Just 23, Justin suffered single-handedly and courageously until he no longer could. Justin Ross Hammond, precious son, brother, uncle, nephew, grandson, and friend, took his own life Wednesday, November 18, 2015. Justin gave up his final goal, leaving his net forever empty, having succumbed to the treacherous, yet silent disease of depression.
Born to Janet (Schwartz) and Bob Hammond on Thursday, June 25, 1992, Justin joined his big sister Stacey. Never one to shy away from a challenge, “Hammy” was very athletic, playing hockey, baseball, volleyball, golf, and weight lifting. He carried an impressive 6-pack and packed a whole lot of playing into his short years. He is remembered for his quick smile, strong hugs, positive attitude and dedication.
As if being athletic, good looking, charming and smart wasn’t enough, Justin was also compassionate, accountable and dependable. Always putting others first, Justin reliably served as the DD, getting his friends home safely. Justin was valedictorian his graduating year and went on to attend Georgian College, in Barrie. Aside from his muscle shirts, Justin was always dressed to the ‘Nines.”
“Jake” as he was referred to at home, was Stacey’s “Little Man” as youngsters, being 7 years her junior. This relationship grew as they matured and was only trumped by his relationship with Stacey and Scott Hammell’s daughter, Chelsea. Whenever Justin was in close proximity, Chelsea would light up. This meant his adoration for the family dog “Black Jack” had to take a back seat to his devotion for Chelsea. Just this past February the entire family enjoyed a weeklong vacation in sunny Cuba, where many lifetime memories were made.
Some of his favourite places included the crease, baseball diamond and family pool. Justin was an accomplished goaltender having played Junior C (with all but one team) and currently enjoyed being the starting goalie for the Shallow Lake Crushers. He also had a passion for the diamond, having won three WOAA Championships as a youth and competing in two National Fastpitch Championships. He loved the game so much that he split his last season between the Keady Jets and the Elmwood Smoke. Many lasting friendships began in these forums and grew over the years.
Sunday mornings were spent at the Church of the Rubber Puckers where he shared the love of hockey with his Dad. Being a teammate of Justin’s, meant that you were listened to, cared for, and supported. Justin’s death leaves a tremendous void.
Justin will be greatly missed by his girlfriend Meg Robson, many close cousins and aunts and uncles Nancy (Bev) Nickel, Norma Dayman (Shawn Merritt), Joyce (David) Weppler, Marie (Brian) Whitehead, Carol (Keith) Baumber, Jerry (Elaine) Schwartz, Ivan Schwartz and their families. Justin also leaves behind his grandparents Ross and Norma (Smith) Hammond. Justin was predeceased by his Uncle David Schwartz, Aunt Joan Schwartz, grandparents Dennis and Pearl (Karn) Schwartz and Erna Schwartz.
As it has been said, Justin was “One of the most charming, kind, mannerly young men and student who has ever been through the doors at Chesley District High School.” Therefore, a community gathering to celebrate Justin’s life will be held at one of his favourite places, the gymnasium of Chesley District Community School (formerly CDHS) on Monday, November 23, 2015 beginning at 6 p.m. The puck will drop on his final start at 8 p.m. Please join us, to celebrate his life and wear a little yellow to support suicide awareness.
In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Canadian Cancer Society or Wes For Youth Online as a way of creating awareness for mental illness.
Please add to Justin’s Lifescape! https://life.scapes.com/web?id=78
