John Kenneth Hannan died peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010 in Bellingham, surrounded by his family. It was the greatest honor to celebrate John’s life with him in his last moments. We are grateful he knew we were there, and he was loved, and he was able to say he loved us, too.
Born June 24, 1924, John spent much of his childhood outdoors in the beauty of Skagway, Ala. He entered the Army during WWII, serving in France and receiving the Purple Heart. He continued to serve in the Army Reserve, eventually retiring as a full colonel.
After the war, he finished up his college degree in Business Administration at the University of Washington. He met and married LaVerne Bergren and they had three girls; Janet, Karen, and Sharon. He initially worked as a business teacher at Monroe High School, later transferring to Seattle Public Schools. In Seattle, he began as a business teacher at West Seattle High, then served as athletic business manager for the district and finally retired after teaching business again, this time at Ingraham High School.
In 1982 John moved to Orcas Island with his wife, Maureen, to Little Bit Farm in Olga, where they had a small farm with a little bit of everything, a place of great beauty, where they were fortunate to have many good neighbors and friends.
Dad was a man’s man and appreciated his and Maureen’s assortment of dogs and cats, sports, good cards in cribbage, meat and potatoes, a funny joke, a sunny day, time with his daughters, a boat with clean lines, a winning scratch-off, Louis Armstrong and a sweet rendition of Yellow Bird.
He is survived by his dear wife Maureen, his children Sharon, Karen and Karl (Hunrick), Janet and Kevin (Ash), and grandchildren Inara Verzemnieks and Nick Jones, Liene Verzemnieks, John Verzemnieks, Alana Ash, and Brenton Ash. We would all like to especially thank Maureen for the loving care she has given Dad these last years.
Remembrances can be sent to Orcas Animal Protection Society, 84A Hope Lane, Eastsound, Wash. 98245.
Submitted by John Hannan’s family.
