Remembering Captain Robert James "Roddy" Hammett.

[Shipyard Sam]

On this day, 30 November 1995, Captain Roddy Hammett was senselessly murdered in New Orleans. Of my generation of steamboaters, none was more unique, or talented, than he. Ironically, Roddy died on a day that had happier connotations in the steamboat world: November 30th was also the anniversary of Mark Twain's birth and the launching of the hull of the Steamer MISSISSIPPI QUEEN.

You are missed, Captain Hammett....

[Judy Patsch]

Well said...

Not much to add to your thoughts...Roddy was Roddy. He is sorely missed, but joyfully remembered.

[Frank X. Prudent]

Captain "Doc" described Roddy as a "Renaissance Man" and I can think of no finer compliment to give a person. The heavens cried the day Roddy was laid to rest in the family cemetery at Willow Island.

[Keith Norrington]

Remembering Roddy

Roddy has been much on my mind, today, the 18th anniversary of his shocking and senseless death. Roddy was a unique human being and his gentle and fun-loving spirit is missed by many.

[Keith Norrington]

A "Blast from the Past" Roddy Remembrance

Whilst digging in my archives today, this photo surfaced and I thought it rather timely to share. From a slide, taken in the pilothouse of the Str. BELLE of LOUISVILLE in October, 1972, we have Capt. Clarke "Doc" Hawley, Capt. Roddy Hammett and yours truly, who was calliopist and assistant purser at the time.

Can it REALLY have been 41 years since this picture was snapped?

[Frank X. Prudent]

Nineteen years ago today Roddy lost his life to senseless violence. May he long be remembered and rest in peace. Amen.

[Bob Reynolds]

A picture of Roddy and Ann Zeiger.

http://www.steamboats.org/forum/atta...-roddy-ann.jpg

[Frank X. Prudent]

That photo was taken at Pittsburg Landing the Monday the stock market crashed during October, 1987.

Later that evening Hotel Manager Robin Hixson came up to Roddy, Jeff Spear, and myself as we were sitting up on the sun deck, telling lies, and Robin asked if any of us had an interest in the market.

[Bob Reynolds]

Righto, Frank! I had gotten a silly notion to try a land job, and was working at FedEx. The DQ was making her first trip up the Tennessee in 15 years and I drove over that day to see the boat and my friends. I came down with a very, very bad case of steamboat-itis.

[Lexie Palmore]

The rest of the pictchah

Am I in that picture? See below image.

[Lexie Palmore]

By The Way

That picture is forever burned into my memory, along with the humerous things going on around us, hence the grins. Sam Centanni(?) in the pilot house. Photo by Pat Sullivan. All gone, except moi.

[Shipyard Sam]

"Just a moment in time". JH.

[Shipyard Sam]

Any time around Roddy was a time for silly grins... except for one.

[Frank X. Prudent]

The Captain's Champagne Dinner for that Tennessee River trip was particularly memorable. Commodore "High-pockets" was at the head of the table and Robin Hixson was at the foot. Bud Black, Roddy, Ann, Jeff S., and my self were down near Robin; boy did we have fun. Ann sneezed and Roddy asked, "What's the matter, Ann, shipping fever?" as he placed a knife like a bitt cross-ways in his mouth. Robin sent a dish of hotel sized soap down Commodore's way which caused many a head to be scratched as it was passed from one honored guest to the next. God, it was a fantastic trip!

[Jim Blum]

In the early Ohio River Mornings Mists the Whistle can still be heard for a hundred miles, for a hundred miles...................