Roger Hannay: Veteran of Industry and Humanity

Roger A. Hannay will be remembered as a veteran in several senses of the word. In the industry sense, he devoted more than 50 years to the business his grandfather Clifford started: Hannay Reels, a manufacturer of hose and cable reels. But before that, and after receiving his B.A. from Wheaton College in 1963, and his M.B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1964, he served as a lieutenant in Vietnam. Both of those experiences helped shape the person his friends and family knew and loved and said goodbye to Feb. 26, 2018. On that day Hannay passed away at the age of 75.

He was born in Catskill, N.Y., to George and Emma Hannay on March 28, 1942. After completing his military service and beginning his career at his grandfather’s company, Hannay held several positions until becoming CEO of Hannay Reels in 1990. He served in that role for the next 22 years, then continued serving as chairman of the board until his passing. During his more than half-century of service, he led the company to numerous innovations in its product lines and manufacturing techniques, and testified before Congress and the N.Y. State Legislature on several issues related to taxes and regulations that directly affect small family businesses. Hannay was also active in many community, family, religious, and business organizations, serving on several boards.