Bernard Hamling

Bernard Hamling died on Friday, Aug. 7, 2015, surrounded by his family at home, his beloved Mytefine Farm in Fleischmanns, N.Y. He was 83.

He was born in Morrilton, Arkansas, on Nov. 19, 1931, to Albert and Mayme Hamling.

He graduated from Catholic High School in Little Rock Arkansas in 1949, went to college at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Ga., and was an exchange student in Germany in 1952.

He got his degree in chemical engineering in 1954 and worked at Oak Ridge National Lab for seven years in the nuclear reactor field. He worked at Union Carbide and eventually began his very successful company, Zircar Products.

Prior to living on the Mytefine Farm, where rescue animals were given a loving space, Bernie made his home in Pine Hill, N.Y.

Surviving are his wife Florence and seven children by his former wife Joan Hamling: H. Craig (Andrea) Hamling of Westtown, Philip (Patricia) Hamling of Warwick, Clare Hamling of Warwick, David (Caroline) Hamling of Chester, Peter (Darla) Hamling of Warwick, Dr. Amy J. (Kevin) Kauffman of Warwick, and Thom (Deirdre) Hamling of Warwick; and three sisters: Betty (Paul) Mooser, Rita (Joe) Glancy and Bobbie (Don) Hindman, all of Little Rock, Arkansas. He also is survived by 17 grandchildren, four great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Bernie had a multitude of interests throughout his life time. He loved to fish and made numerous trips to Costa Rica and Canada.

He had a green thumb and enjoyed growing orchids, fruits and vegetables.

He was a talented photographer who enjoyed capturing the beautiful colors of nature. That same eye for color, allowed him to create beautiful glass art.

Bernie was an avid reader, who studied a myriad of interesting topics and always enjoyed learning and traveled extensively both in the United States and internationally. He and his wife especially enjoy their time on Island Kate in the Thousand Islands.

The Hamlings were the founders of the Pine Hill Community Center on Main Street in Pine Hill, N.Y. Their goal was to provide a welcoming gathering center for the community.

A service to celebrate the life of Bernard was held Aug. 13 at the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home in Phoenicia with the Rev. Raphael Iannone officiating.

Burial was to be in the Bedell Cemetery in Fleischmanns.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pine Hill Community Center, POB 647, Pine Hill 12465.

You may share a condolence with the family on Bernie’s memorial page at www.gormleyfuneralhome.com.