Bruce Hamaker

Tribute

Bruce Hugo Hamaker, 93, of Apache Junction, Arizona, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of August 9, 2026. The son of Reuben and Lillian Hamaker, Bruce was born in Finesville, New Jersey, on December 12, 1932. He was the eleventh of thirteen children and was preceded in death by his parents and all twelve of his siblings. As a young boy, Bruce moved with his family to the West Coast, where they settled in Southern California. He attended San Dieguito High School and, after graduation, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he trained and served as an air traffic controller during the Korean War. He was stationed for a time in Adak, Alaska, an experience he often spoke of as one of his fondest memories. After leaving the Air Force, Bruce continued his career in air traffic control with the FAA. Over the years, he held a variety of other jobs before finding his way back to the field later in life. He returned to air traffic control at Bellingham International Airport, where he worked in the control tower until his retirement at the age of 76. As a young man, Bruce married his high school sweetheart, Sally Strickland, with whom he had two children. He later married Marlene Schabert, and together they had three children. Bruce and Marlene shared 32 years of marriage before her passing. He later married Patricia Gulick, and they were preparing to celebrate their 25th anniversary. Bruce is survived by his wife, Patricia; his children, Lori Clark, Lisa Johnson, Nevada Hamaker, Jeremy Hamaker, and Mindy Galyon; his stepchildren, Kathy Peters and Misty Velasquez; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bruce was a proud, freedom-loving American patriot and veteran who believed wholeheartedly in the American ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. He emphasized the value of hard work and was known to say, “Life isn’t fair, and nobody owes you anything,” a reminder of the importance of resilience and perseverance. He loved God and was a man of strong Christian faith, putting that faith into practice through acts of charity and generosity. He rooted for the underdog and helped many less fortunate people throughout his life, giving them a “hand up” rather than a “handout.” He avoided conflict and was not one to hold a grudge—forgiveness and grace were his creed, and he encouraged others to live that way as well. Bruce was a friend to everybody and a father figure to many. He was known for his kind and fun-loving personality, good sense of humor, and ability to find something positive in any situation. His easygoing nature and ability to remain calm under pressure served him well during his many years in the demanding field of air traffic control. Bruce had a love of adventure—in the water, the air, and on the open road. He was a scuba diver, fisherman, pilot, and motorcycle enthusiast. He also loved music and enjoyed nearly every genre. A musician himself, Bruce often spent his free time playing instruments.

Friends & Family