellow veteran. On to the next Journey my friend hope to see you again
