Submitted by his sister

Kelly was the ‘little brother’ that was adopted into our family at the time of birth. He died August 26‚ 2003‚ in a van accident on the way home after fighting the ‘South Fork Fire’ in Idaho. Kelly is remembered as a good friend by many.

He was born in Portland‚ Oregon June 8‚ 1965. He was raised and lived his live in Beaverton‚ Oregon. Kelly loved the outdoors‚ including fishing and hunting. He‚ at times‚ found it difficult to find his ‘place’ in life. He did struggle with the difficulties in his life and as a result wanted his independence at an early age. Through all of this‚ Kelly seemed to be getting his life straightened out. He was a very hard worker and when he took on a job‚ he did it well. He enjoyed his job as a firefighter and because of this he made many friendships with his coworkers.

Kelly was preceded in death by his mother‚ Patricia J. Hammer‚ June 1984; his father Richard R. Hammer‚ died 4 months (December 2003) after Kelly’s death. He is survived by two sisters‚ Lori L. Kyser and Kim J. Carlson. Kelly will be truly missed by his sisters and all his friends. He is finally ‘free’ to live his life with those in his family and friends who have passed on.