“Sam’s legacy has been most visible in his fierce dedication to poetry.”

Copper Canyon Press editor-in-chief Michael Wiegers is commenting on poet and social activist Sam Hamill, who died April 14 at the age of 74.

Hamill, the founding editor of the press at Fort Worden, died at his home in Anacortes following health complications.

The independent publishing company at Fort Worden has maintained a commitment to poetry inspired by its founding editor, and also is dedicated to emphasizing voices from traditionally underserved communities, Wiegers said.

“(Hamill) advocated for overlooked and forgotten voices,” Wiegers said. “Additionally, his advocacy for poetry in translation has remained a shared passion here at the press.”

Hamill cofounded Copper Canyon Press in 1972 and served as editor for 32 years before leaving the company in 2004.

He also was committed to antiwar activism.

When Hamill was invited by first lady Laura Bush to a poetry symposium at the White House in 2003, he contacted poets from around the world, soliciting antiwar poetry that he prepared to have presented at the event.

In his email to the poets, Hamill stated that he felt “overcome by a kind of nausea,” according to reporting from The New York Times at the time of the event. His response to that “nausea” was to express his opposition to the Iraq War through a movement called Poets Against War.

When it became apparent the literary event would become a political forum, the White House canceled the symposium.

GENEROUS HEART

Hamill was the author of more than 40 books, including celebrated translations from ancient Chinese, Japanese, Greek and Latin. His poetry has been translated into more than a dozen languages.

“In many ways, we are much different than we were when he left over a decade ago, but (Hamill’s) influence has shaped the organization through his commitment to poetry,” Wiegers said of the press.

“We’ve expanded upon his vision, incorporating a social activism into the books we publish and how we reach communities of readers and writers around the world. We’ve taken his interest in global literature and expanded upon it.”

Wiegers said that, along with Hamill’s generosity and passion for poetry, what he will most remember is his laughter.

“He had a great laugh, which, despite his outward gruffness, revealed a generous heart that cared for poets, poetry and the better parts of humanity,” Wiegers said.

A memorial for Hamill will be held in conjunction with the official release of his final book, “After Morning Rain,” 3-9 p.m. on May 15 at Copper Canyon Press at Fort Worden. Email

MiddlepointPress@gmail.com for more information.