June W. Hackett

- MEMORIES OF JUNE -

from RIC CONRAD, FRIEND

When June W. Hackett (1924–2015) married mountaineer, Bill Hackett in 1989, she began a life of adventure and intellectual stimulation, the likes she had never experienced while growing up in rural Montana.

She was sixty-five when she accompanied Bill on the latter’s final ascent of Oregon’s Mount Hood. Then, as they continued to live through their Golden Years, Bill exposed June to the world of exploration and the men and women who were pioneers in their given field. At the Explorers Club in New York City one night, June was thrilled to have dinner with American astronauts from both the Apollo and Gemini programs. She laughed beside Buzz Aldrin as a cub bear ran feverishly through the dinner hall. She played cards with Jim Lovell of Apollo 13.

As her husband helped pioneer the Seven Summits dream—the attainment of the highest summit on each of the world’s seven continents—June entertained his successors in their West Hills home. The late Dick Bass of Dallas, Texas, who was first to complete the goal, shared drinks and laughter with Bill and June on occasion. Pat Morrow of Alberta, who helped popularize the mountaineering goal, was likewise a guest of honor in the Hackett home.

Internationally recognized mountaineers came to Bill and June’s residence to perform research in their extensive library: Dee Molenaar and Pete Schoening of the 1953 K2 expedition; Ian Wade of Adventure Safety International and Everest fame; and Fred Beckey, America’s most prolific alpinist if first ascents are the defining criteria.

Not content to listen to the adventures of others, June accompanied Bill on his travels through Africa, Europe, South America and Asia. She explored Mount McKinley’s Kahiltna Glacier and—even after the passing of her husband—she continued exploring the world well into her eighties.

A retired interior decorator and sculptor, she enjoyed introducing children to art. She additionally volunteered her time and talents to several organizations over the years, most notably the Library and Historical Collections Committee of the Portland-based Mazamas, and the Raphael House, also in Portland, teaching others about domestic violence.

-MEMORIES OF JUNE HACKETT-

from TED FOSTER, JUNE’S NEIGHBOR

June moved to View Place about fifteen years ago. We first noticed her because of the fabulous flower garden she created for all of us to enjoy. Then, when I met Juen, I learned a new word: “doyenne.” For all of us who don’t know the definition of this work, I’ll supply it as I learned it. A doyenne is “a woman who is the most respected or prominent person in a particular field.” June’s field, as she often liked to say, was her neighborhood and her neighbors in it.

She cultivated these neighbors as carefully and lovingly as her flowers. She was interested in each one, remembered everything about each person, and let them know they were special to her. If we remember June for anything other than her beautiful and beloved garden, it is for her parties. June almost didn’t need an excuse for a party, but definitely used birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, as excuses. She liked to include as many neighbors as possible, though this number dropped during the last few years as she began slowing down and feeling weaker. Neighbors who almost didn’t know each other became friends at June’s parties.

The most wonderful and amazing party took place as a tribute to her 90th birthday in 2014. After everyone had enjoyed lots of bubbly and laughter, June took center stage to cut her cake with the same Japanese Samurai sword that she used to cut her wedding cake. Of course, she scared us all to death, but still had that lovely twinkle in her eyes, and she did get the cake cut. The sword belonged to Bill (Hackett), her beloved husband, who was the basis for many a fun story from June. Her most remembered was the story of Bill surprising her and taking her to Paris on July 14th, Bastille Day, which just happened to have been June’s 75th birthday.

It will be very hard for View Place as its inhabitants long to see the littler yellow VW Beatle putting along with its very fashionably dressed owner at the wheel. June will always be remembered with love, smiles and much fondness.