William “Lee” Leo Hammond

William “Lee” Leo Hammond, age 70 of West Olive, passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021 at home. He was born on October 30, 1950 in Harrisburg, PA to the late Robert C. and Erma “Colleen” (Duncan) Hammond. Lee married Barbara VanderHeide on August 14, 1976 at Burton Heights Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, MI.

Lee graduated from Hastings High School and then attended college in Santa Cruz, California.  After a successful career in sales, Lee was excited to buy a recycling company in the year 2000. He became busy setting up recycling partnerships with companies to help them cut costs, develop environmental management systems, and accomplish his mission to conserve our natural resources and protect our environment for future generations. Bata Plastics Inc. was a huge success and became the First Silver Level LEED certified Plastics Recycler in North America.

Lee was a member of Second Christian Reformed Church in Grand Haven, and life-time member of Pheasants Forever, Michigan Hunting Dog Federation, and Ruffed Grouse Society. He was an avid outdoorsman and bird-hunter who loved being outside; he enjoyed snow-skiing and attending car shows, and had a passion for classic cars, especially his 1957 Chevy.

Lee will be remembered and missed by his wife of 44 years, Barbara Hammond of West Olive; his three children, Matt (Jamie) Hammond, Anna (Benjamin) Sackrison, and Izaak (Michelle) Hammond; nine grandchildren: Ethan, Alexis, Jaxson, Abby, Alex, Brayden, Madison, Elliot, and Harper; in-laws, Jane VanderHeide and Stuart (Nelleke) VanderHeide; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Nick, Bob, Gerald, and Dennis Hammond; brother-in-law, John S. VanderHeide, Jr.; and sister-in-law, Joan G. Jansma.

The Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2021 at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, Grand Haven, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Masks and Social Distancing will be required. A private family service will be held at Second Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Laura de Jong officiating. Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Historical Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of North Ottawa Community or Love in Action.

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