Matt Hammer

Matt W Hammer, 73, of Kennewick, Washington, peacefully passed away August 19, 2025, at home with his wife, Lona Hammer, and under the compassionate care of Heartlinks Hospice.

Born January 7, 1952, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Parents, Jerold J. Hammer and Barbara Glen Whitehead Hammer, raised their four children in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Matt graduated from Idaho Falls High School singing a soulful version of “Bridge over Troubled Waters” at commencement that is remembered by attendees over 50 years later.

Matt's passion was his music. And, as a legendary Alaskan musician, Matt's heartfelt songwriting and performances earned him a beloved place in Alaska's folk-music tradition.

In the mid-1970s, he wrote the music for the song “Free Alaska” blending the words of June Allen into a call for Alaska's freedom for Governor Jay Hammond's office. The song received national recognition. In 1979, Matt recorded his first album at Capital Records. “Front Page” was a compilation of heartfelt music written by a young, passionate performer. He continued to write and perform music throughout his life.

In 1999, he recorded his first CD, “Matt Hammer's Alaskasongs.” Some of his most cherished tracks include: “Colonel Vaughan,” “Serum Run,” and “A Melody on Every Mt. Peak,” fondly remembered by Alaskan music lovers. Additional songs like “Free Alaska” and “Pioneer Love Song” further showcased his storytelling and deep connection to the region. He wrote the song, “Write Your Mom” for his beloved mother, Barbara, which showcased his love of comedy and caring for family who were far away. Matt's music often rang out during community gatherings, where he was known for his passion for music and capturing the soul of Alaska in his melodies. He performed for well over a decade with Loren and Penny Arment, as Arment/Hammer and performed with famed musicologist, Doc Schultz as Schultz & Hammer.

In 2008, he released his second CD, “Surreal Sessions,” which blended original music of love, loss and renewal with cover songs selected for their heart. This CD was dedicated to his beloved sister, Sandra.

He married his love, Lona, on July 30, 2003, in Zion, Utah, and together they made music for a decade in Alaska, and in 2013, moved to Kennewick, Washington where Matt remained deeply connected to his musical roots. Upon marrying, he gained four new daughters, later four granddaughters, four grandsons, and one great grandson.

He is survived by his wife, Lona Hammer of Kennewick, WA; daughters, Kaitlyn (Kiel) Gekeler of La Grande, OR, Michelle Dayan of Seattle, WA, Jessica (Aaron) Wofford of Lake Stevens, WA, and Christina (Tom) Cowan of Seabeck, WA; his mother, Barbara Hammer of Pocatello, ID; brother and fellow musician, Jeff Hammer of Pocatello, ID; brother, Tim (Janice) Hammer of South Jordan, UT; eight grandchildren, one great grandchild, and 15 nieces and nephews, many who share his deep love of music.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jerold Hammer, and his sister and brother-in-law, Sandra and Tom Robinson.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. Family and friends will visit with Matt Friday from 5:30-7 pm. and Saturday from 10:30-11:45 a.m., both at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Ammon Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Heartlinks Hospice in Kennewick, Washington.