This morning my grandfather, the Rev. William C. Hamm, passed away.

To say he was a great man would be an understatement. Grandpa Hamm seemed to draw from an inexhaustible well of kindness, patience, and love. He always had encouragement to offer and laughter to share. He had a deep-rooted joy in the Lord, family, and life. He was the real deal.

He was (and is) a treasure to me, his family, and those who knew him. He had a tremendous influence on me and his example will continue to guide me for years to come.

Our loss is much, much greater than these few sentences convey. I will miss him.

“The Reverend William C. Hamm, aged 77 of Wyoming, crossed into The Kingdom at 9:17 a.m. on December 1, 2011. Bill is survived by his wife of 56 years Deanna; children, Debbie Schulz of Ludington, MI, Don (Melody), of Shipshewana, IN, Jeff of Wyoming, MI, Richard (Becky) of Niles, MI; brother Brewster Hamm of Ada, MI; sisters Cynthia Simpson of CA , Sara (James) Majeske of FL; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Bill attended Michigan State University graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. Bill then attended Bexley School of Divinity in Ohio and was ordained in 1962, serving churches in Michigan and Montana. He served the Episcopal Church his entire life until recently being slowed down by illness. Bill started building model aircraft during WWII, a passion for aviation that continued his entire life.”