Leonard Hackman

Published 12:00 am Thursday, December 31, 2009

Leonard Hackman passed away on Dec. 2, 2009 at the age of 82. He was born in Chicago, IL in 1927 to Russian immigrants, but then moved to Selma, AL in 1936 when his parents relocated the family.
He joined the Army in 1946 and was stationed in Wurzberg and Berlin, Germany for a couple of years. After returning home, he attended the University of Alabama and graduated in 1951. While at the University, he completed the Air Force ROTC management course with rank of Cadet Colonel. He was also a member of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. He was called to active duty in 1951 and served two years. He left active duty in 1953 as a First Lieutenant.
After his military service, he went into business with a friend and they operated a retail appliance store for seven years. He was a charter member of Temple Beth Sholem, and a founding member and officer of Temple Israel in Melbourne, FL. He left the business partnership and joined Metropolitan Life in 1961, and became a CLU in 1966.
While at Met Life, he lived in various cities in the southeast and even New York City. He ultimately moved to Santa Barbara as a District Manager. He stayed with Met Life until he joined Blue Shield of California in 1981. He retired from Blue Shield in 1994 as a Senior Account Executive.
He stayed active in the insurance industry after retirement by teaching the licensing course requirements for a private company to those individuals preparing for the state insurance exam. He enjoyed teaching and mentoring individuals.
Leonard was a member of the Plato Society at UCLA, Skirball Museum, Jewish War Veterans, a life member of the City of Hope, and Stephen Wise Temple in LA. He loved to travel, and his journeys carried him worldwide. He enjoyed meeting new people and learning about the experiences of others.
Leonard is survived by three children and six grandchildren. He is also survived by a niece, Jacky (Sam) Goldberg of Atlanta, GA and nephew, Ronnie (Barbara) Leet of Selma, AL.
He was predeceased by his parents, Harry &Tiebel Hackman, sisters Rose H. Wander and Lillian H. Leet, and brother Joseph Hackman.
He is also survived by numerous cousins in the Chicago area, and several great and great-great nieces and nephews. In addition, he is survived by longtime friend and companion, Brigitte (Gigi) Motalaby.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice, or Temple Mishkan Israel in Selma, AL.