Robert E. Hannay, 92, of Paradise Valley, Arizona died Sunday after a valiant effort battling pneumonia. He was born in Mt. Vernon, Washington in 1926, the son of John and Margaret Hannay, and grew up in Seattle. He had a B.A. in Economics from the University of Washington, an MBA from Arizona State University and was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and Beta Gamma Sigma honorary. In 1954 he married Joanne Ives of Seattle and they had three children. Since moving to Arizona in 1960 they have maintained homes in Phoenix and Prescott, and for many years in Mexico. He served in the U.S. Navy for three years during World War II and two years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He flew for 60 years, owned a variety of airplanes, and was a member of the Quiet Birdmen. He was an entrepreneur, owning and operating a number of businesses, including the design and development of several residential communities in the Prescott area and later delving into commercial property. He was an author, aviator and philanthropist, and served on many civic, philanthropic and governmental boards and committees. Some of his many passions included reading, with a habit of completing five to six books a week; photography; politics; history and travel. He enjoyed collecting classic cars, rare maps, antique weapons and clocks and objects d’art. An innately curious man, he was constantly learning and challenging himself. His unexpected bouts of generosity surprised many a family member and acquaintance. His special brand of wit defined him and his mental prowess amazed his family and close friends until his dying day. Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Joanne, a daughter Diane Smith of Atlanta, a son Craig of Phoenix, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A son Bruce predeceased him in 2013. A private memorial will be held at a later date. Condolences may be expressed at whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
David Klein
I learned much growing up from Bob, truly an individual and expert in many areas. I was lucky to have many private airplane flights with Bob in command, Bruce and I would always jump at the chance to go buzz around with him in his hot rod Cessna 310. I never got a ride in his Lance but he assured me he enjoyed that hot rod too. He inspired me to become a pilot and critical thinker, often wondering to myself in flying and business what would Bob Hannay do? I consider myself fortunate to have know him. My best to the family. Cheers, David Klein
Dave Ritchie
On behalf of Ritchie Design and the Cadillac & LaSalle Club, I would like to express to the Hannay family our deepest condolences at this their time of loss. I have always thought of Bob as being just a ‘good guy’ when it came to business or car stuff.
Dave Ritchie, President
Ritchie Design
Cadillac & LaSalle Club
Annette Clift
Bob and Joanne contributed so very much to our community here in Prescott, AZ. They took the old Thumb Butte Ranch northwest of town and along Willow Creek, and developed it into Pine Lakes Manufactured Home Park. The Park, now expanded to 316 mobile home sites, opened officially in 1974. My husband and I became residents in 1997, and I’ve made my home there to this date, even after my husband passed away. It truly is a beautiful community, and I feel secure living there, even as a widow. In my not-very-frequent contacts with Bob and Joanne, I found them to be very pleasant and sharing persons. I know that Bob will be missed by many, and my heart goes out to them in prayer.
Greg & Pam Johnloz
Our prayers and thoughts are with the family of Bob during this difficult time. Bob was one of the most intelligent men I have ever met. I had the privilege of serving on the Arizona MH Park Owners Board with him for several years. What I always noticed about Bob was that he did not talk often in the meetings but when he did it was time to pay attention because he had the ability to define a problem and synthesize a common sense solution from any set of circumstances. Bob will be missed by all who knew him and all who knew him are better people because of their time spent with Bob.
Rajul B. Brown
I always enjoyed working with Bob at his developments at Kingswood and Wildwood. He came across as being very stern and business oriented, but then would crack you up with some humorous story or comment. As a retired Marine, we were somewhat joined at the shoulder when it came to military thoughts and actions. With friends and business associates John Benson and Gordon Aaruud we enjoyed a very good working relationship. Pat and I extend our condolences Joann.
Raul and Pat Brown