MONTCALM COUNTY, Mich. —
Montcalm Area ISD Superintendent Kyle Hamlin passed away Sunday after a two-week cancer battle, his wife Beth Hamlin posted on Facebook.
His school said that he went above and beyond for everyone around him.
Lakeview Board of Education President Ed Jonaitis worked with Hamlin for many years. He said in a statement that if you look up “good guy” in the dictionary, Hamlin would be the definition.
“First and foremost, Kyle loved his family. His wife, children and grandchildren meant the world to him,” Jonaitis said. “It was my honor to serve on the board while Kyle was superintendent. He was well respected by our employees and students. Always fair minded, honest and hard working.”
Montcalm Area Intermediate School District Board President Mark Christensen said in a statement: “Kyle was thoughtful and compassionate in his leadership. He took tremendous pride in serving our district and his passion for our students and staff ran deep. He will be dearly missed by everyone at Montcalm Area ISD.”
Bob Hemmingsen is a special education teacher with the district for 32 years. He said in a statement that he’s worked with six superintendents over the years, but Kyle was one that “talked the talk and walked the walk.”
“He would bring in his pop cans for our students to return and allow the program to keep the money to pay for our outings in the community. Kyle would not only buy our student-made fire starter bundles, but he would tell everyone how well they worked so we could sell more,” Hemmingsen said. “Kyle understood the important role every member of our school staff played in providing education to students. He always stressed there were no small roles as everyone was important to the team.”
State Representative Pat Outman (R – 91st District) grew up in Lakeview and now represents the area. He said he knew Hamlin for years, but really got to know him through serving the community.
“Now, he's just a terrific, wonderful guy,” Outman said. “As a legislator, he was just such a great resource, and always made sure I had their perspective on legislation and certainly going to miss that and miss that relationship that we've built over the last four years.”
He said that Hamlin wasn’t just larger than life physically—Hamlin stood at 6’6”—but in everything he did as well.
“Actually, quite intimidating the first time I saw him,” Outman said. “But then you got to know him, and he's, he truly is, just a gentle giant, just a genuine caring person.”
According to his obituary on the Brigham Funeral Chapel’s website, funeral services start Aug. 2 at 1 p.m. at the Lakeview Middle School Gymnasium, where Hamlin started as a principal. The family will also greet friends during visitation on Aug. 1 from 3-7 p.m. and again on Aug. 2 from noon until the service.
Those who want to donate in Hamlin’s memory are asked to donate to the Kyle Hamlin Memorial Scholarship.