January 15, 1961 – June 17, 2026

Jeff’s adventurous life began in Denver, Colorado, and our family was never the same again! The adventure continued to Great Falls, Montana, in 1969, then to Fresno, California, in 1971 (where his love of the Oakland Raiders began), and finally to Tahoe City, California, in 1977. Jeff graduated from North Tahoe High School in 1979.

His childhood instilled in him a love for the outdoors, fishing, camping, the mountains, grizzly bears, and everything else in the animal kingdom.

Jeff’s passion for music began at an early age after receiving a snare drum for Christmas. He took piano lessons, learned to play the guitar, and taught himself how to read and write music for several instruments. His early “band life” included the Ruffians, and later became known as Tahoma Hard Core (THC). Jeff loved to play music, loved to perform, and was known for his blazing guitar riffs.

Jeff became known for many things, a die-hard Raiders fan, his quick wit, his supersonic personality, his great sense of humor, being a prankster until the end, and his very generous heart. But the one thing he wanted most was to be remembered as the proud father of his son, Brandon.

Some of his youthful pranks included him and his buddies jumping off Fanny Bridge “just to scare the fish,” as well as streaking through the streets of Tahoe City on the Fourth of July, snatching cocktails while on the run.

Jeff, commonly known as “The Hack,” finally succumbed to COPD and emphysema, caused by smoking. He passed peacefully after making peace with God and receiving Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Jan (Noah). He is survived by his loving son, Brandon Dean Hackett; his sisters, Denise Kawasaki (Dan Swanson) and Debbie Colonica (Jerry); his brother, Steve Christiansen; and his two nieces, Nora Kawasaki and Desiree Colonica.

We wish to express our profound gratitude to the entire community of health care providers within the Tahoe Forest Hospital System. Your care for Jeff over the years was magnificent and truly went above and beyond.

We also want to thank Sutter Health in Auburn, Roseville, and Sacramento for your excellent care. We extend our sincere thanks to Sutter Hospice for your kindness and compassion.

Jeff was truly cut from a different cloth. There will never be another like him. His memory will live on forever in the hearts of his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 19, 3:00 p.m. at Marie Sluchak Park in Tahoma, California.