Alexander Ian Hamilton, BA, BS, MA, PhD, DDS Dental Educator, Researcher, and Clinician Professor Emeritus

This is a tribute to an extraordinary man. There is something about editing this journal that creates a special, often unspoken, bond with those who have undertaken the task before you. I thank Dr. Anderson for preparing what follows.

Jeffrey A. Platt, DDS, MS, Editor

Alexander Ian Hamilton, 95, passed away on June 24, 2011. He was born August 16, 1915 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His father was a dentist and an educator. His mother was a homemaker and an artist. Ian had a sister, Patricia, who died at age 17 of scarlet fever. Dr. Hamilton's wife of 68 years, Mary, passed away in 2009. His wife, Mary, was a pharmacist and homemaker.

Dr. Hamilton graduated from dental school in Toronto in 1936 at the age of 20. He was an excellent field and track athlete, competing in the long jump, sprinting, high jump and pole vault. He was the Canadian national pole vaulting champion and was to represent Canada in the Olympic Games in 1940. Unfortunately, World War II broke out and the Olympic Games were cancelled. He practiced dentistry in Winnipeg with his father for four years before serving in the Canadian armed services during World War II. He was stationed in southern England with the Canadian dental corps and endured many bombings by the Germans. He participated in the Normandy invasion of France landing at Gold Beach near Arromanches and participated in the battle for Caen. He had a mobile dental trailer and served throughout Normandy. In 2004 he was given a Medal of Appreciation and Recognition for his efforts and service by the city of Vimoutiers in northern France.

After the war, Dr. and Mrs. Hamilton moved to Victoria, BC and established a private dental practice. He became a member of a study group mentored by the renowned dental educator, Dr. Gerald D. Stibbs. Dr. Stibbs recruited Dr. Hamilton to teach at the newly established dental school at the University of Washington. Dr. Hamilton taught at the school until his retirement in 1986. During this time, he studied economics and received a Master of Arts degree. He also took a five year hiatus to study anatomy at the University of London, receiving the PhD. His PhD Certificate was presented to him by Queen Elizabeth. He taught in biological structure at the UW medical school for many years. He published in two prestigious journals, Science, and Nature. Dr. Hamilton was the founding editor of the journal Operative Dentistry, a position in which he excelled for over ten years. His editorials were clear and provocative. His editorship was punctuated with excellence.

In retirement, Dr. Hamilton matriculated at the University of Washington and received the Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. Dr. Hamilton received many honors and awards of excellence from dental study clubs, educational academies, and professional organizations. He was a true gentleman and scholar … and he will be missed by his many friends and colleagues.

Submitted by Dr. J. Martin Anderson