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Randolph HENNES Obituary
Randolph Y. (Ran) HENNES Ran Hennes has given his last lecture. Randolph York (Ran) Hennes passed away at age 79 on Monday evening, September 13, 2010. His lymphoma, which he had lived with for years, suddenly flared, leading to several complications and ending in his final peaceful moments surrounded by his family at Virginia Mason hospital. Ran was born November 17, 1930, in Seattle, Washington, to Albert F. and Elma Hawkins Hennes. He grew up on Magnolia, attending Queen Anne High School, class of 1948. He attended the University of Washington on a NROTC scholarship, graduating with a B.A. in 1952 and receiving his ensign's commission. After three years in the Navy, including service in the Pacific during the Korean War period, he returned to the University and completed his Ph.D. in history. It was during this time that his three daughters- Katherine, Kristin and Robin were born to his first wife, Virginia Schaaf Morrison. Years later, following a romantic reunion in Greece, Ran married his second wife, Nancy Maddox Hennes, on the Naval Base in Athens. Ran and Nancy then spent time teaching at Wayne State University in Detroit where their son, Alex, was born. A return to the University of Washington in 1971 began a 40- year career during which he served as Associate Director in the UW Honors Program and taught a variety of courses in military history. For many years he provided advising service to incoming students and their families, including student- athletes in the athletic depart ment, keeping them on track aca demically and helping them navi gate the university system. Generations of Honors students and student-athletes have bene fitted from Ran's assistance. Ran had four main interests: his children, his war stories from all centuries, his students, and his Huskies. He was a huge fan and supporter of Husky football, basketball and crew, and kept in touch with many of his former students, now scattered across the U.S. Ran is survived by his four children: Kathy Crothers, Kris Kerth (Peter), Robin (Tim Braun), Alex (Cynthia), his brother John and eight grandchil dren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jim and one of his grandchildren. A memorial service and celebra tion of Ran's life will be held Sunday, October 3 at 1:00 p.m. at the University of Washington Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 NE 41st St. In lieu of flowers the family sug gests donations to the Ran Hennes Honors Scholarship, University of Washington Foundation, Box 359505, Seattle, WA 98195. Sign Ran's on-line Guest Book at www. Legacy.com.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Randolph HENNES
Cynthia Sánchez
May 20, 2025
Some people should live forever. Very fine gentleman.
Allen Stover
September 22, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Ran Hennes. My heart goes out to his family. He was so patient and kind to me during my time at the Husky Athletic Department. Ran’s help with recruiting and with student services was second to none. He was a great part of the Husky’s early success. He will be missed.
Allen Stover
gertrude peoples
September 14, 2020
I will miss this brilliant, caring and loving man for all of my life. Without his mentoring I am not sure how life on campus would have been for me. His patience and his love for husky athletes I cannot find the words. Rest In Peace my Dear friend.
Mike Lude
September 13, 2020
I am so saddened to learn of the death of a superior outstanding man and a fantastic FRIEND!! Rand, was more than helpful to all of us in the Husky Intercollegiate Athletic Department , he was truly a real TEAM player. He not only counciled many student athletes, but also many of our staff members including me. Rand, was always a most helpful participant in the football recruiting breakfasts held at Coach and Mrs. James home. Rand, traveled with us , on occasions, to out of town football games on the team plane and was a very willing and helpful participant. I will miss this wonderful Husky man more than words can express. Mike Lude Retired Husky Athletic Director.
Mark Hallenbeck
October 5, 2010
Most people know Ran from his work with the Honors program, from his teaching, or from his work with Husky Athletics. I’m lucky enough to have actually worked for him. Back in the 1970’s and early 1980’s Ran was in charge of New Student Orientation. That was back before orientation was the big deal on campus that it is now. We had a small staff and a very modest budget. But we had Ran. The perfect boss. He handled all of the hard work of dealing with the University, and let us concentrate on working with the incoming students - trying to make it easier on them to succeed and be comfortable at the U. (Sounds like just the thing for Ran…? )
At Ran’s memorial service I got to hear how Ran loved to tell stories. And how Ran found the best in everyone. And how he was a great mentor. Well, I got to work for Ran for four summers. Can you imagine a better way to spend a summer? Getting paid (if not too much) to hang out with Ran for three months? Learning to tell stories from the Master Storyteller. Learning about life from someone who was always happy to help you find a good path for you. Watching how he found and brought out the best from a diverse group of students. I never got to have him as a teacher. But he always let me stop by his office and borrow his military history books – ever willing to help me pick the best. I never got to have him as an Honors adviser. But I did get to have him as an Adviser. And that *was* an honor.
The bad news is that the world is a poorer place without him. The good news is that the world is full of people made better by knowing Ran. And there are an awful lot of us. We’ll just have to do our best putting in practice what he taught us. Many thanks Ran. And many thanks Robin, Alex, Kathy and Kris for sharing your dad.
Mike Lude
October 1, 2010
Ran,was such a wonderful friend and a person who helped me in many exceptional ways during my 15 plus years as Director o Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Washington. I will always remember attending our football recruiting breakfasts!!! Mike Lude
Pauline Ranieri
September 30, 2010
I was saddened today to discover that the UW community had lost one of its cherished members. I had the good forture to meet Ran through my position directing the alumni travel program for the UW Alumni Association. Ran enthusiastically accompanied nine of our tour groups from 1994 - 2003. In his role of tour lecturer, Ran brought history to life, adding so very much to the travel experience of the trip participants. And, they loved his humor! Many returned from a trip with Ran to say they would travel "anywhere" with him again - that's just how special he was. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and friends. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Dale Mills
September 26, 2010
I always remember Ranny (we called him that at Magnolia Grade School) drawing wonderful piturees of fighting airplanes and ships. He read the most interesting books for our stand-up book reports. He was the smartest boy in our class. I have been proud to hear over the years of his achievements. I am so sorry he is gone. Dale Dougas Mills-
Joe Kaiser
September 21, 2010
Professor Hennes was a jewel of a human being. An absolute wonderful guy, and a diehard Husky fan.
I took his Military History class in 2000 and was always amused by the way he lectured. I noticed quickly how he seemed to have a lot of students who admired him.
Ran was incredibly influential to countless students over the years; there was just something about him you don't find in anyone else. He was an old soul who remembered dates and birthdays, and he somehow made you feel special every time you talked to him. Weeks before my wedding he emailed me a quick couple paragraphs and followed it with a p.s. that I have since passed along to many other friends.
"Remember, my son, you're just an actor hired to play a role in a show put on for parents, family and friends. Not to worry. The real marriage has already occurred in your hearts--where it matters most."
That was Ran Hennes.
A true gem. A man I will never forget.
I'm honored to have had the chance to get to know Professor Hennes, and I'll always regret never having the chance to say goodbye.
Thanks for everything, professor. I'll sure miss talkin' Huskies with you!
Raz B
September 21, 2010
Ran and I met by chance when, during my first quarter at the University of Washington, I accidentally wandered into his office looking for someone else. We struck up a conversation about the day’s news and other miscellany. Finally he asked me if I was there for an advising appointment and discovering that I was actually lost, he responded by giving me directions to the office I was originally looking for, and inviting me to join the Honors Program. The gift of this invitation was immeasurable. Even greater was the gift of witnessing his boundless kindness and generosity towards people in even the smallest and most passing interactions. The greatest teachers are those who teach us how to live our lives. Ran taught me that the world can use all the kindness it can get, and that taking a few minutes to talk with someone can change their lives in ways beyond immediate imagination. I will miss him greatly.
Deborah Rainey (Smit)
September 21, 2010
Ran was a great help to me not only in the Honors department, but also in that I received Honors Department scholarships for my freshman and senior years. Also, I was privileged to work (very) part-time for the department. I am not surprised that he was well-loved by so many.
Colin Phillips
September 20, 2010
As an honors student and a member of the men's crew team from 2002-2006, Dr. Hennes supported me both academically and athletically. He had a natural gift of listening and making you feel special, and he helped me navigate two challenging worlds. I still remember him making me feel right at home during the beginning of my freshman year and was encouraged by knowing that he would continue to be a means of support. I am thankful to have known him and benefited from his guidance, and send my deepest condolences to his family.
September 20, 2010
I had the pleasure of spending lots of time with Ran when I coached with the Wbb program 1985-1993. Ran was one of my favorite people on campus. A group of us hung out and Ran was always right there with us. He was a big part of that group. His smile will forever be etched in my mind and heart. Thank you Ran for never ending support for Husky Women's basketball. We hadn't been in touch in awhile but plz know that you are apart of so many of my special memories. I will never forget the big purple UW painted on your balding head. :)
Willette White
September 20, 2010
I knew Randolph back when he was Ranny. We grew up in the same neighborhood (Carleton Park), went to the same grade school and high school, and ended up working for the same university (Washington), where we got to know each other all over again.
We were in Boy Scout Troop 81 at the same time and, perhaps, in the same patrol--Beaver.
I remember competing with him over who was funniest. He always won. A sharp wit there. But he had a remarkable, memorable kindness. A truly nice guy. We lived about a block away from each other as kids.
When my son washed out of Engineering in his first year at UW, it was Ran (Ranny) who told me he could go to a community college, earn a B average, and be admitted provisonally to A&S for one year. I didn't know that. So my son did, did that, then transferred into business and graduated.
I think my son and I belated owe Ranny great thanks for his thoughtfulness and consideration--though that was part of doing his job well.
Bob Arnold
M S
September 20, 2010
From the moment I met Ran, he made an impression on me. His soothing voice and words of wisdom kept me glued to everything he said. I was lucky enough to experience a variety of great honors classes because Ran admitted me directly to the program. For those who knew him and especially for me, he was iconic. Ran, you were a great man and an inspiration to all of us. We will miss you dearly.
September 20, 2010
Ran was a very special guy, and I am grateful for his guidance when I was a young man and our friendship for some 40 years. Gary Craig, Seattle
Greg Bowerman
September 20, 2010
I was acquainted with Ran during my undergraduate time in the early 70's. His honesty, encouragement and solace as appropriate were invaluable. I suppose I thought he was ageless and the news of his passing has given me an ache in my chest that will diminish with time but not fully resolve. Thanks, Ran
Ronald Hsu
September 20, 2010
"Keep your heart open, your ears tuned and 'love kindness' when you see it, feel it, offer it."
--Ran Hennes
For one who loves history, I think Ran would love to see how much "history" he created in all of our lives. Back in fall of 1993, I was a freshman trying to navigate all that comprised of a UW Honors program, and Ran was that lighthouse that helped me keep my eye on the ball. I would literally drop in at all hours, and he would stop what he was doing and chat with me and give me the advice I needed. He has certainly lived up to his own motto, and we who were lucky enough to have known him have definitely been enriched by him, and by how we conduct ourselves we get a chance to enlarge his legacy.
Sail on, Dr. Hennes!
Aley Willis
September 20, 2010
Ran was an incredible friend and mentor to me. When I first started advising students, I would sit in on some of his appointments and just listen and watch how Ran worked. Ran believed that as long as you understood advising was about appreciating and respecting someones own story, you would always do well. I will never forget all of the lessons Ran taught me nor any of his own wonderful stories. When I learned of Ran's passing, I was in Switzerland with my husband and baby. The next morning I hiked to the base of the Matterhorn and built a cairn for him by a small tarn in the rock. I figured that Ran has helped many a lost person find their way, it seemed appropriate. My life will always be better because Ran was in it.
K F
September 19, 2010
I had the privilege of being in the one of the last, if not the last, lecture that Professor Hennes taught. I was in his military history class this past spring quarter. He was my favorite teacher last year when I was a freshman. I especially enjoyed listening to his stories during class. I was very saddened when I read the article on the UW athletic site. I will miss his stories and his knowledge of UW and military history very much.
September 19, 2010
It was a privilege for me and my wife Helen to be acquainted with Ran during my time in Graduate School at the UW. He was a most interesting person with wide interests including 'Dawg Athletics'. Our sympathy to his family.
Phil and Helen Hull
James Clauss
September 19, 2010
Ran was indeed a beloved teacher and adviser at the University of Washington. His work with Honors students and student athletes continued as recently as last year when he taught an Honors seminar and accompanied the UW Crew team to Oxford. We will miss you, Ran.
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