Wright Funeral Home) – Douglas Alan Hamilton (Doug), 72, passed away, in Fargo, North Dakota, August 5, 2022.
The cause of death was Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He fought hard, kept looking forward, and shared his optimism and courage until the end.
Doug is survived by son, Benjamin, Minneapolis, grandson Hunter Graves, beloved partner Debra Dawson, brothers, Roger (King) and wife Jennifer, Dennis and wife Cheri Diesem, Patrick and wife J. Drake and his beloved nieces and nephews and former wife, Sandra Buttweiler. Doug is preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Dorothy Hamilton, former wife, Barbara, and daughter Ashley.
Doug was born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, October 13, 1949. He graduated Moorhead High School in 1967, Moorhead State University with a BA in 1971, earned a Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Minnesota in 1974 and has been a member of Actors’ Equity since that time.
He began his radio and television career in Fargo-Moorhead in 1975 and for 20 years worked as anchor, reporter, executive producer, program host, community events master of ceremonies, debate moderator, and as voice and spokesperson for corporate, business, civic and public service organizations. Doug also was campaign chair of the United Way and President of Moorhead Rotary from 2006 – 2007. He was also a university administrator for MSUM for 14 years. Finally, since 2012, he was host of “Main Street” on the Prairie Public radio network. His life-long list of awards is extensive from best actor at Moorhead State University from 1968 – 1971 to Edward R. Murrow and Peabody awards for reporting and team coverage.
His most cherished award is the accumulation of friends, colleagues, listeners, viewers and theater audience members who admired his work and shared his love for informing, entertaining, and the arts.
Doug had a sharp and ever-present sense of humor, was a very critical thinker about issues and events, and loved to engage in fun, discussion, and other forms of levity and sharing.
A memorial celebration will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 26 at the Delmar J. Hansen Theatre, MSUM. Doug asks that any donations or memorial gifts be made to local arts, public media organizations, artists and “African Soul, American Heart” (ASAH).
Coda:
Doug Hamilton has accepted a full-time residency as executive artistic director/principal actor at the Theatre of the Universe where he will stage, direct and act in various roles both classical and new, teach and work as an ambassador for the arts throughout the celestial sphere. He had directed that complimentary tickets be left at the will call window for all who will be following his journey and work.
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