Obituary of Kenneth R. Hammond

NORTH CREEK: Kenneth Hammond, 80, of North Creek, NY, passed away on September 18, 2023.

Born on July 3, 1943, in Igerna, Ken was a beloved husband to Sharon and a devoted father to Amy (Russ), Jim (Kim), and Tom (Diana). He was a cherished grandfather to Amanda (Calvin), Nick (Missy), Paige (Patrick), Emily, Steven, Luke, Collin, and great-grandfather to Jaxon, Liam and Savanna. He leaves behind his beloved cat, Shadow. He is also survived by sisters Linda, Bonnie and Judy and several nieces and nephews.  Ken was preceded in death by his mother and father Arvilla and Robert, and siblings Joyce, Doris, Allen, Norman, Gary and Jackie.

Ken was known for his warm and friendly nature. He had a knack for striking up conversations and making everyone feel at ease. With a twinkle in his eye and a joke always at the ready, he never missed an opportunity to make someone smile, even if it meant chatting up strangers. He had an endless repertoire of jokes and a genuine interest in people.

Ken graduated from Minerva Central School. After completing his studies, he proudly served in the Army from 1964 to 1970. Following his military service, Ken was a proud member of the American Legion for many years, most recently serving as Vice Commander. He was proud to be a PUFL - Paid up for Life member. 

Ken dedicated 42 years of his life working at Barton Mines. He worked diligently and made significant contributions to the company throughout his tenure.

In his leisure time, Ken greatly enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapping.  He loved being out in nature. He enjoyed time spent with family and friends in the woods and on the water. He was a member of the Johnsburg Fish and Game Club as well as the Warren County Conservation Council. 

Ken was an active member of the North Creek Baptist Church. As a Deacon and Trustee, he was instrumental in supporting both the church building and the church family. He was proud of the work that he and Sharon did with the upkeep of Union and other local cemeteries, especially in cleaning and repairing headstones. Every year for Memorial Day, he and Sharon placed flags on the graves of veterans. It's estimated that they cared for hundreds of gravesites all across the North Country.

Ken had a servant's heart - he always stood up for those who could not stand up for themselves.  When Ken loved, he loved deeply, whether a family member, a friend or a pet. He especially enjoyed spending countless hours playing with his grandchildren. He had a soft spot for the children receiving care at St. Jude and would often ask for donations for St. Jude in lieu of gifts.

Ken will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.  May his memory be a source of comfort and may he rest in eternal peace. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org or the Johnsburg Emergency Squad, 624 Peaceful Valley Rd. North Creek, NY 12853 www.johnsburgemergencysquad.com.

The compassionate staff at Alexander Funeral Home is assisting the family during this difficult time.

Friends may call on Ken’s family from 4pm – 7pm, Friday, September 22, 2023, at Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg.

A funeral service to honor and remember Ken will be conducted at 10am, Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Alexander Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, Main St., North Creek, NY.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences and guestbook and directions.