The Register-Herald
BECKLEY — Memories were shared Friday as former members of The Register-Herald staff learned that a publisher who had mentored and encouraged them early in their careers had passed away.
Robert Hammond, 75, of Elizabeth Township, Pa., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 11. Hammond was publisher of The Register-Herald in Raleigh County during the 1990s. People who worked with Hammond during his tenure at the Beckley newspaper remembered him long after he left the area.
“Rob was a unique person. He listened more than he talked, and when he did speak, it carried weight. He cared deeply about the people around him and always looked out for others. As a former boss and a longtime friend, he made a lasting impact on my life,” said Jon Sisko, who once worked with Hammond at The Register-Herald. “I’ll miss him dearly.”
Mayor Jack Scott of Hinton said he remembered when Hammond hired him to work for the newspaper.
“He was quite a mentor to me,” Scott said. “I started out in advertising in Beckley as an outside sales (representative). I joined The Register-Herald roughly around ’88, ’89 and Mr. Hammond came there ’90, ’91 and I became his advertising manager. He was a terrific guy and very personable. He had a lot of good ideas and he had worked in some larger markets.”
During his time with The Register-Herald, Hammond was involved with the local United Way, Scott said. He expanded the newspaper and created several weekly editions and specialized publications.
“He had a very hands-on way of relating to everybody within the building,” Scott said. “And for me personally, my relationship with Rob was career-changing. He gave me an opportunity at a young age to succeed in a competitive environment. He was a mentor and friend.”
Another former colleague said she was with the newspaper for most of the time Hammond was its publisher. Sherrie Hunter is now a council member at-large for the city of Beckley.
