Thomas Frederick Hammond
February 22, 2018
Passed away peacefully, at the age of 97, on Thursday, February 22, 2018, at Parkwood Institute in London. Tom is lovingly remembered by his wife of 74 years, Lillian; his brother Jack; daughter Dianne; and dear friend, Elaine. He was predeceased by his son, David (2017). Tom was the cherished grandfather of Kurt (Jana), Dean (Alex), Ryan (Sheri), Mark (Amanda), and Andrea (Barry), and was adored by his 13 great-grandchildren. Tom attended Tecumseh Public School and graduated in 1938 from South Collegiate. As a young man, Tom worked many jobs around the city of London. He sold table lamps to local restaurants, advertising for the ‘Byron Connection’, and worked as an office clerk for the Scott-McHale Shoe Company. He met Lil, a beautiful blonde, at an outdoor dance held at the Springbank Park Pavilion in 1941. They married on July 29, 1943, and from that day on, they travelled and danced through life together. Soon after the wedding, Tom was deployed overseas to serve with the Canadian Army. He remained in Europe for almost three years and bravely took part in the D-Day landings. After the war, Tom was hired by London Life and worked as a Purchasing Manager for 36 years. He was a dedicated employee and involved in many aspects of the company: he was a catcher for the fastball team, president of the Men’s Club, actor in the Players’ Club, and chairman of both the Charitable Association and London Life Retirees. Tom was as generous with his time as he was with his stories. He was a faithful member of the Optimist Club of Byron (43 years) and held the positions of President and Lieutenant Governor. Tom was a longtime volunteer for the Western Fair, Terry Fox Run, and ESL programs throughout the city. Every November, he would share his WWII experiences with London elementary school students and he looked forward to standing with fellow veterans on Remembrance Day at the Cenotaph in Victoria Park. Tom and Lil attended Byron United Church and were one of the first homeowners on Boler Road (1952). They spent many years as members of Sunningdale Golf and Country Club and Tom continued to golf and bowl into his 90s. Tom was a proud Londoner who enjoyed sharing his stories and jokes with everyone he met. He will be missed by many; his favourite greeting, “Did I tell you the one about…?” brought joy to all who knew him. Special thanks to Chartwell Riverside Retirement Residence and the staff at Parkwood Institute. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at 11:30 a.m. at BYRON UNITED CHURCH, 420 Boler Road, London. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Salvation Army or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
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Tom's passing is a great loss to all who knew him. A wonderful person and a terrific friend, Tom was a role model for many of us. A devoted husband to wife Lil, he was very proud of his family and often spoke of their activities and accomplishments. Tom was an optimist, not just a member of the Byron Optimists for all those years but in his attitude and view of life. His positive outlook was contagious. Tom was admired and loved. He will be truly missed but always remembered. Our deepest sympathy to Lil, Diane, all Sof Tom's family and Elaine
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. My parents also moved to Byron in 1952 and were lifelong friends with Hammonds through church and the Optimist Club. I visited my mother in Byron many times over the years and nothing brought a smile to her face quicker than a greeting from Tom on Sunday morning.
My condolences to Lil and family. My late husband, Dan Siderius worked many years ago in the Purchasing Department at London Life with Tom. They worked very well together. Dan passed away Oct 6th l984 at the age of 48. I have since remarried, Joan
Lil: We were shocked to see the death notice in today's Free Press. We both have fond memories of our times together at PMAC events and I especially remember all the help and guidance that Tom gave me as we were planning and running the 1975 National PMAC Convention in London. Tom was a great supporter of the profession and we enjoyed the social times we had together. May you know that we are all here for you in whatever way we can be. Jim & Joan
Diane and family - I was saddened to learn of your dad's passing. I was reviewing my mum's announcement (Doreen Robinson) when I saw your dad's announcement on Westview Chapel's website. While reading the lovely tribute to your dad, it brought back many fond memories of those long-ago days in Byron. I have many wonderful memories of your parents, along with you and your brother. I am so sorry that you ae enduring yet another sad loss. May your memories, and knowing that friends are keeping you and your family in their prayers, help you through this sad time.
Lil & Family, So sorry to learn of Tom's passing. Tom was a true Optimist and outstanding role model for all who crossed paths with him. He will be remembered for ever. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family in this time of sorrow. Be assured that Tom will continue to raise people's spirits in heaven.
Lil and family, Just heard about Tom today when I was out for a walk around Byron. I was so sorry to hear that he had passed. Enjoyed my time with the men's car pool from London Life and always was fond of talking to Tom whenever I visited Helen B. I know he will be sadly missed by family and friends. My deepest sympathy to you all. Just glad you were so fortunate to have such a long time together.
(Donated to The Salvation Army)
(Donated to The Salvation Army)
(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario)
(Donated to The Salvation Army)
(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario)
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Our heartfelt condolences Diane, to you and your family. Tom was a very classy man and he will be missed. It was always a bright spot in our day when your dad and mom came to the bank to catch up with us. Always out doing something. As I have said many times, the day he took you and I golfing at Sunningdale was a game that stays with me in my heart. He was such a gracious host and he never ran out of stories for us.. You are all in our prayers and thoughts at this time. Karen, and Bill Merrylees.
~ Karen Merrylees