Obituary: Arthur (Art) Alfred Hannafin

Well known community leader and longtime Carson City architect and resident, Arthur (Art) Alfred Hannafin, 81, passed away Nov. 28, 2012 at his home with loving family by his side.

Art was born June 13, 1931 in Providence, R.I., to Arthur and Albina Hannafin. After receiving his architecture degree from Rhode Island School of Design, he attended U.S. Marine Corps officer's school in Quantico, Va. and fought in Korea as a 1st Lieutenant. He began his architecture career in Philadelphia, Pa. where he joined the firm of the internationally renowned architect Louis Kahn, working on designs for landmarks such as the Scripts Institute in San Diego and the capital complex for Bangladesh. In 1973, Art brought his family to Carson City where he began his long career as an architect for the Carson/Tahoe area. His designs included hundreds of custom residential projects in addition to many other public and commercial facilities.

Art was also a very active civic leader serving on numerous Carson City boards and committees, such as the Redevelopment Citizens Advisory Committee, Arts Alliance Building Committee (Brewery Art Center), the Board of the Eagle Valley Children's Home, and the Western Nevada Community College Advisory Board (Foundation Trustee). He also served as President of Western Nevada Builder's Association and was active in several other organizations. In Sep. 2012, he was honored with the Carson City Historic Preservation Award for his commitment in preserving Nevada's historical resources.

He loved the outdoors and was an avid hiker and explorer in both the desert and the Sierra. His interest in mountain climbing took off in earnest in his early 50s as he climbed many Sierra peaks with friends. Art kept up his climbing until Parkinson's Disease started to slow him down in his 70s. Even so, despite his affliction, he routinely went for his morning walks with his canine companion, Shadow, by his side.

He will always be remembered for his warmth and kindness, his keen interest in the lives of family and friends, his sense of wonder and enthusiasm for the world around us, and that special twinkle in his eyes. Art is survived by his devoted wife, Marlene, the love of his life for the past 25 years; children, Paul Hannafin (Rina), Geoffrey Hannafin, Julie Hannafin (Tom), and Mark Hannafin (Olga), John "Jay" Gardner (Sue), Terri Upton (Ed), and Shawna Lukasko (Jim); 14 grandchildren and two great grandchildren; sister, Pat Shelton (Jim); and brother, Ed Hannafin (Heidi).

A celebration of his life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 115 N. Division St. at King St. in Carson City, on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m., reception following the service. Art's love of color was reflected in his style, so please feel free to wear your favorite color to his service. Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers may be made to the National Parkinson's Foundation at www3.parkinson.org/goto/art.hannafin. Arrangements have been entrusted to FitzHenry's Funeral Home.