Charles Wes Hammack

Charles ‘Wes’ Hammack, 73, of Mount Vernon, WA passed away on December 5, 2023, surrounded by his family after a 3 month courageous battle with rapid onset Frontal Temporal Dementia. 

Wes was born on August 16, 1950, in Haskell, TX to Wes and Maxine Hammack. In 1962, the Hammack family moved from Texas to Mount Vernon, WA where Wes continued attending school, graduating from Mount Vernon High School in 1968. 

Many knew Wes from working at Al’s Chevron, Skagit Valley Hospital, Pay ‘n Pak, and finally spending the last 20 years of his career at Eagle Hardware and Garden/Lowes Home Improvement before retiring in 2014. Over the years he spent time volunteering with Skagit Valley 4H and Cedardale Fire Department. 

Wes was married to Cathy Hammack from 1979 until her passing in 1990. He found love again later in life and married Elizabeth in 1998, whom he cherished the remainder of his years. 

Wes loved his family deeply and never failed to show it. Family was the center of everything he did. He was a big kid at heart and was the first to have nerf fights with the grandkids, tell cheesy jokes and was always laughing and goofing around. He loved to go camping and travel with his wife to some of their favorite spots including St. Martin and Maui. He loved sunshine, sand and beaches. Wes’ heart was huge. He was such a compassionate man and was always supportive of those around him and was quick to offer a listening ear or uplifting words whenever needed. Wes was a caretaker to his core. He had the ability to brighten your day when you were down or make you laugh when you wanted to cry. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge, which he had plenty of in all areas. Wes was a friendly man and his shining personality left an everlasting impression on everyone he met. 

Wes is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Hammack; his children, Jennifer Bullock, Ryan Bakker, Julie Paggao (Andre Frazier), Shannon Lauder (Mike Smith), and Sandra (Ryan) Nootenboom. He had ten grandchildren; Bradley, Jacob, Shaylene, Shayanne, Ethan, Sienna, Carson, Tripp, Avery and Bryson.

Wes’ passing left a huge hole in our hearts, and we mourn the unfinished adventures that were left to be had. His caring soul, huge smile, mischievous shenanigans, and humorous laugh will be deeply missed.

Our family would like to thank his Hospice of the Northwest team, Trista Pendergrast ARNP and Laura Stansbury. This final chapter was made easier for everyone thanks to the unwavering support of these incredible people. 

A memorial service and reception to honor Wes will be held at Hawthorne Funeral Home located at 1825 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, WA on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at 1:00pm. 

The family has designated Hospice of the Northwest Foundation for memorial contributions or the charity that you best associate Wes with.

Please visit www.hawthornefh.com to share your thoughts and memories and sign the online guest register.