Charles Lindbergh “Lindy” Hammond, 81, died July 15 at his home in Palmer after a lengthy illness, with his wife of 55 years, Jane, at his side.

Lindy was born in Sherman, Texas, on Dec. 29, 1927 to Charles and Lillian Hammond, the youngest of four children. He grew up in Dallas and spent summers at his grandmother’s farm in Sherman. He was active in the Boy Scouts, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Lindy graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas in 1945, where he was on basketball and football teams, and his senior class president. He joined the Navy that summer and was honorably discharged in 1946 as World War II had ended. Lindy attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, but longed for adventure, so in 1949, he and a friend (the late Jack Nicholas of Nikiski) drove to San Francisco, where they spent the winter, and in the summer of 1950 they drove the Alaska Highway to Anchorage.

In 1952 he met his future wife, Jane Hilsdorf, in Anchorage where she was an elementary school teacher. They were married on Dec. 20, 1953 at the old Presbyterian Church in downtown Anchorage. The couple’s first home was an old cabin off Huffman Road. Lindy spent his early years in Anchorage working as a land surveyor and for Chugach Electric at the old Knik Arm Power Plant. He also owned and operated Lindy’s Chevron Service on the Old Seward Highway near Klatt Road. In 1959, Lindy sold the Chevron station and the family spent the next three years in Los Angeles area, where he worked with Jane’s family’s printing business. However, Alaska remained in their hearts. So, in 1961 the family moved back to Anchorage, and Lindy resumed work for Chugach Electric. When the opportunity arose at the Nikiski power plant, Lindy and Jane moved there in 1963 with their young family. Lindy considered himself a champion of the working man and was active in the IBEW Union as steward, negotiating labor contracts. He was also active in the Democratic party and local politics during the late ’60s and ’70s. He obtained his insurance and securities licenses, although he did not pursue a career in that field. Lindy retired from Chugach in 1986, and he and Jane spent the next several winters traveling throughout the Lower 48, Hawaii, Europe, Mexico and Australia, eventually settling in Boerne, Texas (the “hill country”). They were snowbirds between Texas and Alaska homes from 1992 until this year, when they decided to become full-time Alaskans again.

Lindy was a fan of all things to do with sports, but his favorite was basketball and his San Antonio Spurs. He was an avid golfer in his retirement. He dearly loved his many friends in Texas and Alaska, and he and Jane are known for their hospitality and graciousness. Lindy had a terrific sense of humor, which remained with him until the end. He loved to argue politics (or anything for that matter) with anyone who dared to take him on. He also thoroughly enjoyed good food and dining and both he and Jane became accomplished home cooks.

Lindy was predeceased by his sister June Waldorf, sister-in-law Betty Hammond, brother-in-law Al Hoehn, and infant son David. He is survived by his wife Jane of Palmer, and their three children and spouses: Jennie and Dick Weldin of Palmer, Laura Edwards and Jim Farrar of Anchorage, and Dan and Jennie Hammond of Nikiski. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Adrienne Edwards of Bend, Ore.; Mitch Laird of Anchorage; Stephanie Elhard and her husband Bart of Seward; and Brandy and Brianna Hammond of Nikiski. His first great-grandchild, Torryn Tibbetts, of Bend was born December 2008. Lindy is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Theresa Hammond of San Antonio, Texas; sister Lois Hoehn of St. Louis, Mo.; and brother-in-law Skipper Waldorf of Prescott, Ariz., as well as three nieces and one nephew.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral; however, a celebration of Lindy’s life will be held on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Weldin Construction building, 561 E. Steel Loop in Palmer. An informal gathering will also be held in Nikiski at the home of Dan Hammond on Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. Please call 776-8561 for directions.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Alzheimer’s Resource Agency of Alaska, PO Box 4406, Palmer, AK 99645.

Arrangements were entrusted to Kehl’s Palmer Mortuary.