William F. Hammond left his home in a West Virginia coal mining town at 16, and promised never to return. He immediately enlisted in the Navy, and was headed West on a train on December 7th, when a conductor told him about Pearl Harbor. He served from 1941 - 1945, on board the U.S.S. Goldfinch in Newfoundland, and then the U.S.S. Saratoga during the Guadalcanal-Tugali Island landings, and the action in Eastern Solomons. Later, he also served on the U. S. S. Lewis. He served as a Machinist's Mate First Class, generally down in the engine room. He never thought he'd survive the war, let alone, to be 89.
Having been stationed in San Diego, Bill made sure he was discharged in California, and remained a Southern California "native" for 68 years.
Bill went to the University of Southern California ( USC) on the GI Bill, and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1950. The same year, he married Ruby "Pat" Crawford of Mart, Texas, who was living near the USC campus, and they had two children, Dennis and Michael, in 1952.
Together, they loved RV travel and went on many trips across the country, often with a group of like-minded adventurers. Yosemite was a favorite destination.
Bill was also an avid motorcycle rider, enjoying his Sunday rides to Griffith Park, and areas around Southern California with the gang. He quit riding about the time he turned 80, thinking it might be best.
Known as "Tomato Bill" every spring, Bill was often the most prolific tomato grower in town. Springtime always meant a smiling Bill, with a box full of tomatoes.
Born William Francis Triantifilan in 1924 in Fairmont, West Virginia, Bill and his brother George officially became Hammond in 1938, when their Mary Jane Hammond Triantifilan petitioned the court for a name change and divorce.
He was a loving father and grandfather, and dedicated husband. He will be missed!
