Elmer Lee Hahn

Elmer “Lee” Hahn of Bellingham, WA passed away peacefully on January 14, 2015 at the age of 85. Lee was born on October 25, 1929 in Windsor, Colorado and grew up on a farm with his parents William and Elizabeth Hahn, his older brother Richard and younger sister MaryAnn. He joined the Navy and served on an aircraft carrier during the Korean War. Lee married Virginia “Ginger” Anabel during this time and they had three children, Linda, Mike and Marilyn. After Lee’s military service he eventually became an independent contractor to the military and was responsible for – and set up the logistics for – moving military personnel and their families to and from bases around the world. The international nature of his work allowed him to travel throughout the world. He retired at the young age of 55 and he and his wife Ginger continued to travel extensively around the world. Ginger passed away in 2003. Lee met a beautiful and kind Brit, Patricia “Trish” Perry in 2004. They fell in love, she moved to the US and they married in 2010. They were snowbirds and had homes in both Indio, CA and Bellingham, WA. Lee and Trish enjoyed a very loving and supportive marriage. Always a music lover, Lee was always happiest listening to boogie woogie, blues, country and swing music but also enjoyed classical and opera. He played a mean harmonica and would tickle the ivories on the piano with a little coaxing. He enjoyed fixing things and was always tinkering. He was a shutterbug his entire life and always had a camera nearby capturing many special moments. He loved people, had a warm and sincere smile, a hearty, strong handshake (from all those years of milking cows) and a sincere love of his family. He had firm convictions, determination, and was honest and hard-working throughout his life. He was a lion of a man! Lee is survived by his wife, Trish Perry, his brother Richard Hahn, his sister MaryAnn Mangels, his daughters Linda Wright and Marilyn Marks, his son Michael Hahn, his grandson Kenny Hahn, granddaughter Jennifer Debnam, and great granddaughters Ashley, Brittney and Tia. His grandson Brian preceded him in death. Lee’s family is especially grateful to the staff at HIghgate Assisted Living for their exemplary care, respect and compassion shown towards Lee in the past year and to Whatcom Hospice for their compassionate care. Donations may be made to Whatcom Hospice.

Elmer Lee Hahn

October 25, 1929 - January 14, 2015