Dave Belew
Hamilton Community Foundation

"My own life has been much richer because of Dick Fitton.

For many years—about 40—we worked together on various boards, committees and projects—so many, that it is difficult to remember all of them. They include:

• Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
• Hamilton Economic Development Corporation
• Hamilton Community Foundation
• Junior Achievement
• Miami Hamilton Advisory Council
• Accent Hamilton
• Leadership Hamilton
• New London Hills Club
• The Bicentennial Commission and its Executive and Legacy Committee—which led to the development of the Fitton Center for Creative Arts

Dick played a major role in the success of:

• The High Street underpass
• The Hamiltonian Hotel
• The low level dam
• And the Fitton Center—which has become the centerpiece of our incredible and growing cultural activities

Our HEDC Executive Committee—two small groups—used to meet weekly at the old Hickory Hut Restaurant at 7:30am. Later, we moved to the new hotel. We worked together—and with the city—to:

• Help make the underpass a reality
• Build a new hotel (this was a long effort—about 8 years—because of the economy and high interest rates) When Brilyn agreed to be the developer and major owner, we were on our way.

Brilyn’s agreement was contingent upon the investment of 50 limited partners. Dick and I, along with a few others, spent a lot of time and effort in soliciting these partners. We sponsored a number of meetings, lunches, cocktail parties and dinners. We were weary from hosting, but we still needed a handful of partners.

So, we decided to hold a final reception on site—where construction had begun. It worked; we met our goal. The hotel opened on New Year’s Eve in 1985. Dick was proud of the hotel and maintained an active interest in its operation.

When we were at the hotel together—which was often—we frequently discussed the importance of the hotel to the community. And we would comment, “How did we do without it?”

Dick Fitton was a born leader. He knew how to rally people for a cause. His leadership was an asset to numerous projects—especially the establishment of a new Arts Center—the Fitton Center.

He was unassuming but dynamic—it was hard to say “no” to Dick. He was friendly, down to earth. I don’t think he ever met a stranger. He was comfortable to be known as “Farmer Fitton.” He was loved and respected by all who knew him.

Dick’s leadership and generosity—not only in financial gifts, but personal time—touched all parts of the community. If you were going to head up a capital campaign or fundraiser, your first call was to Dick Fitton.

Few people loved Hamilton as much as Dick did—indeed, he was “Mr. Hamilton.” How many times have we heard him exclaim, “I love Hamilton!”?

Our city and county—and all of us—have benefited from his leadership, his knowledge and experience, his generosity, his commitment to his hometown.

Dick Fitton leaves many wonderful legacies. He will not be forgotten. We have lost a great man…and I have lost a dear friend."

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