Hook Hamersley was born in New York City and spent his early years in Tuxedo Park, NY and Southampton, Long Island. A 1957 graduate of the Hun School of Princeton, NJ, he earned a BA degree in History from Washington and Lee University in 1961. After graduating as a 2nd Lieutenant from the ROTC Program, he joined the Army's 101st Airborne Division and served as an Intelligence Specialist.

As a young boy, Hook developed a passion for flying while reading about Charles A. Lindbergh and the Spirit of St Louis. During Hook's life, he went on to collect over 200 aviation books. He bought his first Piper Super Cub in 1961 while at college and went on to fly it through South America and back with college friend, Bob Griffin.

In 1966 Hook converted his love of flying into a career as a commercial pilot, beginning as a flight instructor and then while working for various airlines. The airlines included Overseas National Airways (DC-8), Air New England (Twin Otter, FH-227, Convair-580 and where he met his wife, Christine), Altair (DC-9) and New York Air (DC-9) and eventually bought by Continental Airlines. There, he flew the MD-80 on domestic and international routes for 13 years. Hook was a highly skilled pilot, with a great sense of humor and very well liked and respected among his peers. He retired from Continental at age 60 on November 16, 1998.

Hook was also an enthusiastic seaplane owner and had a Lake Amphibian for 25 years. The plane was based in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Hooker and Christine flew it along the east coast, from Key West to Miquelon, St Pierre and points in between. He was a founder of the Seaplane Pilots Association and a member of the Airplane Owners and Pilots Association.

While most flights were routine, one in 1972 included a skyjacking when a fugitive with a 45 automatic pointed at Hook's head, forced him to detour to Havana. This was while he was flying a seaplane with tourists aboard for Dry Tortugas Airways. He made a successful water landing in the Havana Harbor and returned to Key West the next day unharmed.

Hook had a keen interest in photography and writing about aviation history, travel, safety, and pioneers. He contributed 20 articles to AOPA Pilot, Airline Pilot, Aero, Aerospace Historian, Airways, Water Flying and numerous other aviation publications.

Continental Airlines colleague, John Corrigan, remembers Hook as a great friend and loved by so many. John remembers asking Hook what it was like flying the MD-80 in bad weather. Hook laughed and said it was like going into a washing machine. John and Christine have nominated Hook for this honor as one of the most dedicated and professional people they have ever known.

In Hook's memory, John wears an American flag ribbon on his shirt every time he donates platelets at the Red Cross. May Hook Rest in Peace, John