Karen Jane Hamilton-Hoyle

Karen Jane Hamilton-Hoyle was born in San Bernardino, CA on May 14, 1944 to Jack and Marie Hamilton. She was adored by her loving family and had fond lifelong memories of their summer camping trips in Yosemite and other adventures in Southern California.

After graduating from Pacific High School in San Bernardino, she met and married Paul Young. They moved to Arcata, CA where she worked as a secretary at Humboldt State University. She fell deeply in love with the area, and it was for that reason that she decided to return in later life. Karen and Paul relocated to Berkeley, CA and she began her career as a marketing agent at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, CA. On Thanksgiving morning in 1973, they welcomed their son, Brian Young, into the world. A few years after, Paul and Karen decided to divorce.

In June of 1994, Karen met David Hoyle, and after a brief courtship, they were married. Remembering her love for Northern California, she and Dave moved to Eureka upon retiring. They continued to live there until Karen was diagnosed with her first bout of cancer, then they relocated to Rainier, OR to be closer to a Kaiser for her medical needs.

Over the years, Karen travelled throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as Europe, where she fell in love with Ireland. She spent the rest of her time in and around Rainier, OR with many visits to dearly loved friends in the area. She also enjoyed many weekend trips out to the coast to visit Seaside and Cannon Beach. Karen always loved to peruse thrift shops and flea markets to find new (to her) treasures or items to pass on to those who she thought would cherish them. Like her father, she enjoyed chatting with people and would start up a cheerful conversation with just about everyone she met. Some of these chance meetings turned into lifelong acquaintances or dear friends.

Karen passed away in Longview, WA – just across the Columbia River from her Rainier home – on March 3, 2021 at the age of 76 after her 5th (tough woman) battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 26 years – David Hoyle, her son Brian Young (Eava Minton), her brothers Tom (Hiromi) and Larry (Brenda) Hamilton and their families, grandson Logan Young, and step-sons Michael and Steven Hoyle.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jack Hamilton, her mother, Marie Hamilton, and her little brother, Stevie.

The family would like to send a special Thank You to the staff of Community Home Health and Hospice in Longview, WA for their loving caring nature and dedication during her last days.

Respecting the wishes of the deceased, in lieu of flowers or contributions, the family suggest you do a random act of kindness for a stranger.