John Garth Hacking

September 13, 1939 - March 14, 2021

John Garth Hacking passed away peacefully on March 14, 2021 in St George, UT. He was born in Vernal, UT on September 13, 1939 to Mary Olive Hacking and John Gordon Hacking. John was the oldest of 5 children, Nolan, Susan, Daniel and Katherine. He grew up in Vernal, Utah and Hayden, Colorado. He attended Uintah High School, Snow College, and Utah State University, While studying at Utah State he met and married “the cute redhead” from the Utah State Library in 1961, Shanna Mae Wood. They had two children, Heidi Hacking Stevens and Heather Hacking Allan. They started their married life in Randolph, Utah teaching at South Rich High School. They then moved to Vernal, Logan, and finally found “home” in St George. John was hired to teach secretarial sciences at Dixie College. He taught at Dixie for 20 years teaching type, shorthand, Business English, and was the advisor for the PBL Club. He loved his time at Dixie. He served for a short time as the Dean of Business and Trades, then went on to receive his doctorate from UNLV (University of Nevada Las Vegas). After retiring from Dixie, John and Shanna moved to Washington State. Here they planned to retire, however, they set up an accounting business and continued to work. They were very involved in the Lion’s Club where they served as president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. They loved their associations with all of the wonderful friends they made in Pend Oreille. John was quite literally the cat with 9 lives. He loved a full life and enjoyed his family. He was a champion storyteller, with wild and exaggerated memories from throughout his life. Regardless of his struggles he never stopped showing his love and support. He always reminded us “Education is the only thing you take with you when you die”. He and Shanna were so proud of their grandkids as they graduated from school and went on to continue their education. They were a great support to all. John is survived by his wife, Shanna Mae Wood Hacking, and daughters Heidi Hacking Stevens (children Patrick & Melissa Stevens, Brittney & Andrew Kendall), Heather & Tyler Allan (children Jeremy & Crystal Allan, Adri & Ian Williams, Noelle & Alex Espina, and Hunter Allan). They have five great grandchildren, Landon & Bria Kendall, Brooklyn & Tucker Allan, and Henry Williams. At a later date, there will be a memorial and celebration of his life with family and friends.