NIALL PATRICK HACKETT

1961 - 2012

Niall Patrick Hackett age 51 of Bellingham died Saturday July 14, 2012, presumed drowned while fishing on the Skagit River in Lyman, WA.

Born June 17, 1961 in Dungannon, No. Ireland to Vera and Patrick (Patsy) Hackett, and brother to sisters Oonagh and Aine, Niall made his way to America by way of a Merchant Marine ship at the young age of 15. Eventually settling in Long Beach, California, he worked various jobs including chef, fiber optics and on an oil rig. He finally landed a position as a special inspector and began his lifelong career working on such notable projects as the residence of President Ronald Reagan, the MGM Building and Beverly Hills City Hall.

Niall married his wife Terri in 1989 and they moved to Washington State settling in the Bellingham area in 1993. They opened Hooligans Pub & Bistro in 1994 and then a year later founded Materials Testing & Consulting, Inc. which he ran as President and Technical Director for 16 years.

In 1998 they grew their family adding their first son Connor, and then Declan in 2001. Finally in 2011, after struggling for years with heart issues, Niall underwent triple bypass surgery and retired from the business to relax and enjoy his family and the fruits of his labors.

Niall never took his hard-earned success for granted and always remembered his humble beginnings. He will forever be remembered for his Irish charm and stories, huge heart and generous spirit, and for his acts of charity and compassion for others, even providing hospice-like care for sick employees and friends in his home. He ran coat drives and sleeping bag drives, and every Christmas served at different missions and food kitchens with his sons, and as a Bell Ringer for the Salvation Army.

Niall was an active member of the Sunshine Rotary Club of Whatcom County and Christ the King Community Church in Bellingham.

Niall is survived by his wife Terri and two sons, Connor and Declan, by his father Patsy, and his sisters Oonagh, her husband Tony and their two boys David and Michael and Aine, husband Gary and their daughter "little Sophia" his aunts and uncles, Chris and Desmond Byrne, Eileen Campbell, Jack and Nan Maguire, Mena and John Doust, Gertie Bradshaw, Tony and Dorothy Brady and lifelong friends John McIlmail, his wife Paula and their boys Tiernan and Pears, and Ann McCullough and her boys, Daniel and Christopher, and countless other family and dear friends.

Niall was predeceased by his mother Vera, sister in law Lynda Gladstone, and lifelong friend Jerry McCullough. No doubt the good Lord is keeping a sharp eye on those two!

A service of remembrance will be held August 11, 2012, 11:00 AM at Christ the King Community Church located at 4173 Meridian St. in Bellingham, Washington, with a private Irish Wake at the family home to follow.

In Niall's honor and in support of one of his favorite causes, donations may be made to St. Joes Cancer Care at 3217 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225 Attn: Carol.

Niall died after kissing his wife goodbye, with his dog for company, doing something he loved in one of his favorite places. He left us suddenly, but he would be happy to know that his legacy will live on, and that he will be remembered with love and gratitude.