Willis "Bill" Francis Hammond

Active, sharp and going strong right up until the age of 92 Willis “Bill” Francis Hammond passed away peacefully at his home on March 12, 2021.

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Bill was born July 25th, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois to Archibald and Elsie Hammond. They moved to Grayling, Michigan during the depression where Archibald worked on several CCC Government projects. The family eventually moved to Bay City, Michigan.

Bill graduated from Central High School in Bay City where he lettered in swimming as a diver.

As an enlistee in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1948-1952, he earned an honorable discharge.

Bill had a passion for woodworking and would make a career as a Journeyman Carpenter. Bill’s other loves were dancing, camping, traveling, cruises, reading and automobiles. Bill also was an avid golfer and loved playing golf with his sons and grandsons any chance he could get. He also belonged to several bowling leagues as well as the Moose and Elks organizations.

Another of Bill’s hobbies was being a licensed HAM radio operator which he enjoyed for many years. Bill and his wife Marge were involved in musical programs at The Harman Senior Recreation Center, as well as a few other Senior Centers in the Salt Lake Valley. Music Maker Stars and The Tenth East Players were two other singing and dancing groups they were involved in. They became known together as a first-class Ballroom Dance Act and were asked to perform at a variety of venues.

It would be an understatement to say that Bill was a hard worker throughout his life. He worked for a total of 65 of his 92 years, 40 years as a Journeyman Carpenter starting out as an apprentice working for Ready Cut Homes after which he then worked 25 years with Avis Car Rental.

Bill’s hobby as a woodworker and love of nature allowed him to make many birdfeeders which he both sold and enjoyed throughout his yard. Bill also created wooden reindeer as ornaments to be placed in his yard during the Christmas season.

Bill was preceded in death by wives, Louise (McGivern) and Marjorie (Gordon); Parents, Archibald and Elsie; 2 Stepbrothers, George and Leslie Tockstein.

He is survived by his four children Michael (Angie), Barbara, Paul and Carol; Four stepchildren, Leslie (Brent) Perry, Wayne Gordon, Gary Gordon and Julie Bauby; Daughter-in-law Tina Gordon and 11 grandchildren – Matthew (Julian), Nicholas (Sara), Christopher, Monica, Ryan (Katie), Ashley, Brennan (Emilee), Nicole, Malorie (Kiril), Justine and Jacey along with 14 great-grandchildren. Bill also leaves behind a very close and dear friend Mary Carlson.

We will all miss Bill’s happy disposition and friendly smile along with his big heart and willingness to help anyone in need.

A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Bill on Sunday, July 18, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Memorial Redwood Mortuary and Cemetery located at 6500 South Redwood Road in West Jordan, Utah.