Carl Hammond Obituary

I knew Max when he was working at Los Alamos National Laboratory. We were in the same group. He was so funny and delightful to be around. He is missed. RIP, dear Max.

We will not forget. I drive by the house on occasion and always remember. RIP !

Max, every morning I pass by your plaque as I make my way through Slichter Hall and smile. Today, on the 18th year anniversary I paused and spoke to you and told you how much you are still missed. Rest in Peace!

Hi Max, your memory lives in my heart forever. I recall the tailgates to the Dodger games with all the IGPP crew from UCLA. You kept us laughing! May you continue to Rest in Peace!

Miss you my friend. Always enjoyed working together at sfr scca events while you lived out in California

Not too long before 9/11 I (a UMC pastor) officiated over Carl Max's grandmother's funeral. After the funeral everyone gathered for a great meal. It was there that I got to get to know Max as he shared stories of growing up in Huntsville, studying physics, and rebuilding the Mustang. I found Max to be a real human and charming. We lost a great person that day when we were attacked. Many fond memories of a great man.

Max, it is 15 years after your passing. I worked in your group at SRI International and I wanted others to see an article about your accomplishments on p. 7 of this PDF:

https://www.sri.com/sites/default/files/brochures/apr-02.pdf

Thanks again for the book you brought in for my son to have about video game programming. You were his "rocket scientist hero," back then, and I really appreciated that kind gesture. I am sorry the world lost such a wonderful person and brilliant mind.

Fourteen years later, we still mourn.

Today I am thinking of the friends and family of Max. I will be praying for comfort and srength for you as we all still try to comprehend the senselessness of the acts committed that day. Love from Texas.

Max was a wonderful friend. We were high school friends together long ago. He had great patience and a wonderful sense of humor. He actually taught me how to drive a stick shift car in his amazing blue, restored mustang! He never lost his cool while encouraging me to shift into the next gear as we circled the Grissom parking lot! He was an amazing person who the world lost far too early! I remember you Max and miss you.

Mr. and Mrs. Hammond and family, I'm sure this day must be tough for you. I really don't remember if I ever met y'all but I know you know my brother Don. I just wanted to let you know how much Max was loved by our family. My wife and I visited NYC for the first time earlier this summer. We went to the 9/11 Memorial and I had to find Max's name. It was certainly emotional looking at it and brought back memories. I always enjoyed talking to Max when he was at our house or when I'd visit at Georgia Tech. He was a great person and is missed.

Remembering Carl and all who perished on the horrific day, in 2001, God be with their families today and always...

It is almost that day again. I remember you. I shall always remember you.

Thinking of you so much during this timeframe of the 10th anniversary. I have such fond memories of hanging out with with you, your friends, and mustangs in Huntsville. Your true kindness at all times will always remembered.

I have very fond memories of Max at UCLA. I remember the tailgates at Dodger stadium with Lee, Steve, Debbie, Patty, Todd and many others. We at IGPP will never forget you.

We will never forget Max, all of us at MITRE remember him fondly. Its hard to believe its been ten years today.

Ten years ago today we all lost a very dear, sweet, kind and generous soul. Max you are so very missed. I feel blessed to have met and worked with you at SRI. You made work fun and always gave so much of yourself! I still have that photo on my bulletin board of you and Gregg in the grass skirts and coconuts that I had you wear to celebrate the completion of the Wave Tank project! Remember how embarassed you were. But you were such a good sport (as always) when you turned and gave me that sweet, mischievous smile of yours as I tied the skirt and coconuts around you. I will never forget that smile. Those of us who were fortunate enough to have had you in our lives even for a brief moment were forever changed because of you. Mr. and Mrs. Hammond, I am so sad for your loss, but want you to know how very much Max touched all of our lives. He was a joy to be around, he was the best!

Watching the 9/11 memorial this morning. I never knew anyone with our last name had passed in this horrible tragedy. God Bless Mr.Hammond and his Family !!

I knew Max from playing football at age 9. Our paths crossed a few times thereafter to include high school. I am still shocked to this day to find out Max is gone. As we wake tomorrow to the 10 year anniversary of 9/11, I pray for Max, his family and all those affected directly and indirectly. God Bless!

I would like the family and friends of Carl Max Hammond, Jr. to know that people in Derry, New Hampshire, remember him. Tomorrow is the 10th anniversary, and the Derry Fire and Police are hosting a memorial service to honor all those who died. Max was new to Derry and I did not have the pleasure of meeting him. But every time I've passed his house in the past 10 years, I think about your tragic loss. I wish you peace!

Im wearing the rememberence bracelet in honor of Max, From all things Ive read about him he was a wonderful guy and son. Although I never met him in person I feel I know him spiritually, and one day will meet him. God Bless Max
Nina Lott
Jacksonville Beach,Fl

to the family of max hammond,
i was shocked when i found out that max was on flight 175. when i think about the days from grissom band, i remember how max played the bass trombone. since i am a bass trombonist, i often hope that max may be smiling down on me when i play. that along with talking mustangs are what i remember about max hammond.
bj mcgibney

with my deepest sympathies very sorry for the loss of a former classmate.. God Speed Max! :D

Dear Max:

Bin Laden was killed!! Justice is served…

Let’s celebrate, let’s have bonfire as we had in LA…

Thinking of you with sad memory.

Naiguo
4 May, 2011

Dear Max,
I walked down the halls of Slichter Hall at UCLA this past week and many happy thoughts of you came to my mind. The tailgates at the Dodger games. Just want your family to know that you are never forgotten. Sandra Topete-Hernandez

To the family of Carl Max Hammond:
Carl gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our heroes of September 11 be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you.
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Mr. and Mrs. Hammond
I think of you often, especially on this day. Some of the best times of my life were due to Max being a part of them. I hope he knew how much he means to so many people. But knowing Max, he would just downplay like he did when something was said about him that embarrased him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers always.

Dear Mr and Mrs. Hammond:
It's hard to believe 8 years have passed. I'm still working at UCLA where I knew Max. I think of him often, and most especially today. Best regards to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Debbie Musselman

I went to high school (GHS '84) with Max ~ a fellow trombone player. Max was a wonderful guy and a friend to all that knew him. His love of cars and music are two things I will always remember... a kind soul is always greatly missed but has touched many lives. I miss you, Max!

I am friends with someone who worked with him at UCLA and he was on the way back to Los Angeles on the 2nd plane. I am so sorry for the loss of Carl Max, his poems are so beautiful. May God continue to bless his soul and fly high above us protecting us.

Still thinking of you guys and keeping you in my prayers. I love you and God bless you,
Allie

Mr. and Mrs. Hammond,
Still hard to think about. Read the beautiful tribute from one of the students from IGPP...wow! so many years have passed and yet, it is still fresh...i can't imagine what you are going thru. The gentle giant....miss him, still.

God Bless you Fellow Tiger.

just watched the twin towers movie... it doesnt get any easier.. you were a wonderful man and we all loved you that knew you

In memory....

As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.

God Bless the Hammond family.Your in my prayers.I hope you find peace and happiness.Iam very sorry for your loss

Mr. & Mrs. Hammond,

I don't know if you will remember me or not, but I know you will recognize the name; my mother and Sue were very dear friends (Juanita Clements). I am Juanita's daughter (June Clements Crossfield). We are still in Huntsville; I'm married and have a 11 year old son. Daddy is still in Huntsville and my sister, Faye, and her family are here as well (actually in Meridianville).



I cannot begin to express my heartfelt sympathy, love, and compassion I feel for you and your family and what you must still be going through. I didn't realize Max was one of the 911 victims until Daddy (James Clements) put it all together. I heard the local news media say Max's name and a graduate of Grissom, but it didn't click with me that it was Max Hammond that I crew up with until Daddy called me. I broke down and cried and prayed for you and your family. I wanted to call you, but didn't know how to get in touch with you. Please know you have been in our thoughts and prayers over the years, and today is such a horrible memory of that day. I remember all the good times our families spent together, and I remember how much my mother loved you and your husband. Mother passed away in 1992; she died peacefully in her sleep. It was a day I was not prepared for, and a day I will never forget.



We think of you often and pray you all are doing well. I was on the CNN website this morning and found this website. I immediately logged on and found this information on Max. He looks just like his Daddy!! :-) I know you are so proud of him and his accomplishments; he was obviously a very intellient young man.



I'm sure today is a very difficult day for your family; we love you and are thinking of you and praying for you. I pray God is with you today -- and always.



If you ever get back to Huntsville, please look us up; we all would love to see you.



Love,

June

A Memory Never Too Late

Even though September 11th was five years ago, my memory of Dr. Carl Max Hammond has never faded. I've always wanted to write something for him, but for some reason, the words have until now failed to come out. One reason is because I'm afraid my English is too inadequate to properly express my feelings. Yet moreover, another reason is that I have too many memories of him that I simply didn't know where or how to start. But as the years go by, I know that I must release myself of this weight and share my thoughts of Max with all those who cherish his memory.

I met Max when we were both graduate students at UCLA from 1998 to 1993. After graduation, I only saw him once in 1995, when he worked at SRI in Bay Area.

While at UCLA, Max was a good friend to all the foreign students at the IGPP (Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics), especially to Chinese students like me. He often expressed his interest in Chinese culture and history, including a fascination with Chairman Mao. He also told me that he one day wanted to go climb the Great Wall. I especially remember Max's love for children. Every holiday, he always bought gifts for all the children of his classmates and colleagues. The kids loved Max, and also looked forward to playing with him. My daughter, even though she is already in college now, still remembers him most fondly. Max was also a great event organizer. He selflessly devoted much time and spirit in organizing many student events at the IGPP, such as parties, games, picnics, etc. Also among Max's talents was his skill with cars. And he was always generous will his skill. He helped us shop for our first used cars once, and offered to fix it whenever I had problems with it. Together, we spent five wonderful years at UCLA. He was always optimistic, personable, laughing, and happy as if nothing worried him at all.

A couple days after September 11th, when I first found out that Max was on Flight 175 from Boston to Los Angeles, I was in complete shock. I could not believe that this could have happened to one of my good friends. He was so young, had just gotten his Ph. D a few years ago, and was just beginning to make his contribution to the world. Even today, I am still in some disbelief. I would like to think that in many ways, he is still alive and that I just haven't seen him in a long time.

However, now and then, thoughts of Max and his passing inevitably creep up. A few years ago, I bought a house in Los Angeles, which happened to be very close to the place Max once lived at when he was student at UCLA. Now every time I pass that place, I always think about him and how he once was there. Also, last summer when my daughter came back from vacationing in China bringing back Chairman Mao souvenirs, I instantly thought of Max and how he would have liked them.

Yet, whenever these thoughts come, I comfort myself by thinking of a saying in China: No one can avoid death. However, the significance of death is very different. Some one can be heavier than Tai Mountain, while some one else can be lighter than a feather.

I see the life of Max as heavier than Tai Mountain, for I know his spirit will never disappear.
He is in heaven now, watching over us.

Photo caption 1: Best of times at UCLA. Eight great, freshly minted Ph.D's at graduation in1993. Max is second from right, while I am the one far left and Greg Crawford is one wearing the sunglass.

Young we were, schoolmates, at life's full flowering

Hello, My name is Keith Hammond from Flagstaff, Arizona. My wife and I took a trip to ground zero in June 2006 and I could not help but see if their was a Hammond that died on that fateful day. Sure enough Max's name was there. For two months I have thought about what type of person he was so I decided to find out today. Wow what a man! I can only express my deepest sympathy to Max's family. Please know that the County has not forgotten your sacrifice. I will pray for you on the five year anniversary. I will leave you will a quote that was written with a black sharpy on a steel fence post at ground zero. "You can destroy our buildings but you can't destroy our foundation."

God bless you!

Though I did not know Max, my thoughts and prayers are with you this day as we remember. God Bless you.

May God Keep You know that you are in my thoughts and Prayers.

My girlfriend and I just bought a 1988 Mustang with only 68K miles on it. I looked up Hammond to find the manufactuter of the hatchbach louvers which we need parts for. I do not believe in co-incidences and it is remarkable that Mr. Hammond's hobby happens to be Mustangs too!



I am so sorry for your loss. We look forword to meeting Him when it is our time to pass.

As we come upon the two year anniversary of your tragic loss, I wanted to send my condolences to your family. I have a memory of Max from high school as a nice little freshman boy, when I was a senior. It's wonderful to hear of all of the accomplishments that he had in his short life. May God be with your family and may you smile at every rememberance of him.

Thank you for sharing beautiful poetry writen by Carl....It touched me.



May God Bless and Keep you!



Love Sonja (Marilyn Howell Dicksons, Oldest Daughter)

I was looking for Hammonds on the internet when I came across Carl's web site. Although we never met, it sounds like he was a good man. This note is to convey my condolences and to say that after reading about Carl I am more proud then ever to also have the same last name as your son.

The poem Hope is beautiful. I wonder if Max somehow, knew in his heart, that he would pass in such a dramatic and devistating way. His poem has so touched my heart. Thank you for sharing it with the country. Although I didn't know Max, I was drawn to his profile. He obiviously has a very loving family who misses him terribly. I will always think of Max and all the other heros of that awful day in September. I pray you receive Peace from God and that with time, happy memories have replaced your terrible nightmare.

God Bless

May your memories of Carl help you find peace and strength. May his spirit guide you through the difficult times.



Melissa Hayes

From reading the other entries, I see that Carl's friends called him Max. Though our family did not know him, we were introduced to him through our church this past weekend. On Wednesday, we lifted Max and his family in prayer - our two-year-old son walked with me to the front of the church and placed a memorial card at the alter in honor of Max. Our pledge is for continued thoughts and prayers for Max, his family and friends. It sounds like he is very much alive in those who knew him. As a teacher, I love the story about Max challenging his teacher at such a young age. We will continue to celebrate his life. We will never forget.

Max was just this incredibly funny guy who always could get me to laugh. You know the kind of laughter where you fall down and your insides hurt. Max could do that in an email. We worked together at Los Alamos and we even thought of going into business together when "real" jobs were scarce. Knowing Max was one of the many things that made life good. Sometimes I think of something funny about the world and I find myself thinking "hey, I should tell Max about that 'cause he'd get a laugh out of that." I still miss you man.



Earl Scime

To Carl's family. Our church St. Francis of Assisi in San Jose, Ca. will have a memorial service on Sept. 11, bookmarks were created one for each person that was lost to us on that tragic day. I have selected Carl's name, I'm so glad to have the opportunity to read something about him. I will pray for Carl, and his family, everyday from Sept.11 thru Oct. 11th and always. God bless you all

he sounds just like me love to tinker never finish i was really touched by his story

On June 10, 2002, 1 mile was walked to honor the life of Carl and all the family, friends and loved ones he left behind. May you find some comfort in knowing that you do not grieve alone.



Carl, may you now be able to complete your mustang with gods help, may you rest in peace, you will never be forgotten.

Mr. Hammond,

It's so odd to find out so much about a man that i knew for so long. Thank you....I never knew that Max wrote poems. They are beautiful poems...thank you. There is a woman in Louisiana who wears a bracelet that has Max's name on it...in rememberance and respect. She has enlisted in the Navy. She and I have been corresponding because she wanted to know about the person behind the bracelet. Your son was so much more than my memories...and there are so many memories of him. Yes, a normal life...that would have been great...and the wife that he would have married...i'm sorry. So much life has passed by in these months...and still i look at the pictures and at the things that happen...i hope that you go to the other site... http://www.karmicgrace.com/

she changes it from time to time...and the addition of the towers of light is beautiful. I have no way of knowing how you are feeling...i know that i still cry when i read the things that people write. Perhaps it's just that I am older (42) and seeing all kinds of friends and family leaving....i don't know. My heartfelt support goes to you and your family...i know that "intrusion" is a thrown around word...but, if you would have asked Max...you would have known, my debt to him goes to you...and i AM indebted to you and your family...*sigh*...i'm at home, right now...with a stupid cold...BLECH!...but, i send you my support...and my well wishes. I still have an email for you and your family...if you want me to, i can ask and send the email address to the woman who wears max's bracelet. Don't post your personal information...this is too open...but, i could get it a round about way thru UCLA (i still work there) or thru Steve Petrenec or one of the other guys...*cyber hugs* Patricia Raley

p.s. i'll try to find some of the old photos and send them to you...if you would like

Our hearts go out to you in this time of sorrow. Seeing this picture of your son brings chills to me. I can't ever imagine lossing a child. I will always keep you in my prayers.

Our son Carl Max Hammond Jr was on United Flight 175 that crashed into World Trade Center. Max was born and graduated from high school in Huntsville, AL. He earned an undergraduate degree from Georgia Tech and a PhD in Physics from UCLA then worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory in Mew Mexico, SRI International In California and finally at MITRE Corp. in Massachusetts. On moving East in early 2001 he purchased a home in Derry, New Hampshire and settled down to what he considered a normal life - one in which there was space to have a home with enough space around it to breathe without your neighbor hearing you. Max not only found in New Hampshire the space he wanted but people and a political climate he liked.



Max had many interests outside his work environment, including auto racing - both NASCAR and SCCA (he was a track inspector "Scrutineer" for Sports Car Club of America); WWF wrestling; poetry; metal forming; welding (he completed a welding course at a NH trade school a short time before his death); auto restoration; reading classic literature; poetry and many other interests.



Below are four poems written by Max. Hope was published in 1979 (Max's Freshman year).in the Grissom High School, Huntsville, AL publication SEED. Midwinter Morning and Master Craftsman were published in the SEED in 1982 (Max's senior year). Sunrise was written when he was twelve years old on a chalkboard to his sister's dorm room the day we moved her in for her freshman year of college. Max started writing poetry and short stories as a child. The poem HOPE is surprisingly descriptive of his death and the renewed patriotism and spirit of cooperation among diverse groups. Max had a very strong belief that individuals should be judged by the quality of the person and not by external appearance or position.



HOPE

The earth erupts in savage fury

The land and oceans tremble

Man~{!/~}s buildings, his creations,

his world

all are gone.

His ultimate dream is filled

for he is dead.

But among the crumpled buildings and

sweeping fires

Among the utter destruction, the horrible

terror,

In the night

A child is crying.

Max Hammond



Midwinter Morning

The water of the pond,

stained brown from the soil of the earth

laps gently at cattails

beckoning them to play.

Beyond, Silhouetted against the cold gray sky,

bare branches wave good-bye

to the silent birds above

making their way gracefully toward the newborn sun.

From a twisted walnut tree,

a gray furball of a squirrel darts up

eagerly eying the view,

He leaps and joins the morning.

Max Hammond



Master Craftsman

The controlled rhythm of his hammer

provides the backbeat for the music of his trade.

The crackles and sizzles of forming metal

make staccato runs through the score.

His sanding provides a consistent melody

as his saw shrieks and screams and rips through the scale.

Hammering, forming, sanding, make the music.

Blood and sweat are the conductors

to the Master Craftsman's symphony.

Max Hammond



Max was in the Grissom HS Marching, Symphonic, and Jazz bands.

"Master Craftsman" won second place, Senior Division, 1981 HLA (Huntsville Literary Association) Young Writers Contest.



Sunrise

Life may get tough at times

But you must always look forward

Never toward the setting sun

for it is only a depressant

But toward the rising sun

for sunrise holds tomorrow

Max Hammond

Although I was never fortunate to meet Carl, I discovered soon after the tragedy, we were neighbors. I feel a profound sense of loss for not having a chance to welcome him to the neighborhood when he moved in a few months before the attacks. And during the week-end, when his family came to New Hampshire to collect his personal belongings, I really wanted to offer my condolence to them. But I didn't want to intrude during a difficult time. So to the family and friends of Carl Max Hammond, I want to express heart-felt sympathy for your loss.

Max worked with us at the SCCA sports car races in the San Francisco Region. He spent most of the time working on the Tech crew checking the race cars but also worked for my crew on the corners from time to time.

He was quiet and thoughtful and respected for his work and positive attitude.

We miss him and there was a sharing of thoughts about him last weekend at Thunderhill Raceway.

EVEN THOUGH WE NEVER MET CARL, MY PRAYERS ARE WITH CARL AND HIS FAMILY. MY COUSIN WAS SUPPOSE TO MARRY CARL AND WAS DEEPLY SADDENED BY HIS DEATH. SEPTEMBER 11TH, IS A DAY WE WILL NEVER FORGET.

To the family of Max Hammond,



My heart goes out to you in your time of loss. I worked for MITRE, and was in the pentagon on 9/11. As a defense worker, Max died while working hard for his country, a nobel cause. He will always be remembered for that.



Lisa

America Cries

We see your sorrow-

and our hearts cry....

We can not erase your pain

but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-

-the American people-

are beside you.

We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,

the strength that gives you courage,

and the words to lighten your spirits.

And when we are left speechless

may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts

to ease your sorrow.

May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-

-the American people-

face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn

Dixon, IL

odd, it's been a month...as i heard quoted on the radio...it seems like yesterday and it seems like years ago. I was walking on campus..comming back from workout and I had a nasty shock. Even after all this time...even after so much reality...I saw a group of young students coming toward me at Kerkoff...Lauphing and joking and teasing each other, they spoke about the latest theory..they argued in good humor. Some more quiet, some more loud...so much ahead of them and now in this moment they only spoke of that theory that they studied and debated. A group came to mind of Greg, Leland, Steve, Max...how they once walked to get the afternoon coffee and argued over their views. A pang, a memorty, a smile. Good friends. Good comrades. Still remembered.

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

CARL MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

May God's Peace Be With Him We Share The Same Last Name And I Just Wanted To Let You Know I Care. We'll All Be Okay Because Jesus Rose On THE THird Day. God Bless Us All. Take Care.

Max Hammond was a big man with a deep bass voice from Alabama. He was proud of his heritage and loved working with Nascar as an Inspector. He was getting on the plane for a business trip to LA. He wouldn't judge anybody harshly, but, would stand up for what he thought was right. Max was a great friend...a true friend. The last time that he was in to Los Angeles he was proud because he had just moved and now had a house and a garage where he could tinker on his car. I couldn't believe that he was gone. I called his home and his cell phone and was unsure what to say because his deep voice answered my calls. Are you sure that he didn't somehow survive? Reality hit with a vengence...and still...it's hard to believe. My heart goes out to his mom and dad. When my dad died, at least I had the comfort of his remains...how much harder it must be to only have the memory. What a waste of a good person.