DONALD HERBERT HAMMOND

It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Donald Herbert Hammond on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Don was born May 18, 1923 in Devlin, Ont. but spent the majority of his life on the family homestead in Crozier, Ont. Here in the peaceful countryside, Gladys and he raised their six children.
As a young man, Don enlisted in the army and served overseas in WWII from 1940-45. While serving in England, he met his future bride, Gladys (Taylor). They were married on June 24, 1943 in Buxsted Parish in Sussex, England.
He brought his bride and young son, Michael, home to Crozier following the war. He then learned the art of stone masonary and built two stone houses in Fort Frances.
He tried his hand in the trucking business before taking up the trade of plastering. He was very talented in this and became well-known for his fine workmanship in drywall, ornamental plastering, stucco, aluminum siding, and insulation.
Never one to sit still, at the grand age of 75, he undertook a new career as the owner of the Harbourage Restaurant in Fort Frances. Here he spent many hours happily serving coffee and socializing with the customers and staff.
Don served his community for many years as a counsellor from 1956 – 61 and 1969-71, and as reeve of Alberton from 1972-78. He also served on the board for the Kitchen Creek Golf and Country Club.
He loved to golf and spent many happy hours on the course, often challenging his younger partners, Wayne McLeod, Alton Pollard, and Jimmy Strachan, to a game.
Don also was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29 in Fort Frances.
Don is survived by his four sons, Michael, Rick (Tyra), and William (Karen), all of Fort Frances, Ont., and Allan (Jan) of Bathurst, Australia; two daughters, Edith (John) Bodnar of Fort Frances, Ont. and Lisa (Dave) Pitkanen of Dance, Ont.; and a nephew, Gordon (Sandra) Williams of Stratton, Ont.
He will be sadly missed by his 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.
Don was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Gladys; sister, Irene (Alphonse) Doucette; sister, Evelyn; brothers, Bristow, Sydney, and infant brother, William; and most recently his daughter-in-law, Rowena Hammond.
Don was always very generous, often helping friends when needed. He will be sadly missed by his family and dear friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010 at 10 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances. Pastor Diane Clifford will officiate, with interment in Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances.
The Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29 Color Party will provide their tribute during the service.
Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 29, 2010 from 7-9 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances.
The pallbearers will be his grandsons, Broderick Hammond, James Hammond, Karl Bodnar, Mark Bodnar, Christopher Bodnar, Darryl Bodnar, and Jason Hammond.
The honourary pallbearers will be all of Donald’s close friends.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to either the Canadian Diabetes Assocation, 501-200 South Syndicate Ave., Thunder Bay, Ont., P7E 1C9 or to La Verendrye General Hospital, 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B7, or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at ww.greenfuneralhomeforfrances.com