John Thomas Hammond

John Thomas Hammond, 81, of Palmer was born Jan. 24, 1934, in Chatsworth, Illinois, to Helen and Russel Hammond. After a long illness with cancer, he went to be with his Lord and Savior on Feb. 11, 2015. He died at home surrounded by his loving family.

John married Norma Van Nest 59 years ago after graduating from Multnomah School of the Bible. They raised two daughters, Gloria Nitschke and Jodi Davis; one son, Charles Hammond, now deceased; and many grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren.

When John moved to Alaska with his parents at age 11, he experienced the early development of the state, graduating from high school in Anchorage at the only school there at the time. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, photography, gardening, geology and the great outdoors. He graduated from University of Alaska Fairbanks and actively served in ROTC, the Army Chemical Corp. and the Reserves.

John taught chemistry at Lathrop High in Fairbanks for seven years after which he taught at Victory High School, a boarding school where he taught Bible, science, math and Alaska history and coached hockey.

When VHS closed, John established the video ministry of Arctic Missions in Palmer, continuing that work for the rest of his years. He was involved weekly with the Native New Life Fellowship of Anchorage since 1970. He was a member of Lazy Mt. Bible Church in Palmer.

His family thought of him always as a giver, patient and loving, dependable and wise. He told great stories. His grandchildren appreciated his sweet tooth and willingness to share his treats. He led by example, always giving 120 percent. He was our hero.

A memorial service is at 1 p.m., March 4 at the First Covenant Church in Anchorage at 1145 C St.

Flowers are welcome and personal gifts to help the family are appreciated. They can be sent to Norma Hammond at 4305 N. Hughes Circle Palmer, AK 99645.