Richard D. Hammond Jr.

Age 82 of Marine on St. Croix. Loving Husband, Father & Grandfather passed away peacefully on March 20, 2023. Preceded in death by parents, Richard Sr. & Katherine; brother, Chan. Survived by loving wife, Janis; children, Jennie (Paul) Jameson, Robert (KC), Tiffany; step-children, Tom (Wendy) Zanosko, Kristi (Ron) Hamilton; grandchildren, Jordan, Justin (Serina), Jake, Jared, Hailey, Kaytlin, Alyson, Rowan, Matthew, Ellie, Owen, Felicia, Amanda, Lance (Makenzie); brothers, Ted, Tony; nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends. Dick was a proud USMC veteran. He was a Sergeant (E-5) and served in the VMR 234 unit. He was also a proud member of the Metro Marines, Forest Lake American Legion Post 225 & the 40/8. Dick grew up in White Bear Lake and graduated from White Bear High School in 1958 where he lettered in Track and Swimming. He then went on to Attend the University of Minnesota - Duluth for his undergraduate education from 1959- 1962 where he also lettered in Swimming. After college he entered the United States Marine Corps and served from August 1963 - June 1969. Dick’s entrepreneurial spirit was always active within him as he owned and operated multiple businesses throughout his career. When he returned home from the Marine Corps he owned & Operated Dick’s Marine which was later known as White Bear Marine in the 1970’s. In the late 1970s -1980s Dick started Scandia Construction & Mechanical which he operated until his retirement in 2005. Dick was had a knack for seeking out adventure and sport. He raced snowmobiles for Polaris and also was a dealer for Polaris snowmobiles in the early late 1960s- Late 1970s. During his time racing, Dick won numerous trophies and championships and has trophies on exhibit at the Polaris plant in Rosseau, MN. In the 1970’s Dick flew a Cessna 150 and other aircraft as a “bush pilot” for many chartered fishing trips from Lake Elmo to numerous areas in the Lake of the Woods and Canada. He loved to hunt and fish in the Lake of the Woods and made many memories with his family and friends. For his love of hunting, in 1972 he was inducted into the Minnesota Deer Classic for his Whitetail Deer he shot @ 178 ½ points. Dick had a love for all sports, but he really loved football & hockey and helped coach little league for many years with his children. Dick gave back to his community in many ways, he was always eager to volunteer his time to causes he was passionate about. He was involved in the Metro Marines and helped them with fundraising. Dick was also a former member of the Scandia Marine Lions Club. Among the most important organizations to Dick were the American Legion and the 40/8. He was a current and loyal member to the Forest Lake American Legion Post #225, attending and supporting. Dick also was a current member of the 40/8 and was a former Chief D. Gare. Dick lived with his wife Jan on Sand Lake in Scandia for over 30 years and loved spending time with his grandchildren and family at their residences. When he could, Dick would support and attend sporting events of his grandchildren. We will all miss Dick dearly, he touched all of us in his own special way. A celebration of Dick’s life 11 AM Tuesday, April 18th with visitation beginning at 10 AM at the Forest Lake American Legion, 335 W. Broadway Ave., Forest Lake. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to the family.