With great sadness and love, we share the news of the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather Paul G. Hammond, who was 79 years old. He left us on Sunday, May 24, 2026, after a short and peaceful stay at Hospice Muskoka – Andy’s House in Port Carling.
Paul was the devoted husband of Shirley (Parsons) for 63 wonderful years. He took immense pride in being a father to Kelly (Jim) and Darcy (Mia). He was also an exceptionally proud grandfather to Emily (Robert), Tomas (Sarah), and the best great-grandfather to little Grace, who always knew how to make him smile.
Born into one of Muskoka’s pioneer families as the second youngest of nine siblings, Paul is predeceased by his parents; Harold and Marjorie, as well as his siblings Karen, Ronnie, Carol Fowlie (Bob), Orvil (Fran), Iona Bowyer (Art), Vern (Dorothy), along with brother-in-law Don and sister-in-law Jean Parsons. He will be fondly remembered by his brother Gary (Maurene), his sister Pennie, his sister-in-law Lois Millar (Bud), along with many nieces and nephews and their families.
Paul will be missed by friends, neighbors, colleagues, and countless community members whose lives were enriched because he was part of them.
Grandpa and Grandma built their lives around family values, hard work, and community spirit. From early on in their marriage while raising two kids together they created Muskoka Transport from scratch through sheer determination and many long hours. Their efforts not only provided for their family but also opened doors for others in the community they loved so much.
Capturing all that Paul Hammond was can be tough; he lived life fully in every way-from his stylish wardrobe complete with hats to his unique collection of two-toned vehicles. When admiring cars he’d often say with a grin, “You know that would look great with a nice stripe on it.”
He definitely knew how to leave an impression. With a twinkle in his eye, he loved sharing stories. Grandpa was generous with his time-always there to support or lend an ear-and if you hung around long enough you were sure to get some advice whether you asked for it or not! He had a style and confidence all his own.
Beneath that style lay a man with a huge heart who showed deep loyalty to those he loved while staying committed to helping others & serving his community throughout his life.
Much of Paul’s life went into serving not just Muskoka but beyond. Over the years he became a respected member of various clubs and organizations including the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Foundation, the Rotary Club of Bracebridge, and the Ontario Trucking Association where he made lasting contributions through leadership and generosity. Whether fundraising or mentoring others or simply being there when someone needed help-Grandpa truly believed in giving back.
The sale of their business to Darcy & Mia in 2007 gave him more time to enjoy building up an amazing collection of antique cars along with International Harvester trucks-he collected everything from memorabilia like calendars to yardsticks from local businesses which brought him immense joy. His collection turned into something special-a local landmark drawing visitors from across Ontario eager to admire those vehicles & hear their stories. His passion for collecting also led him on numerous road trips across Canada where he made new friends along the way-talking about restoration history always put him in high spirits.
Paul appreciated simple pleasures: bluegrass music playing softly nearby during good visits with friends or taking one of his vehicles out for a drive-and let’s not forget that ice cream bars were always welcome!
The family wants to extend heartfelt thanks for all your love during this tough time-the messages you sent along with visits have given us strength amidst our sorrow.
A special thank you goes out specifically towards RVH Cancer Center staff Dr. Isabel Li as well as everyone at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital including Drs Hammell & Hotson & Nairn & Krenski plus RN Kateland Gray alongside PSWs Pam & Dawn-all showing incredible care towards Grandpa plus support towards our whole family during these days at Hospice Muskoka – Andy’s House who provided exemplary compassion throughout this journey too!
There will be a private family interment at Bracebridge Municipal Cemetery on Monday June 1st 2026 followed by A Celebration Of Life event set for Sunday June 14th from 1-5pm held at The Muskoka Lumber Community Centre located at 56 Salmon Avenue Bracebridge where video memorials will begin airing promptly at 2pm.
This guide demonstrates proper formatting while delivering key details about each aspect related specifically toward honoring one remarkable individual who meant so much..........Source link
This guide demonstrates proper formatting while delivering key details about each aspect related specifically toward honoring one remarkable individual who meant so much..........Source link
