1926-2026
It is with deep gratitude and remembrance that we honor the life of Verna Hammond, co-founder of Hammond Lumber Company, who passed peacefully on January 5 at the age of 99.
In 1953, Verna loaned her husband, Clifton “Skip” Hammond, $50 to start a sawmill—marking the beginning of what would become Hammond Lumber Company. Together, Verna and Skip co-founded the company, building it from the ground up through hard work, shared commitment, and a belief in doing things the right way.
While Skip was often seen in the mills and yards, Verna was the steady force behind the scenes—handling payroll, billing, and the day-to-day details that allowed the business to grow. Her discipline, consistency, and quiet determination helped form the foundation of our company during its earliest years.
Verna was deeply respected for her work ethic and her commitment to family, employees, and community. She worked for Hammond Lumber Company for 58 years, beginning from a home office while raising her children and later full-time in the company office. Verna retired at the age of 85, a testament to her dedication. She believed in showing up early, doing the job right, and taking pride in work well done. Many of the values that define Hammond Lumber Company today—integrity, responsibility, and care for people—reflect the example she set over a lifetime.
Beyond the business, Verna was devoted to her family and took great joy in time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She had a true salt-of-the-earth personality—down-to-earth, hardworking, and appreciative of life’s simple routines. Verna loved the outdoors and rural Maine, and especially cherished anniversary trips with Skip to Aroostook County and the Downeast region. Together, Verna and Skip built not just a business, but a life rooted in hard work, gratitude, and generosity.
In December 2024, Verna was honored by the Town of Belgrade as the Boston Post Cane recipient, recognizing her as the town’s oldest living resident. This meaningful recognition reflected a life deeply rooted in the Belgrade community she loved and helped shape.
Today, Hammond Lumber Company is proudly carried forward by the second, third, and fourth generations of the Hammond family. Without Verna, there would be no Hammond Lumber Company. Her guiding principles remain at the heart of who we are and how we do business. We are grateful to be part of a company and community that honors the people who helped build it, and we will continue to carry Verna’s legacy forward with pride.
Throughout her lifetime, Verna always retained her love and appreciation for rural Maine and agriculture, values shaped by her upbringing on a family farm in Belgrade. She was a longtime member of the Victor Grange, an organization dedicated to supporting agriculture, farmers, and rural communities. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial donation in her name to the Victor Grange #49, c/o Barbara Bailey, 196 Covell Road, Fairfield, ME 04937.
Per Verna’s wishes, there will be no visiting hours or funeral service. A graveside service will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery in Belgrade at a later date. The full obituary and online guestbook can be found at: https://wheelerfh.com/obituaries/verna-hammond-2026