The Ontario Trucking Association is offering its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Muskoka Transport founder Paul Hammond, who passed away on May 24 at the age of 79.
Paul was a former chair of the Ontario Trucking Association, where his leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on the OTA and its Board of Directors. In 2002, he received the prestigious OTA Service to Industry Award, the highest honour in the trucking industry.
Paul was the beloved husband of Shirley (Parsons) for 63 years. He was a proud and devoted father to Kelly (Jim) and Darcy (Mia). He was an especially proud grandfather to Emily (Robert), Tomas (Sarah), and the very best great-grandfather to little Grace, who could always bring out his smile.
“Grandpa and Grandma built a life centered around family, hard work, and community. From a young age, side by side, while raising two young children together they built Muskoka Transport from the ground up through determination, resilience, and countless long hours,” stated a family obituary. “Through their work, they created opportunities for his family, as well as countless others. Supporting many people along the way and earned the respect and admiration of the community they loved so deeply.”
Thanks in part to Paul, the Hammond name today is synonymous with Muskoka. He dedicated much of his life to serving and strengthening the community and beyond. Beyond trucking and the OTA, he was a respected and decorated member of numerous clubs, committees, and organizations throughout the years, including the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Rotary Club of Bracebridge. Whether through fundraising, volunteering, mentoring, or simply showing up whenever someone needed support, he believed deeply in giving back.
There will be a private family interment at the Bracebridge Municipal Cemetery, on Monday, June 1, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 1-5pm at the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre (main auditorium), 56 Salmon Avenue, Bracebridge.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s memory may be made to Hospice Muskoka – Andy’s House.