1919 – 2015

LEWISTON — Russell Francis Hammond, 96, of Auburn passed away peacefully on Thursday Aug. 6, at d’Youville Pavilion in Lewiston.

He was born in Auburn on July 29, 1919, a son of the late Charles and Lotti Mae (Curtis) Hammond. He moved to the family farm on Hatch Road in Auburn in November 1919, where he spent his entire life with his wife, Helen (Simion), of Minot, whom he married Oct. 18, 1942. They lived all of their lives on the family farm on the Hatch Road.

His wife, Helen, predeceased him Dec. 5, 2013.

Russell attended Auburn schools and graduated from Edward Little High School in 1936. In the spring through fall of 1937, he worked at the Briggs Farm in East Auburn. This was the only time he worked away from the family farm on Hatch Road. In the fall of 1941 through spring of 1942, he worked at Merrill Haven Farm on Court Street in Auburn while running his own family farm.

He was self-employed most of his life, operating his dairy farm for over 55 years. In 1957, he formed Hammond Equipment Co. and sold farm machinery, lawn and garden equipment and parts. The business was very active for over 50 years and on Jan. 20, 2008, he sold the business to Hammond Tractor.

Russell was past master of Stevens Mills Grange, a member of Danville Grange, Pomona State and National Grange and Minot Corner Church. He had a love of farming and gardening all of his life and enjoyed working in the hayfields. He took pride in his fields, spending much time clearing branches and rocks to make the fields look like huge lawns. During hay season, you could always find him in one of his many hayfields, working the hay from early in the day until dark. He spent many hours and days of his life there. He also had a love of fishing and ice-fishing on local lakes and ponds.

He is survived by three children, Frederick Russell of Auburn, Clifton Francis of Poland, and Bethany Elaine Hunt and her husband, Jerry, of North Windham. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Timothy of Old Orchard Beach, Russell Frederick “Rusty” of Florida, Maria of California, Douglas of Mechanic Falls, and Matthew of West Minot; as well as two great-granddaughters, Lily Ann Hammond of Norway and Sophia Hammond of California, whom he loved and cared for deeply; and one nephew, Charles Hammond of Windham.

He was predeceased by his brother, Carlton.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.