On behalf of The Second Sixties Outdoor Club

A Message of Condolences written by Linda Hulak, SSOC President

Saturday, January 23, 2021

Otto Hammer was a long-time, respected and admired Member of the Second Sixties Outdoor Club. Everyone enjoyed Otto’s companionship on the trails. When he boarded the bus to go to a hiking destination, Otto’s tall stature and ever-present smile was a welcomed greeting to all. He volunteered to lead many group of hikers whether they were at the beginners’ or higher levels of trekking. Otto was knowledgeable, laughed easily and shared many good stories with us. We will all miss Otto Hammer’s physical presence on the trails but our fond memories of Otto will walk along with us.

Dear Astrid, Mark, Nathanael, Josiah, Ethan, Christianna, and the rest of the Hammer families,

Our deepest condolences again to you all. What an honour and blessing it was to have had Otto in your lives. He was far more talented and accomplished than I had thought. He has left you all a great legacy and I can see in you so much of him as you have described his virtues and his many interests. In you he will live one. He will be greatly missed. Hopefully you will find comfort in his peacefulness and that he packed a lot of great life into his time with you. We're always here for you.

Love as always,

-Annemarie, Peter, Matthew, and Adam

I knew Otto from working occasionally with him usually on rehabilitations projects in Banff. I remember him as intelligent and cheerful. Could get a chuckle out of a lot of things. I can hear than chuckle now!

Perry Davis

Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of your father, Tracy.

Pat & Dave Cross

It’s with much sympathy I send this heartfelt message from my family to yours. We were blessed to know Otto from our families’ gatherings. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of celebrating his life and at the same time, grieving. And then it is a comfort to know he his with the Lord. From Don and Dina, Rachel, Lydia and Ruth Kidd

" I met Otto when I became a member of Second Sixties Outdoor Club in 2014. Otto was a quiet man on the trail but he had a great sense of direction that really helped me among others who were new to many of the mountain trails. In reading the wonderful details in his obituary I now understand his large knowledge base, and love of the mountains and the outdoor world. My condolences to Otto's family and also respect for his life of service. Wendy Kraft, Calgary

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

You lost a wonderful man.

Love Agnes

Hi Rhea,

We are sad to hear about the passing of Otto.

May God Bless you and your family.

All our love.

Meina and Art Dubetz

Very sorry to hear of Otto's passing and have fond memories of meeting him when I joined the Calgary Parks Office. Found we had similar work backgrounds in project planing and chatted often .... he was a very likeable man.

Bob Thrale

January 16, 2021

I am saddened to learn of Otto’s passing. During the many years we worked together at Parks Canada, Otto was always cheerful, upbeat and to have known and worked with him was a great privilege. He will be missed!

Rhea and Family: Saddened to read of Otto's passing. A gentle man and a gentleman. He left his mark by functioning as a very, very good gardner. His memory will continue to bloom beyond our own years. Rest in peace. Joseph Lothian and family

Dear Hammer family,

I used to babysit the wonderful "Hammer girls'. I have fond memories of the whole family; braiding hair, playing games, giggling and eating the worlds best apple cake. I particularly remember the kindness of both Mr. and Mrs. Hammer.

My sincere sympathies for the loss of your husband/dad. May all of your treasured memories comfort you at this time and in the days ahead.

Hugs from Debbie Stahl (Silbernagel)

I learned of your dear father when I was a student in University, studying the new wildlife overpasses. After my conservation biology degree, I pursed landscape design and horticulture. Needless to say, Otto Hammer was a name that came up often and always in words of kindness and respect. What a legacy that reached far and wide! My sincerest condolences to his loved wife, children, and grandchildren.

I worked with Otto at Parks in Calgary. Being in the Contracts section, I had many dealings with him. He was so respectful and always had a smile on his face. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

I am sorry to hear of Otto's death. My condolences to his family at this difficult time.

I knew Otto through the Second Sixties and often sought out the group of hikers or XC skiers that he had joined, or was leading, so that I could chat with him and enjoy his company. His knowledge of botany and wildlife was quite amazing. And he was was always modest and friendly to all.

I last saw Otto about this time last year. He and I were enjoying the skiing at Conferation Park. As always Otto was smiling his wonderful smile.

Auf Wiedersehen Otto! We miss you... Peter Clare

I am so sorry to hear of Otto's passing....his friendly smile, a warm chuckle....always good for a chat and a laugh...his work was admired by all and it was my pleasure to have worked with him in Parks regional office. Micheline and I extend our sincerest condolences to his family.

Brian and Micheline Deezar

My heart is with the entire Hammer family.

I too had the great pleasure of knowing Otto through the Calgary office of Parks Canada when he was part of the dedicated unit, until his retirement. We first worked together on revegetation research in the mid 70s. Later I was always delighted to hear when we were assigned to the same project team. He shared a blue fescue from his garden with us. A quiet man, a man of great personal strength, and a friend. The portrait of his smiling face shows that twinkle in his eyes never faded. Garth joins me in extending our most sincere condolences. We hope you take some comfort in knowing that friends are sharing the sorrow of your loss.

From Lee Tremblay, SSOC

My condolences to Otto’s family. In the brief time I have had the pleasure of hiking and snowshoeing with Otto in the Second Sixties, I usually chose to hike with the group that Otto was in, to enjoy his company, his cheery outlook, and his vast knowledge of the plant life of the mountains. Rest and hike in peace, Otto - we miss you.

- LEE -

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Otto Hammer. We worked closely together on the Bow Valley Parkway and Johnston Canyon projects in the late 70s and early 80s. He always had a twinkle in his eye and was willing to listen to the much-less-experienced me. When I retired to Calgary, he always remembered me and welcomed me to Parks retirees' events. My sincere condolences go to the family. Elizabeth Seale

Truly a shock to hear of Otto's passing. Having worked with Otto, I know him as a caring and compassionate to those with whom he associated. Dedicated to his profession, he will be missed by all who knew him.

Pat Glover,

I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Otto's family. I worked side by side with Otto at the Parks Canada office in Calgary and Otto was such a gentleman, friend and mentor over the 20 years that we worked together. I fondly remember Otto working tirelessly on the various picnic areas, campgrounds and of course his pride and joy- The Johnston Canyon Trail. He was very proud to have been involved with the alignment and the details of the trail route. Johnston Canyon Trail reflects what Otto stood for: diligence, integrity and sound personal judgment. Rest Otto.

So very sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed seeing Otto on our Second Sixties hikes and winter outings, he was such a kind and gentle man and will be missed.

Happy Trails Otto.....

Any time I am on a trail in Banff or Jasper, I will be thinking of Mr. Hammer. What a legacy he has left along with his beautiful wife and family! My condolences to your family. May you be welcomed into God's arms.

I had the privilege of working with Otto for many years. He continually astonished us all with his professionalism and creativity. It is not surprising that he became an active volunteer; that is reflective of his caring personality.

Like many of my former colleagues and friends, I enjoyed many conversations with Otto about projects we had on our desks. Otto supported environmental protection ideas and tried to consider them in all his projects. He was a real gentleman. I'm really sorry to learn that our friend (and what a volunteer) has passed away. My condolences go to his family. I had a few chuckles being reminded of the great lengths to which love can take people across the continents and seas. So long Otto, see you on a future trail!

My condolences to the family on Otto's passing. I enjoyed many hours of his company while hiking, skiing and riding on the bus. He had extensive and interesting knowledge to share about the outdoors and a wonderful sense of humour. I particularly enjoyed his comments about the various projects he was involved in as we went past the various sites in the park.

Edwin Mikulcik SSOC

I was fortunate to have known Otto while out cross-country skiing with our outdoor group. I most enjoyed his sense of humour and great laugh. He will be dearly missed. My sincere condolences to his family and close friends.

I spent time on the trail with Otto. I was inspired by his skiing prowess, gentle nature and his love of the outdoors. Blessings to you and your family.

-Liz DeLong of SSOC

So very sorry to hear of Otto's passing. I have fond memories of him in the Parks Canada Western Regional Office. and sometimes we had great discussions over many topics. He was a gentle and kind man with a good sense of humour..

My sincere condolences to his family.

So sorry to hear of his passing.i enjoyed being on hikes with him.he knew all the wild flowers by name.kathy bangay

So... sorry to hear about Otto passing. I loved his laugh and sense of humour. I will never forget him.

Margaret and I pray that God will fill you with His peace, Rie! I have many fond memories of how you and Otto made me feel at home with your great cooking and good conversations when I stayed at you place. I know he and you both loved our lord and the Church, especially your home church. You are in our thoughts and prayers. John and Margaret Kapteyn

Dear Rie and family,

So sorry for your loss. We pray that you each experience peace in God’s abiding presence, comfort from the community He’s placed around you, and hope through His never changing word.

Love and prayers, Ken and Christina Labbé

The news of Otto's passing is a shock. He was a year younger than me, and always seemed so strong a hiker in the Second Sixties Outdoor Club. I remember him in the Summer of 2017 – I have a photo of him sitting beside me after going up Johnston Canyon – with ice creams! Also in September 2018 – on the Stanley Glacier Trail. I have a photo of him with his group on a wooden bridge over a river we crossed on our way down. Should any friend of Otto or family member wish to have these please email me at kbdixon@mac.com Keith Dixon Jan 7th 2021