skip navigation

In Memoriam

In Memory of Robert (Robby) William Kaufman

Robert (Robby) William Kaufman
December 6, 1981 - December 31, 2021
Orting, Washington

On Friday December 31, 2021, Robert "Robby" William Kaufman, loving husband, and father of two young boys, passed away at the young age of 40. 

Robby was born to Robert and Donna Kaufman on December 6, 1981, in Columbus, Ohio. He was the oldest of 3 siblings to his brothers Christopher and Brandyn. He graduated from Gig Harbor High School in 2000. He then went onto College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business (graduated 2004) while playing hockey. He was team captain his junior and senior year. Robby worked in all different avenues over the years until he found his career at home operating his family's ice rink.

Robby has been married to his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Tara, since June of 2005. They have spent 24 total years together as a couple. Together they have two sons, Logyn (14) and Ryder (11).

To say that Robby has a fondness for sports is an understatement. While he enjoyed all sports throughout his life, nothing compared to his deep love of hockey. He started playing as a young boy, transitioning into college, then men's league and never stopped. He took his love for the sport a step further and began coaching. Once his sons were old enough he coached their teams too. Over the years, Robby has coached many teams and began volunteering his time and knowledge by being involved at the state association level. He has held the title of West Side Vice President for Pacific Northwest Amateur Hockey Association (PNAHA) for 5 years.

He will forever be missed and in all the hearts of the kids he coached in Hockey and Lacrosse. Although he never played lacrosse, his boys love it and he learned everything he could about it to help them.
Robby has had a profound impact on so many lives throughout the years. His willingness to help in any capacity will be greatly missed. Robby's legacy will live on through his wife- Tara; his sons- Logyn and Ryder; his parents-Rob and Donna; his brothers- Chris and Brandyn & Haley and his nephews and nieces- Jonah and Eli Gilbert and Campbell, Kenley, and Collins Kaufman. Loved by many Aunts and Uncles and cousins all over Washington and Ohio and Texas.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that you help support his love of hockey by donating to Tacoma Jr Hockey Association in name of his kids Logyn and Ryder.

In Memory of Drucilla (Dru) Hammond

Drucilla (Dru) Ann Hammond 
December 11, 1953 - February 5, 2021 
Richland, Washington

Dru (Dixon) Hammond, 67, of Kennewick, WA, passed away on February 5, 2021 with her husband of 45 years by her side. Dru was born on December 11, 1953 at Maynard Hospital in Seattle, WA to Thomas and Barbara Dixon. Dru graduated from McCall-Donnelly High School in 1972 and attended college at the University of Idaho.

Dru married Roy Hammond on August 16, 1975. Dru and Roy lived most of their life in Kennewick, WA for the past 42 years. Dru worked in the Hanford area as a phone operator and safety coordinator. Dru is a loving wife, mother, grandmother, friend, leader, and hockey mom to many. 

Her life's work is her passion and commitment to everything hockey. Dru is "hockey" to anyone who knows her and a hockey mom to countless boys and girls, instrumental in their growth as young men and women in our community. Dru is a pillar of the local hockey family and a founding member of Tri-Cities Amateur Hockey Association (TCAHA). She has been a steadfast volunteer since its formation in 1988. Dru also held two terms as the Pacific Northwest Amateur Hockey Association (PNAHA) President as well as the USA Hockey Association Pacific District Director. Dru paved the way for many hockey programs in the Tri-Cities, Washington, and the Pacific Northwest. Roy and Dru opened their hearts and home to many Tri City American hockey players as their billet family. She is a true 'Hockey Hero,' a "Beauty," and will be held highest in all hockey hearts. Dru is a fierce advocate for all hockey across the state and country and a champion for women's hockey. There are countless hockey families she has helped and touched whose gratitude for her legacy and hard-working efforts will never be forgotten.

Dru always does the right things for the right reasons; she worked tirelessly for the kids. Volunteering, even long after her boys were done playing and through the years of her grandchildren playing the game she devoted her life to. Dru created so many hockey mile memories in her travels with her boys and her hockey friends. Her legacy will live on as every skate lace is tightened and blade steps on the ice. 

Dru demonstrates strength and inspiration to those around her. Her incredible energy and endearing personality lights up the room. At the age of 17, Dru was Miss Valley County Fair Queen in McCall, ID in 1971. While attending the University of Idaho, Dru was a member of Beta Sigma Phi.

Dru had a perfect itinerary for every trip or adventure, she was the best coordinator. One of the most memorable trips was to Maui with her friend and neighbor of 41 years, John and Judy Osborn. Dru loves her little schnauzers, Cricket and Dakota who gave her comfort for many years. Most recently, you can find Dru in the casino at the penny slots, so every time you sit down to pull that handle, know she will be just behind your shoulder cheering you on. 

Dru gave birth to her three sons, Ross in 1977, Ryan in 1980, and Kiel in 1982. Dru's pride and joy, second to her own boys, are her grandchildren; Dylan, Lincoln, Jackson, Makenzie, Gracie, Kole, and Kane. Dru is survived by: her husband, Roy Hammond. her son Ross Hammond and his children, Dylan and Lincoln; Ryan (Nicole) Hammond and their children Jackson and Gracie; Kiel (Ashlee) Hammond and their children Makenzie, Kole, and Kane, all of Kennewick, WA; her mother-in-law, Betty Hammond of Moscow, ID, in-laws, Larry (Becky) Hammond of Moscow, ID; Steve (Harriet) Hammond of Moscow, ID; niece Tracy, and nephews Chris, Sean, Mark, and DJ; her stepfather Gary Smith of Pollock, ID; brother Tom (Patty) Dixon of Riggins, ID; sister Kim (Monte) Hawks of Pollock, ID, nephews Gary Dixon and Joshua (Erika) Hawks. She was preceded in death by her mother Barbara Day Smith, father Thomas Dixon, and her father-in-law Wayne Hammond.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to Tri-Cities Amateur Hockey Association (TCAHA) in the name and honor of Dru Hammond. 

Robert William Kaufman

RWD

Make a Donation to Robby's Family

Drucilla Ann Hammond