George Felton Hammond passed away peacefully at home on August 11, 2022 in his 94th year. He was predeceased by his siblings Neiland, Jean and Jim, and the love of his life, Patricia Ann, who left us on June 26, 2022. George and Pat were married for over 70 years—the handsome fly boy and his stunning wife.
A farm lad from Ironside, Quebec, George was orphaned at an early age and joined the Royal Canadian Airforce at 18. Lieutenant Colonel “Hammy” Hammond had a distinguished 23-year career spanning multiple bases in Canada and Europe, culminating in having the honour of commanding the 409 Voodoo Fighter Squadron (Nighthawks) at CFB Comox. In 1970, he decided to leave the United Armed Forces and settle his family in Victoria where his business interests included auto sales, farming and real estate.
George was an intellectually curious man who managed his own investments for several years and regularly read poetry. He epitomized strength and resilience, persevering in a palliative state for over a year bolstered by his unwavering love for his family. He leaves a legacy of kindness and generosity, treating everyone with respect and dignity, along with a razor-sharp wit.
He is survived by his three sons: Richard (Shannon), John (Susan), Michael (Sandi) and daughter-in-law, Cathy, his grandchildren: Elizabeth (Aaron), David (Cassady), Kate, James (Lauren), Nicole and Bradley, his great-grandchildren: Emmett and Lily, and many loving relatives back East.
The family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Pacific Coast Health for their dedicated support of George over the past several months, to Dee and Carmen in particular for their loving care, and the many representatives of the VIHA care team. Special thanks to George’s niece, Carol, his ambassador to eastern-based family, whose weekly calls he always looked forward to. Finally, to his best friend, confidante and fellow aviator, Frank. His companionship meant the world to George.
A private family service will be held on August 25th, followed by a tribute to their late Uncle Felton on behalf of his nieces and nephews at the Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa at a later date.
“High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air…
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights
with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew”
— from “High Flight” by John Gillespie Magee
(an RCAF fighter pilot& war poet)
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of George Felton Hammond February 7 1929 August 11 2022..
mccall gardens funeral and cremation service
Death notice for the town of: Victoria, Province: Colombie britanique