Robert Edwin Hamill, 87, of Rockford, IL, passed away Feb. 9, 2023.  He was born Jan. 5, 1936, in Dixon, the son of Edwin F. and Loma (Wentling) Hamill.  He was raised in Dixon and was a graduate of Dixon High School.  He was always an athlete and was proud to have been on the Dixon relay team that competed at State level during his high school years.  He also played football, was a swimmer, and enjoyed playing tennis later in life.  In his younger years, his hobbies were biking and photography.  Robert was a lover of people and animals, especially dogs of which he had many during his lifetime.

He married Lynda Potts in 1958 and was the father of five children, Scott (Sharon) Hamill, Jennifer (Loren Larkey), Patrick Hamill, Jillene (Charles Cavallo) and Andy (Becky) Hamill; many grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He is predeceased by one brother, Donald Hamill; and one sister, Phyllis (Glen) Camery.  Donald's wife Rose survives him.

 He Later married Shirley (Lee) Harvey in 1970;  he gained a step-daughter, Angie (Mike) Stanfa.  Robert and Shirley lived in Sycamore where he owned and operated Sycamore Shoe Store for nine years.  After retirement he moved to Rockford and worked in shoe stores part time throughout northern Illinois until his late 70s -- his last being Red Wing Shoes in Rockford.  He was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Sycamore.