John Edward Hannay

John Edward Hannay of Fountain Hills, our dearest husband, son, brother, father, grandfather and friend, passed away Oct. 8, 2015 in Scottsdale.

He was born in Grinnell, Iowa on April 4, 1948. His life was filled with rich experiences and lasting friendships from around the world. Following his graduation from Grinnell High School he entered the U.S. Air Force where he served in Vietnam.

Following his Air Force service John began his aerospace industry career -- first in flight training followed by international business development.

In the course of his career he was employed by Bell Helicopter as a test pilot, Sikorsky, McDonnell Douglas, MD Helicopters and Boeing. He approached his career with great passion and endless effort.

John was preceded in death by his father, Edward John Hannay. Family survivors include wife, Deonise Hannay of Fountain Hills; mother, Ruth Hannay, Pella, Iowa; sister, Mary O’Connor, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; daughters, Jill Claire Hannay, Seattle, Wash. and Leslie Gwen Hannay, Seattle Wash.; son, Jed Ross Hannay, North Garden, Va.; stepdaughter, Jeannine Julia Stafford and family, Australia; stepson, Paul Etienne Joubert and family, South Africa; and grandchildren, Jacob C. Hannay, currently serving in the United States Marine Corps, and Jora Hannay, North Garden, Va.

John proudly earned Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott. In his spare time he enjoyed travelling with his loving wife, Deonise, and golfing with his friends.

In lieu of flowers, John’s family requests that any donations be made to the Cancer Research Institute or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

The loss of John leaves a big and sad void in the lives of his loving wife, mother, sister, children, grandchildren and their families.