​Alan Jay Hackney

Al went to be with his Lord and Savior on​ ​February 3, 2026.  He was born June 20, 1943 in Grand Haven, MI, and grew up in Fruitport, MI. He graduated from Grand Haven High School.  As a teen, you could find Al working on cars, hunting (even bears), fishing, waterskiing, and working with wood.  After high school, he went on a blind double date where he met the love of his life, Pamela Joy Knoll. That date led to a 60-year marriage filled with devotion, laughter, and countless shared adventures.

Together, Al and Pam built their house in Caledonia Township, a cabin in the Upper Peninsula, and many other projects side by side.  A talented craftsman, Al built furniture and cabinets treasured by his loved ones. Known as a true “Jack of all trades,” he could fix anything, whether it had a motor, was made of wood, or was simply broken. Even though it wasn’t his profession, he was called upon many times as an electrician, plumber, carpenter, builder and mechanic.  You could also find him with an apron on, baking and cooking with his family or at church banquets. He had a gift for making work fun and turning every project into a memory.  

Al especially loved the water. Summers often found him boating, fishing, water skiing, or pulling tubers, always making sure others had a good time. He built two hydroplanes while in high school and would drive them on Spring Lake. He taught his daughters and many of his grandchildren how to waterski, and he could even still slalom at the age of 70!  Al was even excellent on roller skates and ice skates.  He thrived on activity, whether it was hosting gatherings, working on projects, traveling, or lending a helping hand to someone in need.

Al had a love for music, and purchased his own accordion while in high school. He would play hymns at home, encouraging his wife and daughters with a love for music, and leading his family in songs of worship.

Al was well-known for his clever humor, regularly making jokes off the cuff of his sleeve, a play on words, or sharing funny stories and jokes. It was always known when he was joking, as he held a consistent and quiet smile.

Professionally, Al worked five years at Harbor Industries in Grand Haven, where he learned his woodworking skills.  He then spent more than 40 years in the Aerospace industry at Lear Siegler (later Smiths Industries), specializing in technical writing and publications. He truly enjoyed mentoring and motivating others.  His gifts of leadership and management then led him to become manager of the technical publications department. He also built many lasting friendships throughout his career.

At the heart of Al’s life was his deep faith in Jesus Christ. He served faithfully in his church in many roles, from working with children in leading AWANA to serving on boards. He taught many Sunday School classes, studying diligently for each of them. Even as Alzheimer’s progressed, Al continued to draw strength from Scripture, quoting verses and speaking with his Savior.

Al would focus his activities around his girls.  He ran the Penny Carnival at Caledonia schools, was on the PTO board, and ran a lot of fund raisers for the schools.   He would follow his girls to their sporting events and music concerts, and drove them to school each morning so that he could talk with them and spend time together in the car. He also encouraged them in their church activities and Al and Pam eventually were high school leaders when their girls were that age.

Al’s greatest joy was his family. His devotion to Pam, his children, and his grandchildren was unwavering. He poured his time, energy, and love into creating lasting memories—whether during summers at the Black Cabin, family Fall Festivals, monthly get-togethers, or the cherished Hackney Christmas celebrations. His family especially remembers the big pancakes and biscuits and gravy breakfasts he made at the cabin and playing Euchre at night.  He often reminded those around him that “family is what matters,” and he lived that truth every day.

He was deeply loved and will be sorely missed by Pam and daughters and sons-in-law:  Karolyn (Bill) Brower, Kathy (Phil) Herich, Sherry (Tom) Benedict, Paula (Jason) Pranger, and Rhonda (Jesse) Nash. 

 In addition, he will be deeply missed by his 24 grandchildren:  Danielle (Ken) Shook, Abbie (Brandon) Warner, Ryan Brower, Kirsten Herich, Ashley (Israel) Castellanos, Hunter (Anna) Herich, Kip (Sarah) Herich, Madelynn (Nick) Kelly, Jay (Alexandra) Benedict, Jack (Faith) Benedict, Anna (Matthew Middleton) Benedict, Makayla, Caitlyn, Rein, Jordan, and Jacob Pranger, Jaren (Lincoln) Willis, Chris, Will, Judah, David, Eva, Yeshua, and Aliyah Nash.  

He always enjoyed having the great-grandchildren around as well:  Nehemiah, Titus, Naomi & Simon Shook, Asher & Haiden Warner, Luca & Dallas Castellanos, Evie & Zaylee Herich, Duke & Axel Herich, CJ Kelly, Jubilee Benedict, Michael & Ronan Willis.   

He will also be missed by his siblings, Dan (Bernita) Hackney, Sue McCabe, Cindy Hackney, Ron (Laura) Knoll, and Gerry (Dick) Cory.  He is also survived by many special nieces and nephews and cousins.

Those that are united for a reunion with Al are his parents Ralph and Bonna Hackney, Joseph and Dorothy Knoll, brother Ralph Hackney and brother-in-law Pat McCabe.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 11, from 6 to 8 PM at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68^th St. SE, Grand Rapids, 49508.  Services will be held Thursday, February 12, at 11 AM at Calvary Church, 707 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, 49525, with a one-hour visitation prior to the service from 10 – 11 AM.  Pastor Don Hancock and Pastor Josh Warren will officiate.  Following the service, the family welcomes you to remain at the church for a luncheon.  Interment will be in Alaska Cemetery. 

Contributions can be made in Al’s memory to the Corewell Hospice.