Obituary of Richard Hammond

With immense sorrow and immense joy for a life lost and a life lived, we said our final goodbye to a man cherished by many. 

In the early morning of Friday December 12th, Richard “Dick” died peacefully with daughters Marie and Lynda at his bedside. His final day was filled with prayer and the loving presence of his daughters and grandchildren.

Richard is survived by his wife of 37 years Audrey Mae, daughters Marie (Bob), Lynda (Richard), Bernadette (Bill), Deb (Rob), Lisa, Grand-children Cassandra, Cory (Rebecca), Coralee (Joel), Melissa (Graham), Ashley, (Philip), Analease, Bonus grand-daughter Heather, Great-grandchildren Dustyn, Elowen, Jaiden, Ryan, Gavin and Kinslee. 

Richard is also survived by his sister Elizabeth “Betty” and many friends near and far. Richard had many decades long friendships of fun and laughter. He loved sports, baseball most of all and was a Detroit Tiger fan. He jokingly said his only regret was not becoming a professional baseball player. Richard’s love for his family and friends was evident in how he showed up for them. Whether it was with ice cream and a smile, or a supportive shoulder he was there. He attended many baseball and hockey games for his grand-children and great-grandchildren. He never forgot a birthday and he never lost touch with his friends. He made sure to send cards and letters or just a random phone call to say hi. He had a great sense of humour and you just never knew what he might say. His absence is bittersweet. 

The family would like to thank Wellington Hospice and their incredible staff and volunteers. A special thank you to Larissa, Cassandra, John, Natalia, Donna, Linda and those whose names we don’t know. 

Thank you to Dr. Dicu, Grand River Regional Cancer Centre. We so appreciate you and how you cared for Richard these past months. Thank you to Jess, Stacey and Sharon from Ambulatory Care Guelph General and making my Dad’s “vampire days” tolerable. 

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday March 21st at 1pm, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 317, 311 Oakland Ave, London, ON.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in memory of Richard Hammond to: Wellington Hospice, Scottsdale Road Guelph, or Wheels of Hope transportation service with the Canadian Cancer Society.