Rory Hamblin

In Loving Memory of Charles "Rory" Hamblin

Charles "Rory" Hamblin, 75, passed away surrounded by loved ones Sunday evening, December 8, 2024.

Rory was born May 12, 1949, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The second son of Betty Donna (Mott) and Jess Jones Hamblin, Rory enjoyed a simple life in the Poplar Grove neighborhood in Salt Lake City playing baseball and having backyard sleepouts. Around the age of 12, he had his first job sweeping classrooms at the elementary school.

Although he claimed he had his eye on her since playground days at Edison Elementary, he met Linda Shepherd while attending mutual at the church and they became friends. After elementary, he attended Jordan Junior High where he enjoyed playing sports. He continued his athletic endeavors at West High School playing football, basketball, baseball, track, and cross country. He also was involved in Student Council, the West High Associated Men (WHAM) council and band, playing the trumpet.

After graduation, Rory attended the University of Utah for one year before enlisting in the United States Air Force, his branch of choice, where he was selected and qualified for Russian Linguistics. He completed one-year basic Russian at Syracuse University in New York, completing the course two weeks early.

Upon completion of the course, he married Linda M. Shepherd on June 9, 1969 and they were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Their first home was in San Angelo, Texas for more schooling and then moved to San Antonio. His next adventure was on to Wakkanai, Japan where, at 6'4" tall, the little children called him Ookii Boy san (Mr. Big Boy). After his stint in Japan, Rory and Linda were stationed in Monterey for Intermediate Russian at the Defense Language Institute where all Russian was taught by native Russian Speakers.

His first child, Ryan was born in Monterey, California and two years later, after being stationed in Fort Meade, Maryland, Kristen joined the family.

After six years in the AF and missing his "Utah Mountains", Rory decided he needed a change and returned to Utah where he studied Accounting at the University of Utah and continued to serve in the National Guard.

While living in West Jordan, Utah, Rory and Linda welcomed Brett and Heather. In the summer of 1981, during "the Boom", he moved to Evanston where he would live the remainder of his life.

Rory worked in the Business Office for Uinta County School District Number One, first as assistant manager and then manager, for twenty-three years before he retired. He also taught Accounting Courses at Lifelong Learning. Not one to sit still, he began working for Grand America Hotels in Salt Lake City, UT as the Assistant Controller for Little America Wyoming, Cheyenne, and Flagstaff, Arizona. After eight years, he retired, for good this time.

An athlete, Rory played basketball and softball through Evanston Parks and Recreation, even serving on the Parks and Recreation Board of Directors for a time. He also enjoyed golf. His children found themselves following his path, enjoying the time spent with him. Not only did he play, but Rory also refereed school basketball games and umpired baseball and softball games. He also coached his children in baseball, football, and basketball.

He had fond memories supporting his children in their activities, often, with Linda, following them around the state to watch them play, cheering them on and treasuring all the time spent with them. When his grandchildren came along, they became his world.

Music was also part of Rory, introducing his kids to artists like Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Creedance Clearwater Revival, and Sonny and Cher, the classics. He often had records or tapes playing blaring music. He not only listened, but when he had the time, he would get out his guitar, singing while playing his favorite songs.

Rory is survived by his wife Linda of 55 years, children Kristen (Mike) Bennett of Alamogordo, New Mexico, Brett (Janalee) of Evanston, and Heather (Curtis) Beck of Clearfield, Utah, and 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Betty and Jess, his son, Ryan, brothers Ronald and Russel, and sister-in-law Cheri Shepherd.

A funeral service will be held in honor of Rory on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Sage Street LDS Church at 11:00 am. Family will meet with friends and family prior to the service from 9:00-10:45 am. Interment will be at Evanston City Cemetery.