W. Marshall Hamilton, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather left for his heavenly home on Friday at his residence in Havre de Grace. He was 88. His love, warmth, humor, and friendship will be remembered by all who knew him. His two daughters will always remember his support, advice, and everlasting love.

Marty was a builder, developer, and concrete company owner. He retired in 1998 from W. Noble Hamilton & Son and Maryland Portable Concrete, businesses he built with his father. He was well respected in the business community for his honesty, work quality and for treating people fairly.

Born to Noble and Clyta Hamilton on March 16, 1937, he was raised a Christian. His parents endowed him with the values by which he lived, especially a strong work ethic. He began working with his father when just 8 years old, driving dump trucks in the firm's gravel pit.

Marty graduated from Havre de Grace Senior High School, while continuing to work for his father. He attended Johns Hopkins studying electrical engineering but the arrival of his first child saw him commit all his energy to the family business.

He was an enterprising man. He helped his father build and operate a swim club, Hamilton Park, from 1954 to 1968. That is where he met the love of his life, Joan, and decided he would marry her before they were even introduced. They married in 1957 and shared nearly 70 years together with a love that never faded.

In addition to the swim club, Marty was a builder, developing homes, barns, roads, and fire ponds throughout Harford County. In the early 1980's they established Maryland Portable Concrete. Marty built much of the concrete plants himself and developed many innovations, improving operational efficiency.

In his younger years, he enjoyed rabbit and fox hunting with his father. Family time included camping trips, with the Eastern Shore a favorite. He and Joan also enjoyed cruises and other adventures with their friends.

Known for his stories, he would entertain family and friends with tales often.

He loved God and for many years was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. A joint celebration of life will be held for them both at a later date, as Joan is now in hospice care. A private graveside service is planned for December 16 at St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery.

Marty is survived by his wife of 68 years, the former Joan Elsner; his daughters, Lynne Campbell (Paul) of Ellicott City, Md., and Kimberly Carr (Dick) of Richfield, N.C.; his granddaughter Meaghan Isaacs (Josh); and two great granddaughters. He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn White of Havre de Grace. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer's Association.