Robert N. Hammond

Hammond, Robert N. Robert Neil Hammond, age 95, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 1, 2021, with his loving family and his cherished dogs, Cooper and Charlie, by his side. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place, no service will be held, and the family will celebrate his life privately. Bob will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife of 41 years, Kay Griffith Hammond; his children, John (Ruth Anne) Hammond, Martha Hammond, Matthew (Richard Nash) Hammond and Thomas (Maureen) Hammond; his grandchildren, Marcus (Lauryann Jiang) Hammond, Ivy Hammond, Katie Hammond and Ian Hammond; his precious great grandson, Magnus Jiang Hammond, and soon to be born great granddaughter, Lyanna Piper Hammond. Bob is also survived by his sister, Kathy Conklin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Winifred Hammond. Bob was a quiet, gentle, good and generous man of deep character, with a huge heart and a keen intellect. His mind was brilliant and his soul was deep. He was a great lover of animals, particularly his dogs. A voracious reader of history, biographies, world and domestic politics, philosophy and religion, he was also a devoted NY Times reader, NPR listener and PBS viewer. Bob cared deeply for his children, instilling them with strong values of goodness, kindness, decency and honesty, and was most proud of the strong and principled adults they have each become. He strongly believed that there are always multiple points of view on an issue and they should all be considered. He encouraged his children to look inward to find answers, to experiment and to always avoid thinking in absolutes, values that have shaped their thinking and their approaches to life. The ripple effect of his life will be felt far into the future. Bob enjoyed vacationing with family, camping at Wilderness State Park, and sharing the joys of annual family summer camp at Camp Michigania. He loved having all of his people gathered together, talking, laughing, teasing each other, arguing, and enjoying each other's company. While he tended to shy away from the spotlight himself, he relished being able to facilitate it for others. His eyes twinkled when he smiled, and he made things better with his wit and dry humor. Born to Howard and Winifred Hammond in Okemos, MI, on October 25, 1925, Bob left Okemos High School in 1942 to join the U.S. Marines during World War II. Stationed in the Pacific theater, he served in the Battle of Okinawa, and was stationed in China for six months at the end of WWII. After the war, he continued his education while raising a family, graduating from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan Law School. Highly respected as a scrupulously honest and brilliant lawyer of impeccable integrity, he privately practiced law in Grand Rapids, MI, from 1955 until retirement from full-time practice in 1991, with Hillman, Baxter & Hammond; Baxter & Hammond; and Dykema Gossett. Bob and Kay spent an unforgettable journey together, traveling extensively, nationally and internally, to China (where Bob was stationed with the Marines for six months at the end of WWII), Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, Russia, Kenya, Africa, Peru, Ecuador, Machu Pichu, the Galapagos Islands, Spain and Portugal, and throughout the United States. To send a message of sympathy to the family, or to share a favorite memory, please sign Bob's online guestbook at www.metcalfandjonkhoff.com. The family extends their thanks to Interim HealthCare Hospice for the love and care given to Bob, and the remarkable compassion shown to Kay and the family during this difficult time. Memorial donations in memory of Bob and in honor of Hospice's caring team may be made to the A. Raymond Kalliel Foundation, 1971 E Beltline Ave NE, Suite 219, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.