R. Judd Hanna, a respected conservationist and dedicated leader, was a founding member of the California Wildlife Officers Foundation. His passion for protecting wildlife and supporting those who serve in this vital role laid the groundwork for the foundation’s mission. Through his tireless efforts, Judd’s legacy continues to inspire and guide the foundation’s work in safeguarding California’s natural heritage.
R. Judd Hanna 07/02/1941 - 08/10/2024
Naval Aviator, Conservationist, Seeker of Fun
Judd
Richard Judd Hanna passed away August 10, 2024 in Mill Creek, CA. He was born July 2, 1941 to Richard R. Hanna and Polly L. Hanna in San Francisco, CA. He was raised on the Bay Area Peninsula with sisters Judy, Jennifer and Jill. Judd made lifelong friends growing up in Hillsborough and throughout his life. Those friendships always involved raising some hell and having an interesting time along the way. He attended Cate School in Carpinteria, CA where he acquired knowledge and experiences that provided an amazing foundation for the rest of his life. UC Berkeley was a fun filled adventure and assisted in his quest to become a Naval aviator. Immediately after graduation he attended flight school in Pensacola FL. He flew fighter jets and rescue helicopters for two tours in Vietnam. He married his college sweetheart Carol (Ackerman) Hanna, and they had two sons; Richard Joss Hanna and William Mark Hanna.
After leaving the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander he obtained an MBA from Stanford University while continuing to fly for the US Navy Reserves. Judd was a true believer in small business enterprises and had various professional positions primarily in real estate development.
Judd fulfilled a personal dream when he moved to Mill Creek, CA to the Circle S Ranch, a cattle and timber ranch, that has been in his family for 100 years. Besides his professional accomplishments, he was an avid outdoorsman and believed in responsible resource stewardship. His 32 years of fulltime residency was shared with his wife Kerry L. Burke. Judd’s conservation efforts not only extended to the ranch but well beyond. He was a founding member of the Mill Creek Conservancy, which he continued to serve to the present. Judd served on the California Fish and Game Commission and was the champion of eliminating lead ammunition from impacting the California Condor habitat which sparked additional protections for wildlife throughout California. He followed a family tradition and was on the Lassen Volcanic Park Foundation Board and the Lassen Museum Board. Judd was a founding member of the California Wildlife Officers Foundation and served on the Tehama County K-9 Foundation Board and CalTip. Another passion of Judd’s for over 30 years was being the rice farmer/resource manager for Aloha Farms in Yuba County. He shared many great times with family and friends bird hunting, while requiring voluntary restraint in the field but not necessarily in the clubhouse.
Judd died helping protect the ranch and the surrounding area during the recent Park Fire.
Judd is survived by and will be forever missed by his wife Kerry Burke, sons Joss (Diane), Mark (Michele) and grandchildren Jack, Stella, Reed and Scarlet.
A celebration of life is being planned for early this fall.
If so inclined, please consider a donation to the Mineral-Mill Creek Volunteer Fire Department or other organization of your choice.
After leaving the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander he obtained an MBA from Stanford University while continuing to fly for the US Navy Reserves. Judd was a true believer in small business enterprises and had various professional positions primarily in real estate development.
Judd fulfilled a personal dream when he moved to Mill Creek, CA to the Circle S Ranch, a cattle and timber ranch, that has been in his family for 100 years. Besides his professional accomplishments, he was an avid outdoorsman and believed in responsible resource stewardship. His 32 years of fulltime residency was shared with his wife Kerry L. Burke. Judd’s conservation efforts not only extended to the ranch but well beyond. He was a founding member of the Mill Creek Conservancy, which he continued to serve to the present. Judd served on the California Fish and Game Commission and was the champion of eliminating lead ammunition from impacting the California Condor habitat which sparked additional protections for wildlife throughout California. He followed a family tradition and was on the Lassen Volcanic Park Foundation Board and the Lassen Museum Board. Judd was a founding member of the California Wildlife Officers Foundation and served on the Tehama County K-9 Foundation Board and CalTip. Another passion of Judd’s for over 30 years was being the rice farmer/resource manager for Aloha Farms in Yuba County. He shared many great times with family and friends bird hunting, while requiring voluntary restraint in the field but not necessarily in the clubhouse.
Judd died helping protect the ranch and the surrounding area during the recent Park Fire.
Judd is survived by and will be forever missed by his wife Kerry Burke, sons Joss (Diane), Mark (Michele) and grandchildren Jack, Stella, Reed and Scarlet.
A celebration of life is being planned for early this fall.
If so inclined, please consider a donation to the Mineral-Mill Creek Volunteer Fire Department or other organization of your choice.
Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Aug. 21, 2024.
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