STATEMENT FROM DR. JAMES H. CAVANAUGH
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF THE RICHARD NIXON FOUNDATION
ON THE PASSING OF BOARD MEMBER JOHN W. HAMILTON
August 6, 2020
YORBA LINDA, CA — John Hamilton was a devoted, flag-waving patriot and there were fewer champions of the Richard Nixon Foundation, presidential library and President Nixon’s legacy in Orange County than he.
John was a bridge builder and a unifier, one who always achieved what he set his mind to. By founding and funding the Newport Sports Museum, he inspired thousands of kids over decades to get involved in sports and extracurricular activities, rather than turn to drugs and alcohol.
John’s history with the Nixon family dates back to his childhood, when his grandfather made the first financial contribution to the first Nixon campaign for Congress. His mother, Pat Hitt, campaigned door to door for Richard Nixon in 1946, and participated in every Nixon campaign thereafter. She was the highest-ranked woman in the first Nixon administration.
John was always ready with encouragement and filled with energy. John, as a board member, and Kathy were actively involved with the Nixon Foundation and regularly attended events and programs at the Nixon Library for years. He contributed time, effort and artifacts to many of the Library’s special exhibits.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Kathy and John’s family.