Peter Rothwell Hammond
Sept. 20, 1930-July 7, 2024
Palm desert, California
Submitted by Lynn Hammond

Pete Hammond, of Portola Valley, Menlo Park and, most recently, Palm Desert, California passed away on July 7, 2024. He died peacefully in his 94th year, with family at his side, after a brief bout with cancer. Pete lived life to its fullest. He retired from his day job with Wells Fargo in his 40’s to spend time with family, travel, and to pursue his interests – Namale Plantation in Fiji, Mission Ranch in Carmel, restaurants and printing. He was the catcher on the softball team into his 40’s, played tennis into his 70’s, skied into his 80’s, and maintained an easy, natural golf swing into his 90’s. His membership in the Jack Daniels Tennessee Squire Association continues to this day. Pete had a gift for gab and engaged others wherever he went. He volunteered to fill the odd seat on the airplane or chair lift and would have a new friend by the end of the trip. After he gave up golf, the morning coffee klatch with pals at The Springs Country Club continued. He was a natural as a volunteer greeter at the Palo Alto Medical Center, where he met his future wife, Margo Ritter. Pete was an eternal optimist, who rarely uttered the words “could’ve, should’ve, or would’ve”. He was simply a great guy. Pete is survived by his wife Margo Ritter, his children Lynn, Karen (Mick Quattromani), and Rob (Leveriza) Hammond, five grandchildren (Topher, Peter, Alix, Andrew and Katie), and his stepchildren, Jamie and Dar Ritter and Jennifer Brill. He was predeceased by his first wife, Dorothy “Billie” Hammond in 2010. At his request, Pete’s ashes will be spread at the top of Baldy Mountain in Sun Valley, Idaho. His quick wit and joy for life will be missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Boys and Girls Club of Coachella Valley or the Desert Aids Health.

Tags: veteran, business