Dennis ("Denny") Martin Hampt died in hospice care on January 4, 2022, from covid-19. Denny was the youngest of five boys born in Baltimore to Russell Glenn and Margaret Corliss Hampt. He spent his early years in the Evergreen neighborhood of Baltimore where he started school at Roland Park School. Later, his family moved to the Glen Oaks neighborhood of Baltimore, where Denny attended Leith Walk School. Denny graduated from City College of Baltimore in 1966.

As a child, Denny spent time helping and learning in his father's barber shop (Russell's Barber Shop in Govans), and as a young man, he made money in various ways: a beverage truck driver (during the time of wooden crates, and glass recyclable bottles that were returned to the store), a mover, a china packer for the moving company, a shrimp-boat deckhand, and a catering company manager that made lunches for schools. These experiences informed his perspective on how to run and build a business.

Denny attended college at the University of Maryland - College Park, and at this time some of his lifetime passions were already evident. He acquired his first dog, an Akita named Buddha, who was a genuine friend, and later was the inspiration for the product that launched Springtime. With some friends, he started a business building and selling terrariums and terrarium kits (Life Art) that grew explosively, with a large factory and distribution network, leading him to leave college without graduating. In the same era, Denny developed a business as a sales representative and distributor for small-scale craftsmen. He brought that business to the west coast where he was based in Eugene, Oregon, and then Seattle, Washington.

In Seattle, Denny developed the business that became Springtime, Inc. He started selling bee pollen to thoroughbred racing stables and health food stores along the west coast and added supplements for both people and dogs. In the late 1980s, he returned to Baltimore and changed his business model to mail order. He eventually established Springtime's headquarters in Cockeysville, where they remain. Ultimately, he incorporated manufacturing and e-commerce into Springtime's operation. In 2015, he retired after he sold Springtime to Kevin Edwards - his Vice-President and friend of 21 years.

At age 25, Denny briefly married Connie Jo Hooker, who had a young daughter, Jana. Although the marriage was short lived, his friendship with Connie and her daughter Jana, and later with Jana's husband and three children continued through the decades. They enjoyed going on outdoor and culinary adventures together. Denny taught the boys how to play poker (too well), table tennis, and how to make many of his favorite recipes.  Starting in the late 1990s, Denny's friend Kim Spartana became his partner. They shared many interests and adventures.  During the last 10 years of his life, Denny developed a strong friendship with his housekeeper – Mardy Brown.  They shared a love for their animals and plants.  Over time, Mardy also became Denny's groundskeeper and caretaker.

Throughout his life, Denny's personal interests and passions often intertwined with his business ventures – and his workplaces always reflected his enthusiasms. Starting with Buddha, he always had a dog or two, and for many years he kept cats (he once adopted a whole litter of kittens). His homes and offices always incorporated complex houseplant installations, often enlivened by reptiles living among them. He maintained both fresh and saltwater fish tanks, and a fishpond in his yard. He was deeply interested in and knowledgeable about nutrition and health foods. He loved cooking and fine dining. He enjoyed table tennis, boating, and horse racing. He was a reader and movie buff, and he especially enjoyed true and fictional crime. He enjoyed and shared genuine wilderness adventures with his brothers, nieces, and others.

Denny would most want to be remembered for his entrepreneurship. He loved creating businesses and sharing his insights about how to start and grow them. He had a gift for attracting talented and energetic employees, many of whom worked with him for decades. Denny grew Springtime into one of the more respected and trusted companies in the industry. His family and friends will remember him for his amazing laugh and for his seemingly limitless energy and enthusiasm for whatever he was doing.

Throughout his life, Denny was a dedicated son and made time for his large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and others. Denny was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Richard and Carl. He is survived by his brothers Larry and Douglas and his nieces Christine Hampt Bandurchin, Gretchen Hampt Andreasen, Heidi Hampt, and Melissa Hampt Gobbel, and their children.

All services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please remember Denny with memorial contributions to the Baltimore Human Society.