Rhone Hamilton

Life Reflections of Rhone G. Hamilton

Rhone Gazelle Hamilton was born to Ronald Hamilton and Brenda McCoy on March 15, 1971. Rhone was raised in Kansas City, Missouri, graduating from Raytown High school in 1989 where he excelled in football, track, and choir. After graduation, Rhone attended Missouri Southern University in Joplin, Missouri majoring in communications technology. It was at MSU that he began to develop a passion for broadcasting and the technology that made it come alive to its various audiences. This is where Rhone's journey began.

Rhone chose a hands-on approach to learn his "dream" profession. Starting in Los Angeles as a production assistant, he worked with various artists creating music videos in the early 90's. This experience kicked-off his network of friends and professional associations and provided the initial insight into his creativity, passion and excellence. Rhone had a plan.

Upon returning to Kansas City in 1992, Rhone expanded his talents to television broadcasting as a master control operator and studio manager for KSMO and WDAF. It was in Kansas City, at the infamous Levee Jazz Club, that he met the love of his life, and future wife, Penny Lee. Together they accepted Christ as their Savior at Allen Chapel AME Church Kansas City, Kansas in 1995. In 1999, they were married on the shore of Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Oahu surrounded by close friends and family. Penny and Rhone moved to Denver, Colorado in 1995 to pursue their unique careers. Rhone had his eye set on breaking into television sports production. He started at KUSA-Channel 9 in 1995 and moved to AT&T Sports Net in 2001 (formerly FSN, ROOT Sports). With a special gift for building relationships and a drive for learning, Rhone moved towards his vision.

Rhone has worked in the television and sports production industry for over two (2) decades; most notably as a camera operator and technical director. He enjoyed traveling to various stadiums and other venues hosting Thursday Night Football, the NBA All-Star Game, the Canadian Grey Cup and the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Some of his favorite clients include the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Denver Nuggets, the Colorado Rockies, and most recently, the Vegas Golden Knights.

One of his favorite "Rhone-isms" was "a man with a plan always has a chance" and he lived out that principle in everything he did. Rhone loved his family, his profession, and all the people he worked with. He lived his life with integrity and excellence and treated those he met with respect and dignity. He was known for "his hugs and big smile". Rhone is gone from our sight today but his legacy will live forever in the things he loved the most-his family and his friends.

On June 11th at the University of Colorado Hospital, Rhone left to pursue his eternal purpose with the Lord.

Rhone is survived by his wife, Penny Lee Hamilton, his son, Roman Lee "Buddy" Hamilton, his parents, Ronald and Eileen Hamilton (Overland Park, Kansas), his mother, Brenda Fox (Roanoke, Virginia), his sister, London Lyman (Roanoke, Virginia) and a host of family and friends. He will also be missed by his faithful 160-pound Bullmastiff, Oscar Lee Hamilton.

A Celebration of Rhone's Life and reception will be held on Monday, July 16th from 6pm to 8pm at Regis Jesuit High School in the Steele Center, Z-Theatre, 6400 South Lewiston Way, Aurora, Colorado, 80016. (Map of the Regis Jesuit High School Campus is attached to this journal entry.)

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in the name of Rhone Hamilton to the Rocky Mountain Stroke Center at 5666 South Bannock Street, Littleton, Colorado 80120 or www.coloradogives.org/RockyMountainStrokeCenter/overview.