Ian Michael Hamilton, 1947 – 2016

posted in: Life of Mike | 17

Early on the morning of May 10, 2016, our friend Michael Hamilton checked out for the last time. He was recovering from a recent heart attack. He was upbeat and feeling good, busily working on changing his diet, his lifestyle and his attitude.

Michael died in his studio, surrounded by his computers and graphics tools, predictably, working on a project.

He leaves behind his partner Vikki Ruthman, his brother Bert Hall, and a world profoundly diminished by his departure.

When arrangements are settled, information about a memorial and celebration of Mike will be posted here. In the meantime, feel free to use this site as your own place to share your thoughts and feelings.

17 Responses

  1. Paul McKernan

    Thanks Larry for doing this. Michael was a special kind of guy….and I know how close you two were. My most heartfelt feelings to Vicki, his family and friends that felt like family. My appreciation for what he did to always make music and video be that step better, and his recognition of my extensive bar. Michael was a joy……35 years….Never too close but always delighted as we connected. Hard to accept this new reality but then, accept we must. Doesn’t quite say it……..My heart aches.

  2. Roger Bruno and Ellen Schwartz

    Wow. Haven’t seen Michael in over 20 years but his impact on our life is profound. Many hours in the studio with him, parties (Old Bushmill) and lots of music. Just knowing he was around meant something to us. Our condolences to everyone who feels the impact.. Roger and Ellen

  3. Rick Menshek

    I echo Paul’s comment. “My heart aches”. Knowing that we will not be occasionally crossing paths anymore or the annual Christmas Rock n’ Roll CD won’t be in the mailbox is difficult to understand right now but, alas, I will. He is a good man, and I will miss him.

  4. John Valerio

    My condolences to all who knew Michael. He was very special and will be greatly missed.

  5. Judy Cromwell

    One of my oldest and dearest friends from high school Michael was brilliant, crazy, funny, sweet…we always connected somehow. We had orchestra together but never really met because he was over by the window in the brass section and I was sitting in a row of first violinists against the blackboard on the other side of the room.
    We didn’t meet until years later, when he walked into the apartment I was sharing with Kate Scott and a couple of other young women. Weirdly, he was trailing behind Dana Gurnee, my friend from Spanish III, whom I also hadn’t seen since high school. And mixed in there somewhere were Larry Menshek and Rick Treadaway. That was in 1968, 48 years ago.
    Michael followed many paths. He was a relatively sane graphic design student at UCLA. In the apt. he shared with Dana, there was a door sized New York Times crossword puzzle on the back of the bathroom door (complete with writing implement) accessible while one was on the can: and a pile of LA Times in the corner by the front door that reached all the way to the ceiling: maybe two piles. Michael spent some time as an obnoxious crazy hippie in San Francisco. Then moved back to LA and did I don’t know what for awhile.
    Then he and Larry and Dana opened Kitchen Sync. There was this house on Troy Drive, the scene of many a party (and a good crop in the garage to boot).
    Before and after, there were wow designs (the Peaches album cover being memorable) and humor (a can of Campbell’s Hot Dog Bean Soup, with whiteout meticulously applied to cover the words “hot” and “bean,” leaving the consumer to crank open a can of Dog Soup).
    There was a hat with a fan, weird glasses, and a handsome collection of Hawaiian shirts.

    But geez … this story is not just mine to tell. It’s all of ours.

    Blue skies, Michael. You will be sorely missed. And never forgotten.

  6. Dana Gurnee

    Well, I’ve been overwhelmed with images and memories, as if given a dangerous mind-bending drug. I first was tempted to wait a few weeks, and to put those memories all together in a long, coherent, sequential narrative. But now I think I will poke in random fashion, starting not with 1967, when Michael and I became roommates at UCLA, but starting with something that intrudes more insistently: the UCLA humor magazine that Michael led in 1968.

    Michael somehow heard that the humor magazine’s editorship was legally up for grabs every year. For decades, the editorship had been held by one fraternity or another. The existing humor magazine, Satyr, prided itself on its comic-strip character Captain F-Q, who drooled over amply endowed cartoon co-eds. It wasn’t a bad publication, and its “ownership” seemed entrenched and pleasing to the powers that were.

    But Michael decided to try to take it over, along with me and a group of pals, mostly from his graphic-arts classes. Those were terrible, tumultuous times, with Vietnam, the assassinations, the Chicago convention, the Nixon election, yadda yadda. Somehow Michael was able to persuade a UCLA decision committee that it was time for the humor magazine to better reflect the times — to have a less-conservative feel, to have a modern design, and to have “girls” play a role, too, as actual staff members. Outrageous!

    We were stunned when Michael pulled it off. And it stunned the Old Guard, who laughed off Michael’s challenge, and perhaps did not make a strong play to renew their sinecure.

    However it came down, Michael got the job.

    The poor overseers had NO IDEA what Michael and his staff would produce. The magazine had full-frontal nudity (female, of course) on the inside cover, pubic hair and all. (But the photo was tastefully grainy.) This was two years before Playboy did the same.

    The center spread was a nude picture of Michael, sans dick, with a whole bunch of phallic symbols on a separate page, which could be cut out to create a “Pin the Penis on the Person” poster. Thoughtful man that he was, Michael had the reverse side of this page blank, so that cutting out items would not destroy content.

    The magazine’s cover had the words PEN and IS, slightly touching, but leaning strongly in opposite directions. To the casual observer, the magazine’s title was PENIS. But the careful observer would see the 5-point Helvetica Light type on each side of PEN and IS, and then see the phrase “the pen is mightier than the sword.” Jejune now, but dangerous then. (Honest!)

    The pages were full of political protest and social commentary and drug references. One page was a drawing of Hubert Humphrey with a Hitler mustache. The words on it: “Mein Humpf.” This was from a sign that Michael carried at a violent demonstration that took place at the Century Plaza Hotel in the summer of 1968, when LBJ was spending the night. I think Michael was beaten by the cops that night. But maybe that was someone else. It’s funny what one is unsure about after 48 years.

    The back cover was a U.S. flag with about 400 stars on it. Every square inch of the magazine was something shocking and new for 1968, with typography, design and graphics that were new to behold. Even the size — square and large — was new.

    In the telling, it seems sadly naive and staid. It’s like trying to explain why we once thought that Bob Hope was funny. It’s all about context. And back then, this magazine was a disappointment for the UCLA administration. There was an article in the L.A. Times about its disturbing departure from the tradition of campus humor magazines everywhere.

    Even during the magazine’s production, there were problems. The typesetters refused to type in certain words, or to type entire pieces. But Michael was able to break in to the typesetters’ room, and he then figured out how to use the computers and the programs to produce the type we needed to paste up the magazine. He knew how to it all! After that, he and I worked on the type machines between 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. for several nights, and somehow the magazines were made, though with many horrible typos that made it to print.

    We sold the magazines for 75 cents each — if my memory serves, 25 cents more than the price of the old humor magazine. We sold them by standing on the various campus walkways, sometimes suffering taunts and threats, but mostly enjoying warm support.

    It all ended when Michael was fired. This happened because I turned over 200 copies of the magazine to some campus official, who told me that he wanted to place them in an off-campus bookstore to make more money. I thought this was pretty neat. But a few days later, another campus official came in to do an audit of the money we had collected. Guess what? We were $150 short. I did not get a receipt for the 200 copies that were taken, and the other official denied taking them from me. The evidence was irrefutable: We were crooks.

    So Michael was accused of embezzling and was fired, with the “deal” being that if he agreed to leave the magazine peaceably, he wouldn’t be expelled from school. Michael and I knew what we were up against, so we slunk away.

    The magazine, by the way, was called De Press. The experience revealed what would be (and already were) trademarks of Michael’s character: his energy, his talent, his ability to quickly figure out almost anything, his being always on the leading edge, and his uppitiness (to get control of the magazine even for a couple of months).

    The next issue of the humor magazine returned to the Old Guard. Today, I see the previous editor’s name often listed as a writer on a popular cable show. Google indicates that the magazine is still called Satyr. I can find nothing about De Press.

  7. Amy

    Micheal was the oddest person I’ve ever met… And I mean that in a good way .. From the 80’s..” John Lennon fck*** Mai Pang n that console “!!!! …. To the coat of TOO many colors..to making my website… There’s a hole missing in the universe.My heart breaks for Vicki .. And us all

  8. Cheryl Mergaert

    So sorry to hear the news. I have nothing but fond memories of Mike. He sure knew how to throw an awesome Super Bowl party! They were so much fun. My deepest sympathy and condolences to his partner and family.

  9. Carlos&Edgar Restrepo

    Vikki, We are very sorry for your loss. We only met Michael a couple of times. He was very nice and a true gentleman. Vikki, if you need anything and we can be of service to you please let us know.

  10. Becky Lynn

    I only knew Michael in the techy way of today…via the Internet and we only ever talked via Skype as he was putting together my new website late last year. He was highly recommended to me via an industry colleague and I can see why. He was creative, tech savvy, AND best of all, kind, very patient, and helpful with those of us, like me, who still have troubles with gizmos because…well, math! My website is beautiful and I enjoyed working with him on it. I only learned of his passing because I had sent an email asking a question about something techy. My condolences to all who loved Michael. Psalm 94:18-19 –Becky Lynn

  11. Ramon Francisco

    Hi Vikki,
    First of all I would like to express my deepest sympathy. I did not have the opportunity to meet Michael personally although you had told me several stories about him while we were working in LA Gauge. Loosing a love one is always tough but keep in mind he is in peace now and may the blessings of the above be with him.

  12. Bob Drake

    Hi Vikki…As I mentioned in a previous email, so sorry to hear Michael “checked out” way before his time. I had only recently met Michael (virtually, that is) via Skype last year – 2015 – when I was referred to him by voiceover/audio producer, Chuck Duran (demosthatrock.com) to create a new website for myself (bobdrakevo.com). Michael did a great job on the website, had wonderful design sense and was an immense help getting everything sorted out. I loved his dry sense of humor, his wit and his web design insights. I can’t make the upcoming memorial, but am sure it will be wonderful. All the best to you, Michael’s family and friends.

  13. Eleanor Reissa

    It’s funny how a person who I’ve never met in the flesh could move my heart so to learn of their loss. I came into the picture last year when I hired mike to do my website after seeing a beautiful, clear, clean site he did for my friend MArilyn Macintyre . Gosh, we worked on it so long. And as frustrating as I might have gotten with my own disorganization and errors, he was never anything but kind and funny and would persevere til he found the gorgeous solution we both liked. He was soooo patient with me; guided me, advised me. Damn, I wish I’d have known him more, beyond virtually, which still seems pretty deep. His love and devotion for the woman in his life was clear too, in our work. Stuff he’d have to do or plans they’d made together. My warmest regards to you, vikki. I’m so sorry and so grateful. And to all his friends, gosh you are lucky.

    • Marilyn McIntyre

      I just read your posting Eleanor, and it was posted on my birthday – so it’s a sign that I need to write something. I’ve been putting it off because I can’t believe it yet that I won’t see Mike again. I first worked for Mike at Teletalent 20+ years ago now – and then he went on to do beautiful work on my website. He was patient and funny and always honest with me… hard work, but lots of laughs. I’ll miss that. And, yes, he did like women in the best way possible. I always enjoyed working with him, even when he was giving me a hard time. I miss him dearly. (And, Eleanor, I’m glad you got to know Mike, even if it was just virtually. He’s one of the good guys.) Vikki, I can only imagine that you miss his wonderful mischievous and sometimes grumpy sense-of-humor, too. A good man and a gentle soul under that grin. I’m sad that I wasn’t back from working in Australia in time for his memorial, but I’m sure it was filled with many moving and funny recollections. He’s up there in the clouds on his motorcycle with a big smile on his face having a good ride!

  14. Chuck Duran

    HI Vikki, I still have people reaching out to me because they can’t believe that Michael is no longer with us. I have to say, I really miss the heck out of him too. I just wanted to wish you a happy Sunday and let you know that Michael will NEVER be forgotten. God Bless to you and the rest of Michaels friends and family.

  15. Bob Benson

    Michael and my paths have crossed a few times since my High School days in Lakewood. Michael was a friend of Larry Menchek, Kate Scott, Dana Gurnee and we met quite often while I was a drummer in Larry’s band. I was always surprised by his progressive( both political and wardrobe) ideas. I remember in 1970 when I was released from the Army( and the Viet Nam war) in Oakland Larry picked me and we ended up at the “sexual freedom league party” in San Francisco. That was more of a shell shock than the war. I stayed in SF for a while and we visited a few times. I later went to one of his parties in Hollywood. I was living up the coast in Cambria and one of my neighbors had a Chinchilla farm that was forced to close because it was in the town limits so they had a garage sale and sold off some Chinchilla pelts. While at the party I showed it to Michael, who had to have it, as I remember, because the women would love it because of its softness. So of course I gave it to him. A few years later I was going into a liquor store in Cambria(to buy rolling papers) and there was Michael on his motorcycle. I was, at the time living in a remote part of Monterey county and invited him to visit. Sure enough he showed up, on the remote backroad going by my house, just stayed for a while, but it was always fun to see him. Then a couple of years ago I’d found an old cassette tape that said on the cover that it was of the band Larry and I were in. But as it turns out was actually a tape I made describing my time while in the Viet Nam war, which he converted to an MP3 audio. Our interactions were few but always memorable.

  16. John Harding

    Merry Christmas, 2016, to you, Michael, wherever you might be.

    You know, I normally snicker at those who broadcast messages to the dead, or have their letters published in papers, or go on TV and pretend they are talking to someone in heaven. … As if the public airwaves or newspapers or TV signals could be picked up in The Beyond.

    Wherever your spirit went when it gave up this life on Earth, I’m sure there is no Internet service there. Even if you could get WiFi I am sure that a message from this plane of existence would make no sense to you at this point. Emotions and identity are all part of the cares of this life, lessons that help us while we are still made of flesh but meaningless to the Eternal.

    If you could hear me, though, I would like to say that tonight as we sat down to our Christmas Eve dinner, we put on one of your Christmas “Goop” CD collections, and we smiled and thought of you and of all the joyous moments we shared and the gifts you left us.
    I know you cannot hear me any more, and I know you probably would not give a hoot if you did. But on the other hand, if anyone where you are could get a media connection started, you would be the one to know how to do it.

    So Merry Christmas, Michael, on this special night. It’s Earth’s first Christmas without you. We are carrying on here about as well as we ever did, and thinking of you tonight with love.

    Your old college buddy, John

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