George Dennis Hamilton January 12, 1940 – May 26, 2026

George Dennis Hamilton was born on January 12, 1940, in Pocatello, Idaho, the second of five children born to Walter and Mona Hamilton. He was raised on the family farm and ranch in Riverton, Idaho, along the Snake River — a place that shaped his lifelong love of animals, hard work, and the outdoors. As a boy, he roped chickens, cats, and calves, and happily rode anything with four legs, whether it was a horse or a cow. Dennis was active in 4 H and Future Farmers of America (FFA), eventually attending the National FFA Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. His dedication earned him the prestigious Standard Oil Scholarship.

At Blackfoot High School, Dennis lettered in boxing, becoming the Golden Gloves Champion in his freshman year in the 95 pound and under division. He also excelled in basketball and track, and graduated in 1958.

He went on to attend Brigham Young University (BYU), earning a degree in Animal Husbandry (now Animal Science). While at BYU, Dennis competed on the rodeo team, riding bareback horses and Brahma bulls and competing in tie down roping. He qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming, but chose not to attend after being offered his dream job with Armour & Company as a cattle buyer in Omaha, Nebraska — then the largest stockyard in the world.

Dennis married the love of his life, LaVerne Caldwell, on August 31, 1962, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple for time and all eternity. At the time, he was working toward a master's degree in animal science. Together they raised three children: two daughters and one son.

His career with Armour & Company took him from Omaha to York, Nebraska, and eventually to Nampa, Idaho, where he served as the head cattle buyer for 34 years. Dennis had an extraordinary gift for evaluating cattle. He was a master at estimating weights with uncanny accuracy and knew what they would yield for the packer. After retiring, Dennis and LaVerne moved to Kuna, Idaho. Retirement didn't slow him down; he continued buying and selling cattle, doing what he loved every day. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dennis served faithfully in many callings and was grateful for the many blessings in his life. Rodeo remained one of his greatest passions. For 34 consecutive years, he attended the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas with family and friends, creating memories that will be cherished forever. In his 60s, he and LaVerne traveled the world by cruise ship, an experience they treasured together.

Dennis is survived by his wife, LaVerne, and their children: Tamara Hess (Chad) of Boise, Troy Hamilton (Stacy) of Boise and Sydnee Fox (Patrick) of Saratoga Springs, Utah. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Connell Hess, Hayden Hess, Kavan Hess, Clancee Fox and Taylor Hamilton and, eight great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Layne Hamilton (Linda) of Blackfoot, and his sister Janae Winder (Ted) of Torrey, Utah. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mona Hamilton; his sister Donna Whisenant; and his brother Wesley Hamilton. The family expresses deep gratitude to the many doctors, hospice nurses, and to Larry Peterson for their devoted help and care over the past four years. Dennis had open heart surgery in 2006, and then four years ago he had heart failure combined with Parkinson's disease, which eventually left him unable to walk. Through it all, he never once complained. Dennis passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, surrounded by his family. A viewing will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Kuna Stake Center located at 3055 W Kuna Rd on Saturday, May 30 at 10 AM followed by a funeral service at 11 AM. Following the funeral, burial service will take place at the Kuna cemetery. His legacy of grit, kindness, hard work, and unwavering love for his family will live on in all who knew him.