"Family is everything." – Ronald C. Hackett, D.D.S.

Ronald C. Hackett was born August 2, 1945 of the late Hugh Hackett and Iva Mae (Nelson) Hackett, and died February 14, 2026. He dedicated his life to his family who survive him: his devoted wife of 54 years Barbara (Yates) Hackett; his steadfast sister Pamela Lundeen; his four children Marla Kelly, Ron Hackett, Cheryl Goodwin, and William Hackett; his sons-in-law William Goodwin and Christopher Kelly; his daughter-in-law Melissa Hackett; and his six grandchildren, Olivia Goodwin, Grant Goodwin, Ron Hackett, Greyson Goodwin, Charles Hackett, and Graham Kelly. He is predeceased by his younger sister Patricia Egger.

Ron graduated from the University of Michigan, completing an undergraduate degree and making his father proud by becoming a Doctor of Dental Surgery. Ron served the Wixom and Plymouth communities via his dental practice for nearly 50 years, providing care to all in need. He was well-respected for his exceptional skill and meticulous attention to detail, and he received a Lifetime Achievement award from the University of Michigan in 2023 for his contributions to the field of Dentistry.

Ron delighted in retelling stories of his summers on the family farm in Minnesota, his childhood trip to the Grand Canyon, his work announcing the chimp show at the Detroit Zoo, and DJing a program on the radio at Michigan. He pursued myriad interests ranging from tinkering with electronics and photography to building puzzles, winning treasure hunts, castle hunting, and watching Michigan football and classic television.

Nothing was more important to Ron than his family. Ron met Barbara while in dental school, and they built a life together that exemplified what marriage can be when two people fully commit themselves to each other. They moved through life side by side, rarely apart and never truly separate. Nearly everything was shared—errands and evenings, work and rest, celebrations and setbacks. If one had somewhere to be, the other was nearby. They were each other's rock—steady, dependable, and strong when the other felt unsteady. They were confidants in the truest sense. Over time, their lives became so intertwined that it was hard to speak of one without the other. Ron made it a point to kiss Barb goodnight every night until his last.

As a father, he epitomized the word supportive. He never missed a figure skating competition, karate test, or dance recital, and exuded pride for even the smallest of accomplishments. He didn't just watch: he actively engaged in his children's activities and the related communities. Ron's children knew he would always step up to help them without question and without complaint, no matter how outlandish the request. From re-teaching himself calculus to teach his kids, driving halfway across the country at the drop of a hat, or babysitting on a moment's notice, Ron selflessly showed up for his family every single day. His favorite memories were family adventures like vacations at Disney World or a spontaneous extra day at a hotel pool. As his children married, he embraced their spouses as his own children.

In recent years, some of Ron's greatest joys came from spending time with his grandchildren. He shared his love of electronics by teaching them to solder, matched wits with them in games and chess, and loved cruising with them. He regaled them with stories of family history, and he secretly loved when they "stowed away" in the car when he drove home so he could treat them to a late night ice cream.

Ron was an incredible person, but more importantly, he was the best husband, father, and papa that any of us could ask for. He always humbly said he was "nobody", but he was everything to his family. He will be missed every day for his unique sense of humor and remembered every time one of his Hackettisms casually slips into conversation. We will try to carry his eternal optimism forward, and we'll instinctively look for him in a crowd when we hear a Dad whistle.

Ron always wanted to be an airplane pilot and was very proud he had three sons that became pilots. Now he has wings of his own, and we imagine him soaring higher than ever.

A viewing and service will be held on Friday, February 20 beginning at 9:30am at St. James Church in Novi, Michigan to celebrate and honor Ron's life. The family has set up a website to share memories: https://everloved.com/life-of/ronald-hackett/