“I’ve seen enough,” said Joseph “Joe” C. Hammond, Jr. on March 13, 2023, as the sun shone through the rain on the home he had proudly built.
As we reflect on what was enough for Joe – the crisp air and quiet solitude of the early morning, a defiant puff on a cheap cigar, a dusty ride on a tractor, the roaring laughter of friends and family after a well-timed joke, and his wife Diane’s bright, adoring smile – life’s simple moments feel so much more meaningful.
Joe was born in 1940 in Millbrae, California, where he was raised by his parents, Joseph C. Hammond Sr. and Charlotte A. Hammond, who preceded him in death. He was a beloved husband to his wife Diane and a cherished father to his five children, Larry, who preceded him in death, Lori (Wayne), Mark (Carolina), Michael (Mary) and Michelle. He was an admired grandfather to eight grandchildren, Alisha, Amanda, Cory, Grace, Joe, Kevin, Mark, and Ren, and ten great-grandchildren, Alaria, Brielle, Carter, Cash, Gabriel, Jaden, Kade, McKoy, Memphys, and Noah. He will be remembered by his brother Robert (Bob) Hammond (Linda) from Morgan Hill, sister Margaret Larson from Aptos and many special nephews, nieces and cousins.
Joe worked hard and laughed even more. His father often said that Joe should have been a standup comedian, but Joe enjoyed his various endeavors in life. He began his career as a landscape installer, contributing to the fountain at the San Jose Performing Arts Center and the plumbing at the Oakland Coliseum and the Trans America Building in San Francisco. In 1976 he left that behind and took over his father’s business, Hale Lumber, with his brother Bob and settled his family in the then small town of Morgan Hill. Later, after retiring from the lumberyard, he and some dear friends pursued his dream of building homes in California and Idaho. During his 47 years at Morgan Hill, he became a pivotal member of the community, forged many children’s cancer organizations in memory of his and Diane’s son Larry, and built a reputation for being the go-to person to get things done. He was a friend to many.
We, his family, his “coffee club,” and his friends will long remember his eccentricities—his no-frills sense of style and boisterous sense of humor—but we will remember the magnanimous acts of kindness by which he demonstrated his greatness , forever cherish love and appreciation for all those who made his life healed. He was a constant source of laughter and support which was a much appreciated gift during this difficult time. Memories of him cause his family to shed more tears of laughter than sadness, making our farewell to our beautiful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather (Bapa Duck) and friend Joe very bittersweet.
At Joe’s request, the family service will be private. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice or simply remember him in your own special way.
Published by Morgan Hill Times from March 27 to April 2, 2023.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315ATo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
