Raymond L. Hammond

Ray Hammond, a proud veteran, skilled equipment operator, and beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, passed away on August 22, 2026, just a few weeks shy of his 71st birthday.

He was born on September 15, 1955, at Fort Lewis in Pierce County, Washington, to Barbara Mae Birnel and Kenneth Lee Hammond, Ray grew up deeply rooted in Colorado. He attended grade school through high school in Steamboat Springs, developing a lifelong love for the mountains and the outdoors.

Ray answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army in 1975. He served with distinction until 1992, completing tours at various stateside bases and earning the rank of a decorated Sergeant in the engineering regiment. His service also took him overseas on three distinct tours to Honduras, South Korea, and Germany, experiences that broadened his worldview and instilled in him a deep sense of discipline and camaraderie.

Following his military career, Ray applied his formidable work ethic to heavy civil construction and the outdoors. He shared his passion for the slopes as a ski instructor at the Steamboat ski area and worked locally with Native Excavating. Over the years, his career as an expert equipment operator took him across the country—working in Arizona, Washington, and North Dakota—before returning to Colorado to work for Asphalt Recycling and Stabilization Inc. in Denver. He officially retired in December 2024.

When he wasn't working or operating heavy machinery, Ray embraced life fully. He loved to ski, play golf, travel, and capture the world through photography.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Barbara West and Kenneth Lee Hammond. He leaves behind a loving family who will miss him dearly: sisters: Karen Lee Hammond and Tobi L. Duncan (Kirby); brother: Ross L. Hammond (Julie); nieces and nephews: Barbara "Bob" Duncan (James), Katy Duncan, Kathy Pierce (Cal), Glen Hammond (Emily) and Atticus Lee as well as two great nieces and a great nephew. 

Ray’s legacy of service, his adventurous spirit, and his dedication to his family and craft will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.