Russell F. Hammond

LEWISTON: Russell Francis Hammond, 96, of Auburn passed away peacefully on Thursday August 6, 2015 at D’Youville Pavilion in Lewiston. He was born in Auburn on July 29, 1919 a son of the late Charles and Lotti Mae (Curtis) Hammond. He moved to the family farm on Hatch Road in Auburn, November 1919, where he spent his entire life with his wife Helen (Simion), of Minot, ME, who he married October 18, 1942. They lived all of their lives on the family farm on the Hatch Road. His wife Helen predeceased him December 5, 2013. Russell attended Auburn Schools and graduated from Edward Little High School in 1936. In the Spring through Fall of 1937 he worked at the Briggs Farm in East Auburn. This was the only time he worked away from the family farm on the Hatch Road. In the fall of 1941 through spring of 1942, he worked at Merrill Haven Farm on Court St. in Auburn while running his own family farm. He was self-employed most of his life, operating his dairy farm for over 55 years and in 1957 he formed Hammond Eq. Co., Inc. and sold farm machinery, lawn and garden equipment and parts. The business was very active for over 50 years and in January 20, 2008, he sold the business to Hammond Tractor. Russell was also Past-Master of Stevens Mills Grange, a member of Danville Grange, Pamona State and National Grange and Minot Corner Church. He had a love for farming and gardening all of his life and loved working in the hay fields. He took pride in his fields, spending much time clearing branches and rocks to make the fields look like huge lawns. During hay season, you could always find him in one of his many hayfields, working the hay, from early in the day until dark. He spent many hours and days of his life there. He also had a love for fishing and ice fishing on local lakes and ponds. He is survived by 3 children; Frederick Russell of Auburn, Clifton Francis of Poland, and Bethany Elaine Hunt and her husband Jerry of North Windham. He also leaves behind 5 grandchildren; Timothy of OOB, ME, Russell Frederick “Rusty” of Florida, Maria of California, Douglas of Mechanic Falls, and Matthew of West Minot as well as 2 great-granddaughters; Lily Ann Hammond of Norway and Sophia Hammond of California, who he loved and cared for deeply, and one nephew Charles Hammond of Windham, ME. He was predeceased by his brother Carlton. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com Visiting hours will be held on Sunday August 9 at Fortin\Auburn from 1-3pm followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 3pm also at the funeral home. Interment will take place at a later date at Gracelawn Memorial Park in Auburn. Those wishing, in lieu of flowers, may make a charitable contribution in Russell’s memory to: Grace Lutheran Church 757 Summer St. Auburn, ME 04210 or United Methodist Church 142 Minot Ave. Minot, ME 04258. Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group\Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services 217 Turner St. Auburn, 783-8545