Hammer to Remain Executor of Brother’s Estate

Multimillionaire oilman Armand Hammer will remain executor of his brother’s $1.5-million estate despite a challenge from a relative, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Victor J. Hammer, who died on July 21, 1985, in Lake Worth, Fla., appointed his brother Armand and lawyer James Nemec as executors in his will. Victor Hammer, 83, died of natural causes.

His adopted daughter, Nancy Eilan, filed a petition last November to remove Armand Hammer as executor. The claim was filed on behalf of Victor Hammer’s widow and primary beneficiary, Irene Wicker Hammer, who lives in a Palm Beach nursing home.

Investments Questioned

The claim questioned Armand Hammer’s investment of the estate’s assets and his handling of his brother’s art collection.

It also accused him of improperly paying a small claim a housekeeper filed against the estate, and noted that he had filed a $660,000 claim against the estate himself. The claim was for loans he had made to his brother, and for which he had signed promissory notes.

In a written order released Wednesday, Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Edward Rodgers said the claims were unfounded and that Armand Hammer and Nemec should remain executors. He noted that the art collection had been properly stored in a New York gallery and that the investments were sound.

The judge appointed a special administrator to handle the $660,000 claim, a procedure Armand Hammer’s lawyer said is routine when executors file claims against the estates they administer.

Son’s Protection

“Dr. Hammer is gratified that the judge upheld the wishes of his late brother Victor that he remain executor of the estate,” said a statement released by Hammer’s lawyer, Culver Smith. “Of special consideration to Dr. Hammer is the assurance that Victor Hammer’s widow, Irene Wicker Hammer, remain happy and comfortable for the remainder of her life.

“Additionally, Dr. Hammer wants to protect the right of Victor Hammer’s only natural son, Armasha Hammer.”

Armasha Hammer lives with his grandchildren in the Soviet Union, where he was born, Smith said.

Armand Hammer is chairman of the board of Los Angeles-based Occidental Petroleum Corp. Employees often refer to him as “The Doctor.”