Obituary of Floyd Eugene Hambleton

Floyd Hambleton was born in Bismarck, North Dakota on August 27, 1926. At the age of 78 Floyd passed away in his home on the evening of April 13, 2005. The apparent cause was due to a sudden heart attack. Services will be held at Brown's Funeral Home in Camas, Wednesday, April 20, 2005 at 11 am. Visitation will be held on Mon. April 18 and Tues. April 19 at Brown's Funeral Home in Camas from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm both days. He is survived by his wife, Helen. They had quietly celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. Additionally, Floyd is survived by his three sons , Steve and his wife Wina, Allen, and Mike, and one daughter Susan and her husband Jesus Arredondo. Floyd also leaves behind his three grandchildren; Steven, Jennifer, and Aletia. Floyd was one of Clark County's most successful businessmen. He grew up in the Portland area, attended school until the 8th grade. To make money, he delivered newspapers in all kinds of weather conditions. He joined the Navy and served as a signalman in the Pacific theater. When he got out of the service, he went back to his old Commerce High School where he intended to get his GED. The principal had him take a test to determine what he might take to get his high school diploma. After taking the test, he scored so high that they gave him his diploma on the spot. Mr. Hambleton started in a very humble hard working family. He and his brother Jim drove patched up log trucks. After saving a little money, he and his brother bought a very, very small mill in Oregon. That mill burned down and they drove their truck until enough money was saved to purchase a near bankrupt mill in Washougal. With a very old mill and antiquated equipment, they worked and saved until they started expanding the capabilities of that old mill and called it, "Hambleton Bros. Lumber Company." With used equipment, and Jim, with his unusual mechanical abilities, and Floyd, with his extremely sharp mind and accounting skills, they grew the size and capabilities of the mill to what it was when Floyd sold the business in 2003, and currently employ more than 50 employees. Together, they were extremely successful. Mr. Hambleton was a member of the Washington and Oregon Timberman's Association. He was honored by being designated the outstanding mill operator in the Northwest. As a long member of the Orchard Hill's Golf and Country Club, he spent many hours playing the game he loved most. Floyd was one of the founding directors of the Washington State Bank, now incorporated into Wells Fargo Bank. He served on the board of directors of the bank and many other businesses that he helped to get started. He loved to travel the United States. His memory was extraordinary. He could recall minute details such as street names and surrounding detail of places visited more than 40 years ago. His wit and fast responding humor was amazing. His word "was his bond". Whatever he said he did. He could be very direct, but underneath it all, he did have compassion for others. Floyd will be missed by his family and the hundreds of friends who got to know him. Floyd's family has requested all donations be sent to Doernbecher's Children's Hospital Foundation: M/S PO Box 4100 Portland, Oregon 97208-9908 or to Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children: 3101 SW Sam Jackson Park Road Portland, Oregon 97201 Brown's Funeral Home in Camas has been entrusted with arrangements.