Mr. Samuel Ronald Hammond

      If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Mr. Samuel Ronald Hammond. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Sam was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

      Sam was born on Bell Island in Newfoundland. He was the son of Mary and Thomas Hammond. Sam was raised in Bell Island. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Sam was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Sam's personality throughout his life.

      Though Sam was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Sam was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Sam worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Sam was raised with six siblings. He had older brothers Jack and Kevin, and younger sisters May and Beatrice, and younger brothers Edmond and Phil. Sam and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Sam was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Sam was always tactful. One thing Sam will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Sam had a number of interests and was an active child. Sam took part in pond hockey.

      There was one thing that all of Sam's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Sam was such a popular person throughout his life. But Sam was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Sam was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Sam was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Sam was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Sam was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Sam made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of his best friends was Jim O'Brien. Later in life, he became friends with Pike Stoyles, Jake and May Squires, Fred and Shirley Parsons, Bill and Leona Hutchings, Granville and Jean Hunt, Elmer and Joan Upshaw, and Fred and Marg Tucker.

      Sam was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Sam cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On July 24, 1957 Sam married Hazel Bickford at Lance Cove of Bell Island, Newfoundland. Compassionate and devoted, Sam worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Sam and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Sam was blessed with four, Mona, Tony, Wanda, and Kelly. They were also blessed with five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, Sean, Ryan, Ashley, Keagan, and Logan, and Great Grandchildren Tyler, Keira, and Ava. Sam was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Sam was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Sam would listen before he would act.

      Taking his work seriously came naturally to Sam, and he expected the same from those around him. Sam was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Sam was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Sam handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was barber. He owned his own Babershop which he ran for over 30 years. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

      A methodical man, Sam enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were dancing.

      Sam was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Sam was always enthusiastic and a great team player. In high school, Sam played pond hockey. Sam also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were hockey.

     His keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Sam to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because he was outgoing and worked well with others, Sam did his fair share of volunteer work. And he wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. He was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Throughout his later years, Sam was an active member of the volunteer fire department and very involved in politics.

      Not only did Sam enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included Florida and Nashville.

      Sam passed away on January 24, 2009 at Hiltop Manor Nursing Home, Cambridge, Ontario. Alzheimers. He is survived by his wife Hazel, Loving father to his children Mona Galway (Barry Kent) of Cambridge, Tony Hammond (Lynn) of Fort McMurray, Wanda Hammond (Colin Nolan) of Cambridge and Kelly (Tom) McKenna of Cambridge. Cherished forever by his grandchildren Sean Galway (Angela) Ryan Hammond (Karrie), Ashley Galway (Eric), Keagan and Logan McKenna. Sadly missed by his great grandchildren Tyler and Keira Galway and Ava Hammond. Survived by his brothers Edmond (Lorraine), Kevin (Freida), and Phil (Kay)and his sisters May Yetman (Wallace), Beat Cahill (John) and predeceased by his brother Jack in 1960. Services were held at the T. Little Funeral Home & Cremation Centre. Sam was laid to rest in Trinity Cemetery, Cambridge, Ontario.

      Sam was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Sam was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Mr. Samuel Ronald Hammond.