Library Dedicated to Honor George Hamister

August 15, 2011

Hamister Group, LLC will hold a special ceremony to dedicate its office library to the memory of the late George E. Hamister, former business partner of the company and father of Chairman and CEO Mark Hamister who passed away one year ago Monday at the age of 88. George E. Hamister will be honored and remembered as a devoted family man, dedicated professional and caring friend.

George was born in Buffalo, NY and lived in Tonawanda, NY for most of his life. His college studies were interrupted when he was called to serve in the Navy during World War II as a Communications Specialist aboard the USS Bremerton. When he returned home, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from the University at Buffalo where he also briefly played for the UB Bulls football team. To honor his service in the military, a bench in Veteran’s Memorial Park (Tonawanda, NY) will be dedicated to the memory of George. He will share this dedication with his late brother Oliver, who was also an influential partner of The Hamister Group.

George also leaves behind a legacy of professional accomplishments for both Hamister Group, Inc. and the Western New York engineering community. He founded the Hamister Engineering consulting practice which evolved into the Asset Management Division of National Health Care Affiliates, Inc. (Hamister Group, LLC predecessor company). George became a shareholder in the early 1980s and served as a Director and Senior Vice President of Asset Management until he retired in 2002. With creativity and a strong work ethic, George pioneered the resort and hotel-like designs of WNY’s senior assisted living residences Brompton Heights and Orchard Heights. “My Dad was among the first in our company to challenge traditional design standards by adding several resort living style environmental improvements,” said Mark Hamister. “His creativity made us stronger as a company and more focused on resident quality of life.” Mark also recalls how George personified extraordinary values: “He always encouraged us to not be quick to judge others and to always be true to our values, even when it was difficult to do so.” George’s family, including his wife Jane, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, will celebrate his memory at 4pm in the Hamister Group library on Sheridan Drive.

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