Fred Hamilton
Fred Hamilton began his career as a roughneck and roustabout in the oil fields of Texas. One of America’s oil pioneers, Hamilton was co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Hamilton Oil Corporation, an international exploration, and production company. Mr. Hamilton was known in business and philanthropic circles for his ability to think about the big picture and focus on the details.
Hamilton was also co-founder and Chairman of Tejas Gas Corporation, sold in 1998 to Shell Oil Co. He was on the National Petroleum Council and was a Director of the American Petroleum Institute. He invested privately in a broad range of investments, including venture capital, private equity, oil and gas, real estate, mortgage lending, securities, and acquisitions as head of The Hamilton Companies.
Hamilton was chairman of the Denver Art Museum, where he served on the Board since 1977 and as Chairman since 1994. His passion for art and astute business skills contributed to the growth and sustainability of the institution over the last several decades.
He was a member of the Trustees Council of the National Gallery of Art, an alumni member of the Smithsonian Institution Board of Directors, served on the Board of Trustees of the Denver Area Council Boy Scouts of America, and was president of Graland Country Day School Foundation Board.
Hamilton was also a Colorado-based private investor and community leader who had a defining influence on numerous institutions and organizations throughout the country. Known as a pragmatic and visionary person, he dedicated his time, talent, and resources to causes that advance the community’s well-being. Fred is was “doer.” He was motivated by his desire to make a difference – and he did. Fred and his wife Jane lived in Denver and had four children and 11 grandchildren.
Hamilton was also co-founder and Chairman of Tejas Gas Corporation, sold in 1998 to Shell Oil Co. He was on the National Petroleum Council and was a Director of the American Petroleum Institute. He invested privately in a broad range of investments, including venture capital, private equity, oil and gas, real estate, mortgage lending, securities, and acquisitions as head of The Hamilton Companies.
Hamilton was chairman of the Denver Art Museum, where he served on the Board since 1977 and as Chairman since 1994. His passion for art and astute business skills contributed to the growth and sustainability of the institution over the last several decades.
He was a member of the Trustees Council of the National Gallery of Art, an alumni member of the Smithsonian Institution Board of Directors, served on the Board of Trustees of the Denver Area Council Boy Scouts of America, and was president of Graland Country Day School Foundation Board.
Hamilton was also a Colorado-based private investor and community leader who had a defining influence on numerous institutions and organizations throughout the country. Known as a pragmatic and visionary person, he dedicated his time, talent, and resources to causes that advance the community’s well-being. Fred is was “doer.” He was motivated by his desire to make a difference – and he did. Fred and his wife Jane lived in Denver and had four children and 11 grandchildren.