Louis “Lou” Hamway
Louis Edward Hamway, 85, of Margaretville, N.Y., passed away peacefully on April 23, 2025, surrounded by family.
Born on April 15, 1940, in Clifton, N.J., to Louis and Jessie Hamway, Lou moved to Margaretville as a young boy and never left. Lou loved Margaretville — its tight-knit community, the way neighbors truly cared for one another, and the beauty of the Catskill Mountains. In his later years, that same community showed Lou many kindnesses — countless meals, help with errands, and other gestures that meant so much to him.
Lou met Beverly Wickham at Margaretville Central School. The high-school sweethearts married as teenagers. And thanks to their unwavering love for one another and the support of the community, they defied the odds that young couples face and recently celebrated 66 years of marriage. Lou and Bev spent some of their happiest days at their house on Perch Lake, enjoying time with their beloved family and great friends. Easygoing and sociable by nature, Lou loved nothing more than a card game with friends or a barbeque with family, where he always grilled up delicious fireman’s chicken.
Lou believed deeply in giving back to Margaretville. For most of his adult life, he volunteered with the Margaretville Fire Department and ambulance squad. Even after retiring from active service, he remained a proud member of the Department. Lou’s dedication to the community went far beyond the firehouse: He served on the Village of Margaretville Zoning Board of Appeals, volunteered as an election inspector and poll worker, stayed active in the Rotary Club, and was a devoted member of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church.
After a long career with New York State Electric & Gas, Lou retired in 2001. He and Bev enjoyed a wonderful retirement, spending winters in Dunedin, Fla., where they hosted their children and grandchildren for many memorable vacations, and found more great friends at Mediterranean Manors. Lou also enjoyed countless happy days on the golf course. Even after Lou hung up his clubs, he could never stop watching the Golf Channel, except to read a thriller, play with his beloved dog Holly, or visit with family and friends.
Later in life, Lou bravely faced Polycystic Kidney Disease, which he beat thanks to the extraordinary gift of a kidney donation from a generous friend to whom the family remains grateful.
Lou is survived by his wife Beverly; his daughter Debra and son Dane; his grandchildren Jesse, Elyse, Gillian, John, and Chloe; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. He is predeceased by his brother David.
In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Lou’s love of animals and especially horses, Lou’s family requests that donations in his name be made to Rosemary Farm Sanctuary in South Kortright, N.Y. (https://www.rosemaryfarm.org/). A funeral service will be held at noon on Saturday, May 10 at St. James Episcopal Church, 55 Lake Delaware Drive, Delhi, N.Y. 13753.