Orvil Hammond

Orvil Keith Hammond, February 23, 1929 - November 11, 2017 Orvil Hammond was the grandson of an English Home Boy and Muskoka pioneer. His parents instilled a sense of responsibility and entrepreneurship in him and his siblings at an early age, and Orv embraced that concept fully. Family was at the heart of everything he did, for 65 years in partnership with the love of his life, Fran, the new teacher in town who hired a cab and married the cabbie. Orvil Hammond was a humble person with few, small needs and big, big dreams. He loved to surround himself with family, friends, acquaintances and strangers. He shook your hand when he met you and always remembered to ask of your parents, siblings, spouse, kids, grandkids and neighbours, by name, every time he saw you - whether it had been a week or a generation since last speaking. If he didn't know you when you walked in the door, you can be sure he did before you left. He loved a good joke, but shyly covered his mouth when he laughed. Orv could make three complete heel-clicking circuits of a dance floor in any one song, and only ever slept in on Christmas day (if the phone didn't ring or someone, somewhere didn't need a ride to join their own family). Orvil loved strong, independent women and willful, precocious children. He was born into and fostered the perfect family to enjoy both. He was never a proud man, but celebrated six successive generations of the Hammond family in his beloved Muskoka at every opportunity. He was a shrewd business man, an indefatigable worker, a sharp dealer, a good boss and, quite often, the easiest touch in town. He seldom gave a handout, but was known to create unnecessary jobs, provide vehicles or turn a blind eye for people he considered worth the effort. The greatest sin in his eyes was a hungry child and he often financed school and church breakfast programs, food banks, sports teams and youth missionary trips. There was always room for another chair at Orvil's table and everyone was welcome. He was a true gentleman whom women loved, men admired, children adored and even the meanest of adopted watchdogs trusted and obeyed. He was the first one out the door in the morning and the last one home at night. And he always checked to make sure you had a good trip and got home safe. Orvil Hammond was the co-founder of Park Taxi with the late George Parlett, which soon became Hammond Taxi and grew to involve his father and siblings. Over the years he owned and operated a Regent and BA gas station, garage, ambulance, trucking, school and charter bus services, Hammond Transportation Ltd. and Bracebridge Bus Lines, employing hundreds of people whom he considered to be a part of his family. A life well lived, a community well served, a family well loved. Beloved husband of Frances Zephy (nee Corrigan) and Father of Jim (Cheryl), Brad (Louise), Greg (Suzie) and Bev (Gord Scott). Grandfather of Sean (Charlene), Gavin (Sarah), Kent (Kate), Greer, Corrigan (Mia), Alec, Ian, John (Chantal), Henry and Chris, Cam and Fiona Scott. Great grandfather to Adyline, Bennett, Finn, Zephy, Eli, Winston, Evelyn and Camille. Brother of Oney (the late Art) Bowyer, Vern (Dorothy), Gary (Maurene), Paul (Shirley) and Pennie. Brother-in-law to Jim Corrigan (Monica) and the late Joan (Bob) Lemons. Uncle Orv to many loving nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents Harold and Marjorie (nee Peacock), sisters Karen and Carol (Bob) Fowlie, brother Ron. Orvil would want to make special mention of honorary daughter/sister/friend and caregiver Lorna Speicher. The family will be collecting donations to Manna Food Bank at Bracebridge United Church during visitation hours on Wednesday, November 15, from 1 to 4 PM, and 7 to 9 PM. Funeral service will be held Thursday, November 16 at 11 AM at Bracebridge United Church with reception to follow.

Visitation Details

Wednesday, November 15th, 2017 1:00pm - 4:00pm, Bracebridge United Church

Wednesday, November 15th, 2017 7:00pm - 9:00pm, Bracebridge United Church

Service Information

Thursday, November 16th, 2017 11:00am, Bracebridge United Church

Interment Details

Bracebridge United Cemetery