Robert William Hannaford

May 1st, 2022 at 1pm

Swans Trail Farms, Snohomish

Another member of the Greatest Generation has passed away. Robert William "Mick" Hannaford died Sunday, November 28, 2021. It is a great loss for his family; it is a loss for us all.

Born August 9, 1927, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Demming and Alma Hannaford, Mick was educated on the streets as much as in the schools. In the early 1940s, he took his diploma from the "School of Hard Knocks", moving west to Washington State and eventually settling in the small town of Snohomish. He left his new home to enlist in the US Navy, proudly serving his country for eight years with duty aboard two destroyers: USS Keppler and USS Hubbard. Mick experienced "The Forgotten War" first-hand, most notably when the Hubbard was called to rescue survivors of the USS Walke, which had been severely damaged by a torpedo. He returned safely from Korea in 1951, coming home to the love of his life, Edna Moen and their new son, David. In the years that followed, Mick and Edna welcomed a daughter, Kristi, and another son, Larry.

Mick supported his family as a valued employee of Lee Grocery Company for 36 years. After retiring, he worked in the Snohomish School District maintenance department. Mick's work ethic was unmatched. He had little tolerance for sloppy work, and always appreciated a job well done. No one could build, landscape, or burn a pile of debris as well or with as much energy and enthusiasm as Mick (several local fire departments can attest to that).

Mick loved the sun and the water. He and Edna enjoyed years of boating with family and friends, taking trips around the Puget Sound, up into the San Juans, and through the Canadian Gulf Islands. In later years, it wasn't unusual to find him drowsing in the hammock or lawn chair, face turned full to the sun.

Mick enjoyed spirited conversation and discussion. While he often teased his friends and family, he also appreciated some good-natured ribbing in return. Never bashful about telling a joke or story, Mick would always preface it with the words "You've probably heard this before…" (which we always had) and then would proceed with his story anyway. Luckily for us, they were usually good stories, worth repeating.

A proud, devoted husband and father, grandfather and great-grandfather, family meant everything to Mick. We remember him for his strength and incredible work ethic, his humor, and his generosity, but above all for the love and laughter, he brought to our lives.

Mick was preceded in death by his father, mother, and sisters Helen Jean Hannaford and Mary Daily. He is survived by his sister and best friend, Jerry Evans; his beloved wife of 71 years, Edna; his children Dave Hannaford (Becky), Kris Parker (Dan), and Larry Hannaford (Sue); his grandchildren Isaac Hannaford (Stephanie), Mariah Wakeling (Andrew), Erin Parker (Toby), Nate Parker, Savannah Parker, Shea Parker, Danika Diediker (Paul) and Natalie Hannaford; and his great-grandchildren Lively, Finn, Elio, Ellie, Calypso, and Nell.

Thanks be to God.