Robyn Lyn Hamilton Tribute

Robyn was born Rosemary Hamilton on March 26, 1948, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Weldon Thomas and Ozella Clementine Rose Hamilton.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her only brother, her beloved first partner, Candy, and her foster child, Nikki Porter, who died of complications from HIV/AIDS at the age of five.

Robyn excelled throughout her school years, graduating two years ahead of her high school class. She played bassoon for the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra for five years in the late 1960’s.  During the early 1970's, she worked as a civilian employee of the United States Army in Germany.

Robyn joined Metropolitan Community Churches in 1973.  She was a member of MCC Sarasota/Bradenton, where she served as an Exhorter. She later moved to Los Angeles to work at MCC's denominational headquarters with the Innovative Ministries Program. 

Robyn moved to Sacramento in 1981. At MCC Sacramento she served as Head Usher, a member of the Board of Directors, and on numerous committees. She coordinated MCC's 1989 relief efforts for those affected by the Loma Prieta Earthquake. 

In 2004, she and her life partner, Leanna, moved to Berkeley where Leanna attended Pacific School of Religion. Robyn became a student of PSR herself in the fall of 2007. As a PSR student, Robyn assisted in the formation of the Disabled Student Union, served as a student representative to the Board of Trustees, and was a member of the student housing and finance committees. She was instrumental in the work of equality for all those differently abled on PSR campus.  She most recently served as the Moderator of CAPSR (Community Association of PSR).  

On March 28, 2001, Robyn and Leanna were blessed with the birth of their son Christopher.  When Robyn and Leanna were married in February, 2004, Christopher was present and told everyone that “they all” got married that day. 

Robyn and Leanna were married again on October 19, 2008, during the worship service at MCC Santa Rosa where Leanna is Pastor.  At the time of her death Robyn served on the worship and music committees as well as temporary clerk of the board of directors at MCC Santa Rosa.

Robyn leaves behind her spouse of 15 years, Leanna; son, Christopher; Thea, a beloved member of the family; nieces Debbie Hamilton and Valerie Hamilton Crisp; and nephew Eric Hamilton. 

A memorial service in honor of Robyn’s life will take place at Pacific School of Religion on Thursday, March 19, 2009, in the Chapel of the Great Commission at 5:30 PM.  Contributions may be made to the General Fund of MCC Santa Rosa where her beloved Leanna is Pastor or to Pacific School of Religion's Differently Abled Student Union.