I am saddened to learn of the death of this truly good man. Mr. Hamlen was my French Teacher at Thomas More School in Harrisville New Hampshire and more importantly a kind and patient educator who directed an impressive performance of The Mikado using a very limited pool of students (I don't think there were more than 65 pupils over 4 grades) as well as enlisting several talented musicians from around New England including Donna Austin. I was Pish Tush in the operetta and he assigned me a few more musical selections than written into the part. I recall with great pride my participation and his father's praise for my work (It seems Mr. Hamlen Sr. also played Pish Tush in his youth). Sadly the only recording of that night was lost in a fire at The Hamlen homestead. He also formed a Barbershop group at the school (Perhaps 8 of us) in which he also partook and brought much pleasure to the participants as well as the limited audience.

I sought him out a few years ago and we had a pleasant phone conversation wherein he encouraged me to look him up when in New York City. Unfortunately that would not come to pass.

I've had few educators I respected and fewer who had any positive contribution to my education but Mr. Hamlen and one other reign far above the rest in memory and appreciation.

Requiescat In Pace Sir you shan't be forgotten and will always be recalled with great respect.