Granite, Oregon
Loren D. “Butch” Hammer, 35, died in an aviation accident while serving his country in Afghanistan.
His memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Butler Aircraft at the Redmond Airport. Chaplain Vern Arledge of the Redmond Fire and Police departments will officiate.
He was born on Nov. 26, 1969, at Needles, Calif., to William “Mike” and Barbara Hammer. He was very active as a youth in Boy Scouts and attained the level of Eagle Scout.
He was a 1988 graduate of Redmond High School and then served in the U.S. Coast Guard.
While employed at Butler Aircraft at Redmond, he received his pilot’s license and eventually flew DC-7 tankers and various other aircraft, supporting firefighting and smoke-jumping operations.
His latest assignment was as a contractor for Presidential Airways, piloting Casa 212s in support of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan. His interests included aviation, scuba diving, music, skydiving, kayaking and hiking.
Survivors include his father, William “Mike” Hammer of Granite; his mother, Barbara Hammer of Redmond; sisters, Holly Shima of Sacramento, Calif., and Kristy Holcomb of Redmond; and brother, Daniel Hammer of Bend; five nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.
Contributions may be made at any branch of US Bank in memory of Loren “Butch” Hammer for scholarships for young student pilots.
Autumn Funerals of Redmond is in charge of arrangements.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, December 10, 2004
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor