Gerald Joseph Hamel
courtesy photo
Gerald Joseph Hamel
POLSON — Gerald Joseph Hamel became a free spirit on April 29, 2017. He was surrounded by his family. Gerald was born on June 12, 1996, to Jami Hawk-Pluff and James R. Hamel. He arrived 1-minute before his twin sister Malia, whom he liked to tease and remind that he was her elder. Gerald had a keen sense of humor and an infectious smile.
In 2014 Gerald graduated from Two Eagle River School. While still attending high school he was able to take college classes at Salish Kootenai College. He was very proud of this achievement.
Gerald worked various jobs on the reservation after high school. He wanted a career in the military but medical conditions prevented him from getting in so he decided to pursue diesel mechanics at the Universal Technical Institute in Arizona. After a short stint in Arizona he returned to the reservation.
Being an avid video gamer, he spent many hours in his “man cave” with his brother, Dashane. He was also passionate about music, the mountains, and outdoor life. He loved to snowboard and long-board and had crazy escapades down skyline with Drew Payne. He also loved hunting in the South Fork, steelhead fishing in Idaho, cutting firewood, and picking huckleberries. One of Gerald’s highlights while growing up was spending many weekends with grandma Marian going to rummage and yard sales, doing beadwork projects, and having long talks.
Gerald was an enrolled member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes. His kind heart and quiet nature will be missed dearly.
His great great-grandma, Agnes Oshanee Kenmille; his papa, Andrew “Andy” Andrew; his grandma, Marian Antoine Andrew; his niece, Serenity Clairmont; his grandpa, Wayne Hamel; his uncle, Joseph Hamel; his bro, Isiah Matt; and special friend, Ashley Lozeau precede him in death.
His parents, Jami Hawk-Pluff (Brad) and James Hamel (Dawn); his sisters, Jordan Hamel, Arisha Hales, Mariah Hamel, Malia Hamel (Robert); his grandmother, Catherine Hamel; and his companion, Veronica Richards survive him. His many aunties, uncles, and cousins also survive him and they will all miss him dearly.
Services have been held.
Messages of condolences may be shared with the family at: www.thelakefuneralhomeandcrematory.com. Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
