On Feb 20 Sam
Hamilton, the Director of the USFWS, suffered a fatal heart attack while on a
ski vacation in Colorado. Sam began with the FWS as a research biologist in 1977
and eventually became the Director of the SE Region, with offices in Atlanta.
After 10 years in that position, establishing himself as a leader for Everglades
restoration and conservation based on sound science, President Obama nominated
him to become the Director of the FWS. After Senate confirmation he began his
new Washington DC duties last summer. Sam was the first FWS career biologist to
gain this political appointment. All at Loxahatchee who knew him were thrilled
and excited to have him gain a national leadership position.
We had the
privilege of having Sam at Loxahatchee three times in recent months. On Oct. 15
he delivered the Keynote address at the Gala Opening for our new exhibits; on
Jan 8 he held an informal round table discussion with those attending the
Friends of FL Refuges Conference at Loxahatchee; and on Jan 24 as part of a FWS
Directors Meeting at Loxahatchee he and the other Directors joined the entire
Refuge Staff for lunch.
Sam was passionate about his work, with his love
of nature extending to his free-time activities-hiking, camping, hunting,
fishing, skiing. His sudden death at age 54 is not only a tragedy for his wife
and children, but a devastating loss for the USFWS. His vacant position will
eventually be filled, but Sam Hamilton can never be replaced. We will miss him
greatly.