Timothy Michael Hamlin

With grateful hearts for the life he lived and the man he was, we announce the peaceful passing of Timothy Michael Hamlin, beloved brother, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend, on August 23, 2026, at the age of 74.

Tim was born on October 12, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, to Jack Herbert Hamlin and Maxine Rose Hamlin (née Wozniak). He grew up in Cincinnati, where he was a Boy Scout and played clarinet in the marching band at Colerain High School, graduating with the Class of 1969. He continued his education at Cincinnati Technical Institute, earning an Associate of Applied Business degree in Graphic Communications in 1971.

Following college, Tim worked as a film stripper at Standard Publishing in Mt. Healthy until its closure. He later joined Enterprise Rent-A-Car, working in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and Hamilton, Ohio, where he became a “legendary” VSA. Tim took great pride in his work and was known for his attention to detail, often noticing things others overlooked.

Outside of work, Tim enjoyed playing frisbee golf at parks throughout the Cincinnati area with family and friends. More than anything, however, Tim loved his family and showed that love through his actions. He was the person behind the camera at family gatherings, always taking pictures and videos so that special moments would be remembered.

Tim had a generous heart and was always willing to help others, whether it meant lending someone his car, paying for a necessary repair, or simply being there when someone needed him. He never felt that he had earned enough money to retire because he believed doing so would limit his ability to help others. He contributed to college funds for his grandchildren and close family friends, gave generously to those experiencing homelessness, and helped care for the widow who lived next door.

His generosity extended even to strangers. When Tim would go out to eat with his mother, they would often argue over who would pay the check. His mother would insist on paying, but after leaving the table, Tim would return and quietly leave an extra $20 for the server simply because he wanted to help.

Tim also gave generously through blood donation, donating more than 48 pints to Hoxworth Blood Center. He was an organ donor until cancer ultimately made him ineligible.

Tim was a fighter throughout his life. As a child, he survived tuberculosis after spending several months at Dunham TB Hospital in Cincinnati. Later, he fought for custody of his children in family court, willing to spend every dime he had to ensure they were cared for. He went on to raise them as a single father.

In 2004, Tim faced stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Following chemotherapy and an autologous stem cell transplant, he fought his way to full remission. True to his nature, Tim refused to simply remain in his hospital bed. He could often be found walking the hospital halls or exercising on a treadmill, determined to overcome the disease.

In 2018, Tim began showing signs of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease and later developed symptoms of an atypical form of Parkinson’s disease. For the next eight years, he faced those challenges with the same determination and perseverance that had defined his life.

Tim is survived by his siblings, Terry (Beth) Hamlin, Tori (Mark) Smith, and Tina (Jim) Roemer; his children, Timothy C. (Heather) Hamlin and Rachel C. Hamlin; his grandchildren, Caleb and Kayla Ross, Josiah J. Hamlin, and Victorianna C. R. Hamlin; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Mickee Hamlin; his brother, Todd K. Hamlin; and his grandparents, Glenn E. and Alice E. (née Long) Hamlin and Walter and Rose (née Kozal) Wozniak.

Tim lived a life marked by perseverance, generosity, loyalty, and service to others. He leaves behind not only memories, photographs, and stories, but also the lasting impact of the many lives he helped along the way.

We pray that Tim has been received into heaven and heard the words he lived his life striving toward: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

A graveside service for family and friends to honor Tim will be held at The Arlington Memorial Gardens on September 14, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. in the Garden of Sunrise, with burial immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tim’s memory to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund at curealz.org.