Joseph C. Hammond Jr.

"I've seen enough," said Joseph "Joe" C. Hammond, Jr. on March 13, 2023, as the sun shined down through the rain on the house he proudly built.

As we reflect on what was enough for Joe-the crisp air and quiet solitude of the early morning, a defiant puff of a cheap cigar, a dusty ride on a tractor, the roar of laughter from friends and family after a well-timed joke, and the bright adoring smile of his wife Diane-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 his 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) of Morgan Hill, his sister Margaret Larson of Aptos, and many special nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Joe worked hard and laughed harder. His father often said that Joe should have been a standup comedian, but Joe enjoyed his various undertakings in life. He began his career as a landscape plumber, 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 joined his brother Bob in taking over their father's business, Hale Lumber, settling his family in the then-small town of Morgan Hill. Later, after retiring from the lumber yard, he pursued his dream of building homes in California and Idaho, along with some dear friends. Over his 47 years in Morgan Hill, he became a pivotal member of the community, forging many children's cancer benefits in memory of his and Diane's son, Larry, and building a reputation as the go-to man to get something done. He was a friend to many.

We, his family, "coffee club," and friends, will long remember his eccentricities-his no-frills sense of style and his rambunctious sense of humor-but will forever treasure the big-hearted acts of kindness through which he demonstrated his great love and appreciation for all those that made his life more whole. He was a constant source of laughter and support, which has been a cherished gift during this trying time. The memories of him have his family crying more tears of laughter than sadness, making our goodbye to our beautiful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather (Bapa Duck), and friend Joe most bittersweet.

At the request of Joe, the family graveside service will be private. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice or just remember him in your own special way.

Published in Morgan Hill Times · March 27, 2023