Charles Edwin HAMMOND

CHARLES EDWIN HAMMOND It is with great sadness that the family of Charles Edwin (Chuck) Hammond announces his passing on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont. at the age of 92. Charles was born Jan. 28, 1913 in Crozier, Ont. to the late Charles and Eliza Hammond. In 1934, Charles established a homestead in Dance Township, where he began a wood cutting and hauling business that he operated until 1942, when he joined the army. Upon his return from the army, Chuck was schooled as a machinist in Winnipeg, Man. He returned to Fort Frances, where he worked at his trade for Maffey’s machine shop. Soon after, he bought a truck and went back into the wood business. He next bought a tractor and began cultivating gardens. Charles was united in marriage to Evelyne Readman on Nov. 7, 1942. They settled on Victoria Avenue in the north end of Fort Frances with their two children, Arthur and Barbara. He based his business out of his back yard and in the early 1950s, the business was known as “Chuck Hammond Lawn Building.” He bought his first piece of heavy equipment in 1957 and branched out into excavation, landscaping, and machine rentals. In the early 1960s, Charles purchased his sod farm and began production. Today, the business is known as Hammond Landscaping Ltd. and is operated by Charles’ son, Art Hammond. Charles and Evelyne retired from their business in 1977 and enjoyed a very active retirement that included their great love of the outdoors, extensive travel, bicycling, hobbies such as model railroad building, and spending time with family and friends. In 1982, Charles’ beloved wife, Evelyne, passed away. Charles found love again and in 1986 married Helen (Bishop) Smith. They enjoyed 12 years of constant companionship until Helen’s death in 1999. Charles is survived by his son, Art Hammond (and friend, Robin McCormick) of Fort Frances, Ont.; daughter, Barbara and husband, Bill Jackson of Thunder Bay, Ont.; six grandchildren, Twila Hammond (and friend, Kurtis Scheirer) of Fort Frances, Ont., Lyle Hammond and granddaughter-in-law, Dee Hammond, Stephen Jackson of Thunder Bay, Ont.; Sean Jackson and wife, Sheila, of Thunder Bay, Ont.; Charles Jackson and wife, Hailey, of San Diego, Calif., and Heather Jackson of Thunder Bay, Ont.; and four great-grandchildren, Jordan and Kaya Hammond of Fort Frances, Ont., and Emmalee and Jillian Jackson of Thunder Bay, Ont. Charles also is survived by two sisters-in-law, Marjorie and Beatrice Hammond, both of Fort Frances, Ont.; daughter-in-law, Nioma Holden of Fort Frances, Ont.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Extended family includes Dalton (Violet) Smith, Gay (Joe) Abela, Robert (Carol) Smith, Leathia Smith, and Randy (Cathy) Smith. Cathy Smith was a devoted friend to Charles in the twilight of his life. He loved to spend time with Cathy, Randy, and their children, Kris, Jenny, Ryan, and Kayla. Charles was predeceased by his first wife, Evelyne Hammond, in 1982; second wife, Helen Hammond, in 1999; and four brothers, Bill, Frank, Jim, and Art Hammond. Memorial services will be held Monday, July 18, 2005 at 10 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, Ont., with Rev. William Giovetti officiating. The Royal Canadian Legion Br. - 29 Colour Guard will provide their tribute during the service. Honourary pallbearers will be Harry Readman, Gary Readman, David Hammond, Richard Perron, Lyle Hammond, Sean Jackson, and Kris Smith. Should friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to either the C.N.I.B. at 229 Camelot St., Thunder Bay, Ont., P7A 4B2 or the Royal Canadian Legion Br. - 29, Church St., Fort Frances, Ont.