Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Larry A. Hammond

Larry Hammond Obituary

Larry A. Hammond

Notice of Cancellation: the March 22, 2020, Celebration of Life in memory of Larry A. Hammond

TO BE RESCHEDULED

Because of concerns over COVID-19, the Hammond Family and Osborn Maledon have decided to exercise caution and postpone the Celebration of Life for Larry Hammond. When a new date is established, we will let you know.

Donations are still being accepted in lieu of flowers or other gifts, at the family's request, in memory of Larry, and to honor the deep commitment of he and Frances to the lifesaving work he started. The firm and Larry's friends have collaborated with the Justice Project to establish The Larry and Frances Hammond Fund for Justice at the Arizona Justice Project. Contributions may be made online at https://www.azjusticeproject.org/donate (There is a "Comments" field to designate your donation to the Hammond Fund for Justice.)

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic from Mar. 13 to Mar. 15, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Larry Hammond

26 Entries

[email protected]

February 27, 2025

I truly miss Larry.

Suzanne Westfall

February 26, 2025

Well, it's hard to write a response to that wonderful and enlightening eulogy. He was just such an unusual person. So much love to give, and then all of his intellectual abilities and finesse in law. His love goes on. He is in Heaven now looking down upon all of you as you continue to help others in need. He will be remembered forever! What a dear and special friend! I was so blessed to know him!

Suzanne Westfall

February 26, 2023

He was one of the nicest guys I have ever met. First met him at Watergate, and then at the U.S. Attorneys Office in Tucson. I was just so privileged to have known him, even a little bit! Loved all his stories about the judges at the Supreme Court and his Country Western music! He helped so many people. I just wish he hadn't died so young. But his Legacy will live on forever! And his love for his family and friends also!

Mike Dann

Planted Trees

Gabriel Oberfield

October 28, 2020

I am late to learn this terribly sad news. Larry was a thoughtful, kind and deeply supportive mentor to me early during my public policy career. I wish strength to Larry's loved ones during this most difficult time.

Guy Veasey

March 27, 2020

I only met Larry a few times but was impressed by his dedication to the falsely accused.

He did a lot of good.

My mother, Frances Guy Veasey, was one of his biggest fans. My sincere condolences to his family.

Guy Veasey

Gary Stuart

March 23, 2020

I have a lot to say about Larry. I knew him well, long, and way too short. He's a character in two of my books. I was writing about part of his life when I learned of his death. When I interviewed him for a new book about lawyers and law teacher six months ago he told me that there would be no Arizona Innocence Project without the ASU College of Law. Tragically, now there is no Larry Hammond at the helm of the Arizona Innocence Project. Arizona has thousands of excellent lawyers. But he was not just one of a thousand; he was on every list that purported to chronicle the best of the best. He won more cases, had more friends, had a renowned position in state and national legal circles and had more fun than anyone I ever knew. He loved the law and all of its glorious uncertainties, and will be missed by the thousands of people he helped, and inspired. What Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld started nationwide, Larry Hammond did in Arizona. Both entities and the scores of lawyers they rely on every day stand for a simple, terrifying reality. Americas vaunted criminal justice system makes mistakes. Not in every case, but in too many. For decades, the notion of actual innocence in Americas vast prison population was not widely held. In fact, for many law-and-order mindsets, the notion was merely irritating. But in the waning decades of the twentieth century, a growing chorus of stories from the innocent surfaced and took on a life form. Many of them have Larry Hammond to thank, not just for saving them, but for saving all the rest of us as well.

Maureen P Kane

March 15, 2020

I'm so sorry to hear that the world has lost this wonderful champion for justice. Larry encouraged me when I was in law school many years ago, and I'll never forget his kindness. My condolences to his beloved family, friends, and colleagues.

Peter Shane

March 15, 2020

Larry was the lawyer to whom I most often reported during my years at the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel--my first post-clerkship legal job. No one better modeled what it means to be a great lawyer and a good person. Given his love of country music, I was shocked that it fell to me in later decades to introduce him to the music of Lucinda Williams, but that was a small favor in return for how much I learned from him. He loved training young lawyers, and I count myself privileged to have been in that group.

Julie Rial

March 14, 2020

Notice of Cancellation: the March 22, 2020, Celebration of Life in memory of Larry A. Hammond

TO BE RESCHEDULED

Because of concerns over COVID-19, the Hammond Family has decided to exercise caution and postpone the Celebration of Life for Larry Hammond. When a new date is established, we will let you know.

Donations are still being accepted in lieu of flowers or other gifts, at the family's request, in memory of Larry, and to honor the deep commitment of he and Frances to the lifesaving work he started. The firm and Larry's friends have collaborated with the Justice Project to establish The Larry and Frances Hammond Fund for Justice at the Arizona Justice Project. Contributions may be made online at https://www.azjusticeproject.org/donate (There is a "Comments" field to designate your donation to the Hammond Fund for Justice.)

Published in The Arizona Republic from Mar. 13 to Mar. 15, 2020

March 13, 2020

I am so blessed to have known this man for more than 60 years and Frances for more. Our parents were friends and we mourned together as each passed into the spirit world. Larry was always the leader, and I was his secretary/lackey in local, diocesan and provincial positions we held through church. After graduation from Austin High in El Paso, we trudged off to UNM together in 1963 to study Russian and become (highly paid) government translators. That didn't work out for either of us, thank goodness. Dosvedanya.

Gail Crawford Neher

Stan Betzer

March 13, 2020

Very surprised and saddened at Larry's passing. Frances, please let me know how I can send you a note.

March 12, 2020

I knew Larry when he was a student at the University of New Mexico, lost track of him after he transferred, and ran into him again at the last Washington Senators baseball game in 1971.
Our conversation turned to "what are you doing now." I proudly mentioned that I had secured a minimally prestigious position as a faculty assistant at Catholic University's law school. Larry hesitated, and then said he was "in between jobs." I felt terrible that I had opened a painful subject. He later clarified what he meant by "in between jobs." He had been hired as a Supreme Court law clerk for Justice Black, but when he retired Larry temporarily worked in the pool of unassigned clerks (and later became one of the first clerks for Justice Powell). I was happy to see that his professional career wasn't stunted by finding himself between jobs early in his dareer.
Larry and his wife (who I knew as Frances Johns when she was a classmate at Burges High School in El Paso) kept in touch before they moved to Phoenix. Larry gave me a behind-the-scenes tour of the Supreme Court, in particular by inviting me to parties that included lots of other Supreme Court clerks; and Frances showed me how to eat an artichoke.
I promised to get in touch with Larry and Frances when I visited my family in the Phoenix area. Now, I am sorry that I always got to busy to call, thinking that I would call them next time.
Bob McGeorge
Sandia Park, NM

Patrick Andler

March 12, 2020

Having an oportunity to have worked with Larry at the innocent project in Arizona. Larry was a true pillar in the legal community when he spoke people listen to his wisdom . . All young attorneys should take notice and follow in his footsteps We will all miss his giant grace and compassion for human kindness. Rest in peace my friend .

Jim Shaffner

March 12, 2020

I was very lucky to have known Larry beginning in 1964 at the summer time Episcopal Church Camp in Valmora, New Mexico. Larry was Manager of the facility as a young college student over seeing maintenance, remodeling and scheduling of activities for church camp attendees. He had 5 high school students working for him as cooks and maintenance. These students were called kitchen boys. My brother and I were two of the five kitchen boys.
The facilities that housed the Episcopal Church camp was a former hospital and sanatorium with about 20 separate small cottages that housed patients in the 1930's. These small cottages was where young participants were housed for the Episcopal church camp.
Larry and my brother and I became very good friends and visited him several times in El Paso, Texas. I stayed in contact with Larry over the years by phone, cards and letters. It does not surprise me one bit that Larry was a very successful attorney and so well liked. He will be truly missed.

Eva Stam

March 12, 2020

So incredible sad that you left this world Larry. I'm honoured that i got to know you, you made the world a better place, you and your big great beautifull heart. To me you were together with your family the best host-family in the world! All love send from Holland to your family, what an incredible loss

Suzanne Westfall

March 11, 2020

It's hard to even describe Larry. Absolutely one of the most formidable men I have ever had the opportunity to know and work with. What a beautiful heart. I was blessed to have known him.

Mary Goody

March 11, 2020

A great man.

Peace to all.

Keith and Mary Goody

Misty Hinshaw Vasquez

March 11, 2020

I worked at Osborn Maledon for a few years when I had just turned 20 years old. Larry was one of the attorneys that immediately stuck out to me as he was approachable, and SO VERY kind. He treated everyone like they were a friend, never too busy to smile and say hello. I do not remember too many lawyers there, but Larry left an impression, and was one of lawyers that will always stick out in my mind because he was so, so nice. I always thought it would be so fun to work with/for him. I am incredibly sad to hear he has passed over. You were the best, Mr. Hammond. -Misty Hinshaw Vasquez

Margaret Strickland

March 11, 2020

My condolences on Larry's passing. We are going to miss him terribly.

March 10, 2020

My condolences are extended as you mourn the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort and strength to cope during this trying time. (Psalm 90:10)

Geoffrey MANOIL

March 8, 2020

A man nobler of spirit and intellect than Larry Hammond I never met, nor would ever expect to.

Julie Rial

March 8, 2020

With deep sadness, and yet the immense appreciation I have that I was able to work for Larry almost 9 years. The loss I feel is inconsolable. He will forever be in my heart and a part of what I do. May your hearts keep close the wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Donna Toland

March 7, 2020

In my heart forever

Paul Cooper

March 6, 2020

We were very lucky to meet Larry and his family, at both his home and at the Chase Field stadium. My wife Christine and I will never forget the support and impact he had on our daughter Doctor Sarah Cooper's career in the legal profession.
Our heart felt condolences go out to his family and friends.

Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results