Eric Edward Hanft
July 3, 1947 – May 17, 2025
The Hanft family, of beautiful Birch Bay, WA, has lost a legend. Eric Edward Hanft, 77, passed on a Saturday evening, May 17, 2025, in Bellingham, WA. Eric passed surrounded by loved ones, with God in his heart, a smile on his face, and an “I love you bratty,” last words whispered to wife Julie Hanft, after hearing a loving poem she wrote him just hours before.
Eric, a Los Angeles County Sheriff, a great shot, a renowned seafood market manager, always has something to say, always knowing everyone’s name, interested in your life, a car guy, proud of his family, drove around in an older car for years that had the heat stuck on in LA traffic multiple hours a day to provide for his family, a fisherman, a landscaping master, best friend to many, a sense of humor that never stopped, endless, and was raw without fear of judgment, a putterer - always busy doing something, a meticulous organizer, stubborn, tough, strong, protector, encourager, supporter, provider, curator of chocolate bunny, Lego tower builder supporter extraordinaire, Tasha lover, son of Theodore and Barbara Hanft, brother to Steve and Darla Hanft, loving husband to Julie Hanft; Father to Todd, Bryan, Monica, Steve, and Tim; grandfather to Abigail, Connor, Chloe, Ilan, Sage, Lyle, Mya, Jonah, and Alexis.
His memory is a blessing for us all, and may we carry forth his legacy of love, family, humor, encouragement, and to never be the only one in the room having fun, for the rest of our days.
There are no words that can express how grateful we are to the family and friends who surrounded Eric and each other with love and support. Also, thank you, Whatcom Hospice House. Thank you for your care and kindness in how you all provided this great man compassion and dignity in his final days.
