Buddy J. Hacker

Clinton “Buddy” J. Hacker Jr.

March 27, 1942 – December 28, 2023

Clinton John Hacker Jr., 81, of North Bend, known to most as “Buddy”, passed away on December 28, 2023. A Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at the Back Alley in North Bend.

Born March 27, 1942 in Cass City, Michigan, the son of Clinton and Mary Ellen Hacker, Buddy was the oldest of seventeen children. Raised on a Michigan farm, he learned early on that “dawn ‘til dusk” was a partial day’s work. It was a work ethic that he carried with him throughout his life.

Buddy enlisted in the Navy in March 1962 and was stationed aboard the USS Helena CA-75 in San Diego, California. He transferred to Naval Air Facility Adak, Alaska and then to US Naval Facility Coos Bay, Oregon. He was honorably discharged in June 1966 at the rank of Yeoman Third Class.

While stationed in Coos Bay, he met Glenda McAlpine and they were married in 1965. They settled in the Coos Bay, North Bend area, where they raised three sons.

Buddy was an avid bowler, softball and pool player, and was highly competitive in everything he did. “If you aren’t there to win, why be there at all?” He, along with Glenda, devoted over forty years in support of Bay Area baseball programs. Coaching from pee wee to Babe Ruth, and assisting with American Legion, many area players ( his sons included ) will remember the “constructive critiques” from coach Buddy. He served as District Commissioner of Babe Ruth, maintained the Clyde Allen field, and grilled some of the greatest tasting burgers in town, according to many.

A part-time singer songwriter, Buddy entertained many at area venues with the band “Just Us.” He loved the outdoors and could always be found hunting, fishing or clamming ( tide willing ). While working as a millwright, he earned an Associates Degree and a certification in welding through Southwest Oregon Community College. That skill was put to use throughout his millwright career at local mills, where he could fix most anything or Macgyver it enough to make it work. A member of International Wood Workers  of America Local Union 3-261, Eagles Lodge 538 and American Legion Post 34.

Buddy is survived by Glenda, his wife of 58 years; their sons and spouses, Michael and Krista, Ronald and Pamela, and Raymond and Renee; six grandchildren, Erica, Jordan, Jason, Haley, Dylon and Eryn; Eleven great-grandchildren, Isabella, Devina, Carter, Memphis, Jolie, Caroline, Leo, Lyla, Salem, Niklaus, and Cameron; step grandchildren, Casey, Tristan, and Cody; and step great-grandchildren, Caden, Alana, and Brody; nine siblings, Robert, Mary, Diane, Glen, Janet, Doris, Bonnie, Jane and Alan; and many other extended family and friends.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, seven siblings, Raymond, Linda, Sylvia, Richard, Laura, Ella and Donald; and his in-laws, Glen and Geneva.

Friends and family are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com and www.theworldlink.com. Arrangements are under the care of North Bend Chapel, 541-756-0440.

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