THOMAS SINCLAIR HAMMOND
April 23, 1944 ~ August 4, 2011
Thomas Sinclair Hammond, 67, of Jefferson City, died Thursday, August 4, 2011, at his residence surrounded by his family.
He was born on April 23, 1944, in Washington, D.C., the son of the late Ralph Wiltson and Kathryn Ellen Sinclair Hammond.
He was married on July 20, 1968, in Jefferson City to Jeriann Stricker who survives at the home.
Tom was a 1962 graduate of Jefferson City High School, attended William Jewell College, and received the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Lincoln University in 1968.
He retired in 1995 as Assistant Director of the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Missouri Department of Employment Security where he had been employed for twenty-eight years. During high school he was employed with the Missouri Highway Patrol Dispatch Center where he was one of the last Morse Code operators.
Known throughout the world by the call sign of N0SS, Tom was a Federally-licensed Amateur Radio operator holding the highest license grade of Extra Class. His specialty was the International Morse Code which he employed on a daily and nightly basis at a proficiency level in excess of fifty words per minute. During the fifty-three years of his ham radio career, he personally conducted numerous licensing classes which resulted in hundreds of individuals of all ages obtaining their Amateur Radio licenses. Experienced ham operators with technical expertise frequently sought out Tom Hammonds advice for resolution of complex electronic problems.
He was a life member/fifty-year member of the American Radio Relay League and a member by invitation of the First Class Operators Club (FOC). He was a member of the Kansas City DX Club; International DX Foundation; CW Operators Club; Amateur Radio Emergency Services, and for many years was coordinator of the local Certified Volunteer Examiner program. He was also an avid contester who received numerous awards in various competitive categories.
A past president and current Trustee of the Mid-MO Amateur Radio Club, Tom was instrumental in keeping the club alive during a period of transition during the 1970s. Beginning with the companys founding in 1998, he served as a designer, trouble-shooter, and Beta-Tester for Elecraft, Inc., of Aptos, California, a manufacturer of high-quality amateur radio equipment.
Tom was a fifty-year blood donor for the American Red Cross, and was Reunion Coordinator for Jefferson City High School Class of 1962 which has continuously met on a monthly basis since their twenty-fifth class reunion in 1987.
A little-known pastime was his enjoyment of Yo-Yos acquired since winning second-place at the age of twelve in the 1956 Jefferson City Yo-Yo competition.
Other survivors include three daughters, Cristina (Claes) Lillig, Columbia, Mo.; Katherine (Todd) McDonald, Columbia, Mo.; and Nancy (Shawn) Pope, Jefferson City; four grandchildren, Evelyn Lillig, Toby Lillig, Zeke Pope, and Xander Pope; and four cousins, Anne Ruthven, Bandera, Texas; Malcolm (Mick) Ruthven, Sausalito, Calif.; John Hammond, Chesterfield, Mo.; and Jane Hammond, Lakewood, Colo.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 13, 2011, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with the Rev. Kent W. Trimble officiating.
Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery.
Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, August 12th, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Radio Relay League Scholarship Fund, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111; Capital City Chapter of the American Red Cross, 431 E. McCarty Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101; or a charity of the donors choice.
Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family, may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
He was born on April 23, 1944, in Washington, D.C., the son of the late Ralph Wiltson and Kathryn Ellen Sinclair Hammond.
He was married on July 20, 1968, in Jefferson City to Jeriann Stricker who survives at the home.
Tom was a 1962 graduate of Jefferson City High School, attended William Jewell College, and received the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Lincoln University in 1968.
He retired in 1995 as Assistant Director of the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Missouri Department of Employment Security where he had been employed for twenty-eight years. During high school he was employed with the Missouri Highway Patrol Dispatch Center where he was one of the last Morse Code operators.
Known throughout the world by the call sign of N0SS, Tom was a Federally-licensed Amateur Radio operator holding the highest license grade of Extra Class. His specialty was the International Morse Code which he employed on a daily and nightly basis at a proficiency level in excess of fifty words per minute. During the fifty-three years of his ham radio career, he personally conducted numerous licensing classes which resulted in hundreds of individuals of all ages obtaining their Amateur Radio licenses. Experienced ham operators with technical expertise frequently sought out Tom Hammonds advice for resolution of complex electronic problems.
He was a life member/fifty-year member of the American Radio Relay League and a member by invitation of the First Class Operators Club (FOC). He was a member of the Kansas City DX Club; International DX Foundation; CW Operators Club; Amateur Radio Emergency Services, and for many years was coordinator of the local Certified Volunteer Examiner program. He was also an avid contester who received numerous awards in various competitive categories.
A past president and current Trustee of the Mid-MO Amateur Radio Club, Tom was instrumental in keeping the club alive during a period of transition during the 1970s. Beginning with the companys founding in 1998, he served as a designer, trouble-shooter, and Beta-Tester for Elecraft, Inc., of Aptos, California, a manufacturer of high-quality amateur radio equipment.
Tom was a fifty-year blood donor for the American Red Cross, and was Reunion Coordinator for Jefferson City High School Class of 1962 which has continuously met on a monthly basis since their twenty-fifth class reunion in 1987.
A little-known pastime was his enjoyment of Yo-Yos acquired since winning second-place at the age of twelve in the 1956 Jefferson City Yo-Yo competition.
Other survivors include three daughters, Cristina (Claes) Lillig, Columbia, Mo.; Katherine (Todd) McDonald, Columbia, Mo.; and Nancy (Shawn) Pope, Jefferson City; four grandchildren, Evelyn Lillig, Toby Lillig, Zeke Pope, and Xander Pope; and four cousins, Anne Ruthven, Bandera, Texas; Malcolm (Mick) Ruthven, Sausalito, Calif.; John Hammond, Chesterfield, Mo.; and Jane Hammond, Lakewood, Colo.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 13, 2011, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with the Rev. Kent W. Trimble officiating.
Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery.
Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, August 12th, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Radio Relay League Scholarship Fund, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111; Capital City Chapter of the American Red Cross, 431 E. McCarty Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101; or a charity of the donors choice.
Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family, may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
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I last time I talked to Tom Hammond, N0SS, at the 2011 Dayton, Ohio Hamvention. I’m so sorry to belatedly learn about his passing. I will always miss him.
Just heard Tom went silent key. I’ll miss his reply on the machine on my way in and out of DeLongs. Jeri to you I wish all the best, I hope your monitoring the next time I’m in town… 73 Cal
I have such fond memories of Tom’s generous heart and shared love of life. He was truly one of a kind, and will be sincerely missed. Diane Ross
Rest in peace Tom. W6TS
Dearest Jeri and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Can’t help but remember all the times we double-dated as well as fun times at Sunset Lake. Bless you. Ra
Hello.I’m just another ham and Elecraft builder who Tom helped out a great deal, both directly and via his web articles. I find myself deeply saddened today to learn of his passing. My profound condolences and sympathy to you.– Ward
My sincere sympathy to Tom’s family. I was glad to consider him a friend, he did a lot for our hobby.He will be missed.Dave W0DLR
Dear Jeri,A few month ago a had some contacts with Tom. He helped me with some K2-problems and he gived me very important advises for my morse-study. He told me he was fighting agains cancer. I asked him how it was possible for him to be so strong and so to be a big example for me and others. I told him about the fight against cancer (leucemia CML) from our daughter Agnes. Tom said he would pray for Agnes and for us. I am so glad I met Tom. I am sure he will help you from the place where he is now. I pray for Tom and for you. Agnes asked me to say to you that she also prayes for Tom and for you.Jeri, Tom will help you.All the best for you, Ton Domen(netherlands)
To the family,I’m sorry to hear of your loss. As an out of town member of the class of 64, I appreciate all the time Tom used to keep our class up to date. He will be missed by many.
SORRY TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF TOM HAMMOND.I AM A JC 62 CLASS GRADUATE.BETTY RIDENHOUR / EUGENE MO
Sorry for your lost,Tom will sure be missed. Are Condolence’s from the Barnes’ family.
My thoughts and prayers to you and yours today and in the future. Tom will be missed
Jeri, My thoughts and prayers are with you. He was a great guy. May God give you peace. God Bless. Don at Lowe’s
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this sad time. While not a close friend, Tom was a dear friend because he had such a positive impact on many of us. I will never forget how he welcomed me “back into the fold” of the class of 62 when I had lost contact with everyone. I looked forward to his monthly letters. I loved his sense of humor. How fortunate you were to have him as a husband, father and grandfather. May your memories comfort you as he watches over you from above. Mary
I was sad to see Tom’s name in the August 10 newspaper obituaries. I had not talked with Tom in several years, but still consider him to be a friend. I remember Tom from the Evening Optimist Club in the 1970’s and 80’s, when we participated in youth-oriented community projects. I admired him for being the knowledgeable, serious-minded but very friendly guy he was. The world is a much better place because of Tom.Tim Frevert
Dear Jeri and Family,I am greatly saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. We shared a great many adventures growing up together; adventures that I recall fondly. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. I have sent a memorial for the Red Cross in Tom’s name. My condolences for your loss.Bill Chapman
Tom proved to be a friend, Elmer, and most importantly, mentor to me. He believed in me at times when I did not believe in myself. I learned a great deal from him. And not just how to become a good CW operator or other ham radio related skills. I learned the value of friendship and kindness. With him, I discovered that teaching others can lead to learning things for yourself.Logic was behind nearly everything Tom did. I’d frequently ask him why he did certain things, just to learn from him. I once witnessed him preparing a salad for himself at a salad bar. He put lettuce on his plate, skipped everything in line until he got to the dressing and then applied the dressing. He then got back in line and added other items to the salad. I asked him why he did not just add to his salad as he found the components in the line. He told me that the dressing makes the toppings stick and he did not want them to be scattered about the plate. From this one seemingly unimportant experience, he taught me that there is usually a better way to do something, and that sometimes doing things a little different can be a good thing. My most important lesson came from Tom’s perfectionism. I learned that perfectionism is about improving oneself and learning from the process. His lesson was to have high expectations of myself and not give up when things don’t seem to be working. That lesson makes me a better man.If I were to say one last thing to Tom, it would simply be what he would say most times when we would part ways…… “Thanks Pal”!Bryan Braunschweig WØESE
Enjoyed Tom’s company many times. He visited the Warrensburg Amateur Radio Club’s Special Event site near Frankenstein almost every year for the past 10 years. Always positive and always friendly. Will miss him greatly!
Know Tom for a lot of years. Sorry to hear of his passing. But he in a better place now.
We at Missouri Funeral Directors Association are very sorry for your loss. Please know we will be sending a donation in Thomas’ Memory to the American Radio Relay League Scholorship Fund. Our thoughts and prayers our with you during this difficult time. Sincerely, MFDEA
I am so very sad to lose Tom, a good friend and very good person. Even with all his health problems, he was always ready to help others. His courage and positive attitude will always be an inspiration to me as well as many others who had the privilige of being his friend. It gladden me that I was able to tell him of my regard and respect and admiration a few weeks ago, in our last talk. I am honored to have been his friend. My sympathy and best wishes, Karl SchulteWA2KBZ(in Florida)
Jeri Ann, I’m sorry for the loss of Tom. He was a great guy and will be missed by so many from J.C. My prayers are with you and your family,
Jeri & family:We were so sorry to hear of Tom’s death. He was a man with many talents. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. Our deepest sympathies, Arlan & Vickie
Jeri and Family,Very sorry for your loss.Tom was truly a class act.He was a wonderful Elmer to me way back in ’72, instilling in me a life-long interest in amateur radio and influencing my decision to engage in a career as an electronic technician.I’ve always admired his dedication as a blood donor, and for the last decade or so his determination in his health struggles.I’ve never known his attitude to reflect anything other than optimism.Who knew he could Yo Yo too?73,Jim / WY0B …
I was sad to hear of Tom’s passing. I have many great (and funny) memories of working with Tom at Employment Security. I respected him as a supervisor and co-worker and considered him a friend. I know Tom enjoyed life. I hope his family can find some comfort in the memories of the life they shared with him.
Tom always had a quick smile and a helping hand. He will be missed. I knew Tom through the auspices of amateur radio and the number of people that he helped through the years with “radio problems” would be impossible to estimate. A true gentleman, the world will be a bit emptier because of his passing. 73, Old Friend.Tom LauxPresident…Kansas City DX Club
Jeri.I graduated with Tom and I am so sorry he is not with us. I can remember he was always an “up” person and treated those who did not have influential parents with so much kindness. That is what I remember most about Tom, his caring for people. Grace Harvey
It is with a heavy heart to hear of Tom passing. I still have a newspaper clipping of him and I at science fair near his radio equipment at that time. This was during our high school years. I offer my deepest sympathy.Dick Bax
My sincere condolences to Tom’s family. He and I lived in the same neighborhood as children, were classmates and friends forever. He cannot ever be replaced. Ken Polly, Columbia, MO
Sorry I never got to meet Tom, he helped me with information from his web site to build my first radio. Also provided some great home cooking recipes – hard to beat good radio and good food.SK..
To the entire Hammonf family:Please accept our sincerest condolences on our loss. I say “our” because Tom was so very nice and touched many many lives that we all feel a great sense of loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Tom’s QSL card is on my wall and will serve as a reminder that a small part of his kind soul lives on at our QTH. (Home)Respectfully,The entire Craig family, Bert, WA2SI, Gisella, XYL, Samantha, W2SSC, & Charles, WA2CJC
Jeri and family,We were so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He will be missed. He was such a great person with so much to offer. Thinking of you,Sandy & Harold Kanagawa
Tom was a radio friend for many many years. His morse-code “pileup tapes” at the Dayton Hamvention and elsewhere were always a treat. I will miss his snappy operating style and the cheerful “Hiya pal” he always sent on the air. RIP, OM.
Jeriann, I am so sorry that Tom has passed away. I have known you both for many years and at one time worked with Tom. He was always uplifting to me and always had a smile on his face. Please know that you are in my prayers.
I’ve been crossing paths with Tom for years. This is a sad loss. Our condolences go to his family.
I knew Tom through the Elecraft reflector and his help to improve my Elecraft K2 radio, So sorry to hear about his passing. May he Rest In Peace.
Hamradio, the Elecraft community and the world in general has lost a fine ambassador and friend.My heartfelt condolocences to all his family and friends.RIP TomPeter ZL1PWD
I was saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. You were a great team and we so appreciate the contributions he made to our class reunions. I know he will be dearly missed by family and friends. I hope you find comfort in your many good memories. With heartfelt sympathy, Linda
Jeri, I am so sorry to hear of Toms’ passing. It was always so great to see the both of you at the various reunions and at the dinners. I know he sure took good care of you after the accident and that you really needed him to be that support for you. You and your family will be in our prayers during this difficult time. Glenn & Ann
I suppose that given the nature of the hobby it won’t be found unusual to discover that Tom had friends everywhere. Still, I always found it interesting after I got to know him over the air and via email that lots of people in the Halifax, NS, knew him. Occasionally one of the local hams would say to me, “I was talking to Tom last night and he asked me to pass on his regards”. And here I thought he was my secret through the Elecraft fraternity.On my desk — I see it every day — is an electronic keyer. On the top is a very nice after-market decal that showed up one day out of the blue, the result of a passing comment I made one day in an email. That was typical of the consideration and generousity of the man.Tom, in my book and for all sorts of reasons, represented the highest standard in this hobby of ours and I, like many, many others, will miss him.Tom, pal, your memory will live on.
I never met Tom (living in Barbados and Belize), and never spoke to him on radio; but he was of great help to me personally, both when he helped via direct email with a problem I was having with my radio, and when I read on so many occasions his suggestions to other radio amateurs. He gave generously of his time and skill, and I wish him heavenly peace.
One of the greats in our community of amateur radio hobby. Always around to lend that helping hand to anyone. Tom was truly respected and was a friend to everyone who had the honor of meeting him.Rest in peace my friend.73,Tom – W4BQF
My sincere condolences, All though I did not know Tom I felt compelled to send a write.We should all try to follow the outstanding example of your husband/father and the world would be a better place. Martin P. Staffa N1KGP
It was my pleasure to know you in the Elecraft mail reflector and also a pity that I was not able to meet you in Dayton 2011. Thanks for all your help in the past. RIP, my final 73 to you, Johnny VR2XMC from Hong Kong
My prayers are with you Jeri and the family at this time of grief. Tom was not only a rare special friend for many years, but a mentor and person of encouragement and help. His positive attitude was appreciated and admired. May God bless and comfort you and make His face to shine upon you and the family. Merv Schweigert, K9FD, Maunaloa Hawaii.
I remember Tom comming into Radio Shack and buying gadgets and stuff to fix ole Radios! He was always smiling and full of Life! I hadn’t seen Tom in alot of years but I knew he was there if I needed Help! RIP Tom Till we meet again! Gods Speed! To Tom’s Family you have my sympathy! He will be missed!
As a builder of Elecraft equipment, I always read Tom’s postings to the reflector and was often able to use his advice. The ham radio community will miss him.
To the family,What a great friend we have lost. My thoughts and prayers to the family.John Watkins N0EVHIndependence, MO
Jeri …… Mike and I were so very sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. Please know you and your family are in our hearts and every prayer.
Jerriann,I think you know how much Mike and I thought of Tom. So glad we got to see him at the Mexican Restaurant for one last hug. He fought a good fight and now he can rest. Love goes out to you and yours at this very difficult time.Due to prior commitments I may not be able to pay my last respects, I am trying to change so I can, but please know I care very deeply. Take care friend.
The world has lost a precious gift. Tom was a friend to so many it would be impossible to count them. We miss him terribly but we value the knowledge, skill and cheerful good will that he spread generously throughout his worlds.Jeri, I used the name “TOM” in my NAQP CW effort last weekend in memory of Tom. And today I’m having lunch at Los Gatos Brewing Company, where I last ate with Tom and you several years ago. May you have the strength to continue his good cheer and hopeful outlook.
Please accept my most sincere condolences with Tom’s passing. I only had the pleasure of meeting Tom in person once but that meeting cemented a friendship created through many CW contacts and contest exchanges over the years. On the air and in person, Tom, always a gentleman. I too will miss him but know his days of pain and suffering are over and for certain he smiling upon and watch over family and friends from heaven. Jack Ritter W0UCEYoungsville, NC
Hammond Family, I was so sorry to read this in the paper this weekend. It breaks my heart, but he will certainly be missed. The family will be in my thoughts and prayers. With the deepest sympathy, Courtney (Meyer) and Robert Koenigsfeld
It was sad to learn of Tom;s death; my husband enjoyed having him as a student (as well as Ann Ruthven), and I was privileged to know John and Jane as well as the Ruthvens. Our sympathy to all. Fondly, Mary Louise Watt
Tom has done so much for amateur radio, the ARRL, and the enjoyment of Morse Code. His dedication to ham radio and his attitude and resilience in dealing with his illness are a shining example to us all.73 OM
Jeri,I’m so sorry for your loss. Tom will be dearly missed by all of his friends and family. Call me if you should require anything.
Jeriann, we were so saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. His wit, humor and positive attitude will always be an inspiration to us. Tom was truly a good guy and will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please know that you can count on us if you need anything.With our deepest sympathy,Ray & Linda Bledsoe
Jeriann, Tom and I were so very sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. Our hearts go out to you and your children. Your Tom has been such a good friend to us for so many years, as well as a classmate. If there is ever anything we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to let us know.Randa
My deepest condolences to the Hammond Family.Thom will be deeply missed.
Condolences to the entire family. Tom will be greatly missed. W0WFH–Bill Hudson and WB0UDA Debbie Hudson
Jeri: You know my thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls. I cannot express my thoughts. I will miss him a lot even though we only spoke once every couple of years.John K. Hutchison._ ._.
Jeriann,I was so very sorry to hear about Tom. Looked foward every month to his e-mails, they were always so informative and funny.He will be greatly missed.God bless you and your family with comfort and hope. With deepest Sympathy, Carol
My condolences to Toms family and sorry to hear of his passing.Danny Ward class of 1962 Panama City, formerly the Canal Zone
many fond memories of JCMO and amateur radio. Although a couple of years older we spent some time to together growing up.
My impression of Tom was that of a passionate teacher and a generous spirit who could explicate the details of setting up a antennas or assist me in a mundane quests such as finding the squelch on my hand-held. I observed Tom to be an energetic participant in a multitude of events such as the Bike MS ride (2010), where he and others painstakingly set up the radios in the MS vans, local field day events and working with the Department of Health to get our radios up and running. You will be missed by many.
Tom helped me so much when I first got my radio and antenna. He came to our house to get me set up. He surely will be missed.
Jerri,So sorry to hear of Tom’a passing. Didn’t know him personally at school but looked forward to his newsletters for the class of ’62. A great person who loved his school and class of ’62. I will miss him. God bless you and your family.
Jerri and family: I am so sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. He was a wonderful person and he will be missed. My prayers go out to you. Please let me know if I can help in any way. Rhonda Ward Faris
Jeriann,Sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. It seems like I knew him better than I knew him. The few times I saw him after our graduation, we always seemed to have common interests to discuss.I’m sure he’ll be missed. Be sure to remember all the good times, they are what is important.Dave
Dear Jerianne and family,We were so sorry to learn of Tom’s passing; however, we all understand that he’s in a much better place and is no longer suffering. Janeen and Scott were so upset when they heard and will try to be here for you. You know how much Tom and you mean to them. You are in our thoughts and prayers.Love,Andy and Judi Opel
Jeri,None of us can know how you feel about losing Tom, but we do know how WE feel as classmates. He was the glue that held us all together.All our love,Jim and Teri
Jeri, We are deeply saddened by the news of Tom’s passing. You have our deepest sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you and your family.Woody and Linda
Jeriann and family, I send you my deepest sympathy and love. Tom was a man of resilience and grit! I have known both you and Tom since the early ’60s and I will always remember your lifelong deep love and devotion to each other and to your girls and grandchildren. Tom was computer savvy years ago and was vital in helping the rest of us with record keeping. He will be greatly missed. His face always lit up with that big happy grin when he talked to each of us. A good friend to so many of us in the class of ’64 and ’62. Please know that many prayers and love surround all of you at this time. Love Jeanne
JeriAnn and girls, I am very very sad to see this news and my heart is with you. Tom was just the nicest person and everyone knew he’d do anything for anyone anytime. I’m thinking of you with love and sympathy. Nancy and Marvin Jones
How sad…Tom was a wonderful man and a rock in the community. My condolences to his extended family.Patrick AdamsBrigadier General, USAF (Retired)Class of 64
Hello. I just discovered Tom Hammond. Apparently, we are second cousins. He sounded like a really neat guy, and I bet a visit with him would be fun and interesting. My condolences to the family, late though it may be.
Michael S. Harris
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Hello. I just discovered Tom Hammond. Apparently, we are second cousins. He sounded like a really neat guy, and I bet a visit with him would be fun and interesting. My condolences to the family, late though it may be.
Michael S. Harris
Tulsa, Oklahoma