With heavy hearts, we are announcing that Nicholas Joseph Hamlin, beloved father, brother, and grandfather passed from this life December 20, 2022 as the result of a tragic accident. Nick, as he was known to his friends and family, was born October 1, 1953 in Belleville, Ill. He moved to Greeley, Colo. in 1974 to attend the University of Northern Colorado, where he earned a degree in Political Science.

A lifelong athlete, Nick was active in football, baseball, hockey, tennis, skiing and hiking throughout his life. He devoted most of his adult life to tennis, playing regularly, in tournaments, and coaching young athletes. Most who knew Nick associated him with his love of tennis and a wicked two-handed return. Nick always enjoyed spending time outdoors. He enjoyed landscaping, hiking with his dog, and spending as much time as he could enjoying Colorado's mountain vistas. A lover of music, he was also known for his colorful sense of humor and the ability to bring a smile to everyone he met.

Nick built his career in the Weld County Judicial System where he spent 27 years as a clerk, administrator, and magistrate. His spirited, ethical interpretation of the law translated into a strong sense of justice that always guided his work. It's safe to say that Nick left his mark in the 19th Judicial District and will be missed by the many friends he kept after retiring in 2007.

Nick is survived by a daughter, Sarah (Mark) Bruemmer, a son, Kyle (Claire) Hamlin, two granddaughters, Lily Bruemmer and Nora Hamlin, all of Colorado; siblings Patricia Shevlin of Fairview Heights, Ill., Bob (Bets) Hamlin of O'Fallon, Ill., Daniel Hamlin of Fairview Heights, Ill., and Louise (Carlton) Laird of Edwardsville, Ill., and his loving pup, Cooper, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Nick's beloved parents Robert and Elizabeth Hamlin, as well as his sweet girl pup Bailey, welcomed him to his eternal home.

Nick will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who are grieving him, and will always remember him for his kind and loving nature. An open house celebration of his life will be held January 14, 2023 at The Boomer House, 1024 8th St., Greeley, Colo., 1-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Nick's memory to a tennis scholarship for a deserving high school student via this link https://bold.org/funds/nicholas-hamlin-tennis-memorial-scholarship-fund/

A celebration of life will be held in Illinois at a later date.