Obituary of Calvin B. Hammond

HAMMOND CALVIN

Calvin B. Hammond, age 61 of Meckling, SD passed away late Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, SD.  Per Calvin’s wishes there will be no formal services.  The Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Onsite Crematory, Yankton, SD is assisting with the service details.  Online condolences may be sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com.

Hi, it's me. Yes, I wrote my own obituary. I know you are all wondering...it was cancer. Upon my request there will be no funeral.

I was born in Huron on April 24, 1961 to Pat and Kaylene (Beck) Hammond. I grew up in Huron and graduated Huron high school in 1979. With my mom working at the Huron airport, I spent most of my childhood at the airport helping and working there myself. I started flagging fields for crop dusters at age 12. I received a Private Pilot Certificate at the age of 17 which I was pretty proud of.

After high school I joined the United States Air Force where I refueled aircraft mid-air. After which I returned to Huron and worked various jobs and returning to aviation support in the late 80's and early 90's. I drifted off to Rapid City for a year, and a couple years in Iowa. In 1999 I moved to Vermillion, SD to be closer to my kids. I started work at Polaris Industries and worked the for 20+years until my diagnosis. I liked Vermillion area so much I bought a home in Meckling, SD and fixed it up into my retirement home.

In 1988 married Diana Baker in Huron. We were both blessed with 2 wonderful children. Molly (Tristan) Irwin of Sioux City, IA who made me a grandfather of Astin and Luna. And my son Marley Hammond of Independence, MN. In 2012 I met my biological daughter Ann (Shawn) Peters who also brought me 3 more grandsons

Even though my father was a horse trader, and I grew up around horses, my mother threw me on a minibike when I was 5 and I knew that was my true love! No time for hunting and fishing. I had motorcycles to ride. I have bought, sold, and ridden hundreds of bikes. Even after a couple near death experiences, I never lost my passion for them.

I was so grateful to have in my life, my mother who helped guide me through life and was sad to lose her in September 2021. My sister Anita and her husband Terry Loterbauer (who was more like a brother to me than an in-law) from Troy, MO. Not only saved my life once before, but they have also went out of their way, above and beyond what it took to get me through this process. I would have to write a book to name all those I am grateful for. Thank you everyone for your love.