RICHARD EDWIN "DICK" HAMER

The family of Dick Hamer announce his passing on October 2, 2023 in Mission Viejo, CA from complications of Parkinson's Disease.

Dick was born in Freeport, IL on November 12, 1948.  He graduated from Aquin Central Catholic High School in 1966 and then earned a BA degree in Marketing & Business Administration at the University of Illinois in Champaign.

Dick had a dream of moving out West, and he made that move in 1973, initiating a career in the motorcycle industry.  As an industry writer/representative, rider, racer, and fan, Dick fueled and fulfilled his passion for motorcycles.   Dick loved adventure and rode, skied, and scuba dived all over the world.  His sports participation included basketball and racquetball.  He loved cactus collecting, creating a cactus garden at every house he lived in.  Tropical birds were also a huge interest, and Dick had a talking Amazon parrot named Harley who he enjoyed for 25 years.  He was a Classic Country music lover, most notably his all-time favorite, Merle Haggard.

In 1989, Dick made a major career change, becoming a licensed real estate broker. He established his business in South Orange County and became a very successful local agent.  Dick met Vivian Higgins in 1995 when she came to work at Prudential California Realty in Mission Viejo, CA.  They began dating within 6 months, married on May 27, 2000, and were never apart for 28 years.  As well as working together in real estate, Dick and Viv enjoyed creating their own adventures together with travel, working on their home and his cactus garden, and spending time with family and friends.

Dick is lovingly remembered by his wife, Vivian Hamer; stepdaughter Jenny (Gary) Kessler & grandson Nathan Brown, stepson Michael (Jaclyn) Higgins; siblings: Joseph Hamer (Gaby Fromm), Sr. Mary Ann Hamer, James (Leigh) Hamer, John (Deb) Hamer, Theresa St. Ores, Joanne (Randy) Weaver; 15 nephews/nieces & their spouses, and 21 great-nephews/nieces.

Dick was predeceased by his parents, Berlen & Anna (Bach) Hamer, an infant brother, and sisters-in-law Dorothea Hamer and Lynn Hamer.

Dick's family members appreciate the gift he was in our lives.  His zest for life, enthusiasm, and sense of adventure entertained, enriched, and inspired us.  He will be deeply missed.

Memorial services celebrating Dick's full life will take place on November 4, 2023 in Lake Forest, CA and on November 11, 2023 in Freeport, IL.  The Freeport Celebration of Life will be held in the Stephenson County Farm Bureau's Lincoln/Douglas Room (use Walnut Avenue entrance), 210 West Spring Street, Freeport IL 61032.  Visitation will begin at 10:00am, followed by the memorial service at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick's memory could be made to your local Parkinson's Foundation.