Hello, I’m Bill Hannay. Thank you for selecting me as a Face of Big Lake! I have lived in Big Lake since 2017, but I’ve been in the area my entire life. I’m the proud owner of Hannay Electric and have owned the business for 25 years. I love to volunteer in our community as much as possible and I’m involved in many organizations here. I am a proud father and grandfather and love life with Linda. I’m excited to continue my work as an electrician for the unforeseeable future – no plans to retire – and give back of my time and talent as much as possible. Big Lake is a wonderful community and I’m happy to be a part of it.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the father of 7 adult kids and grandfather to 1 grandchild. I am blessed to have spent the last 5 years with Linda. She and I met when she hired me as an electrician off of Home Advisor! We also have 4 dogs.
Q: How long have you lived and/or worked in Big Lake?
I have lived in Big Lake since 2017. Prior to this I lived in the area my entire life – Santiago, Zimmerman, etc.
Q: Tell us about your current, past, or future career.
When I was 13 years old I started volunteering at a nursing home where I worked with a WWI Veteran, Patrick St. Dennis and we played cribbage. I was involved in Cub Scouts and became an American Eagle Scout. During the summer between 11th and 12th grade, I signed up with the Navy and I shipped out in 1984. I served 6 years of Active Duty during the Cold War. During this time I was stationed for 5 years on the Destroyer – USS Moosbrugger. There were 320 people on the ship and our job was to hunt Russian subs. I did two tours in the Mediterranean – the Black Sea and North Atlantic. I was an electrician in the Navy and my whole education path led to the electrical profession. After I left the Navy, I worked at wiring trains for 9 months then became a Journeyman and earned 3 different licenses in electrical work. For the last 25 years I have owned Hannay Electric here in Big Lake. I have no plans to retire!
Q: Have you ever had a nickname? What is it and why were you given it?
I’ve had many nicknames – Billy when I was young, Sweet Pea in boot camp, Wild Bill and Sparky while I was on my Navy ship. Sparky is the nickname that stuck and is my biker name.
Q: What is your favorite TV Show, Movie, Book? (Please list as many as you’d like!)
For TV I enjoy M.A.S.H. because some of it is pretty realistic! I love the movie It’s A Wonderful Life because it illustrates that everyone is needed and it touches so many people. I also listen to a lot of motivational material.
Q: If you could only eat one food/meal and have one beverage for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I love to cook! Since I was 13, when both my parents were working, I taught myself how to cook and have loved it since. My choice would be turkey with all the fixings. For my beverage it would be Earl Grey Tea that I would drink with my grandparents. I am working with The Wave Youth Center and have helped lay out the plans for the kitchen which will be on site. I am hoping the youth will be able to learn and use this space, as well as, possibly have meals for the community. In Elk River, the American Legion puts on a Christmas dinner for the community. I’d like to see us be able to do something like that in Big Lake.
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
I love the outdoors! I always love wearing shorts versus pants. I enjoy motorcycling, hiking, biking, kayaking, snowshoeing, and volunteering as much as possible! My kayak comes in handy because Linda enjoys marathon swims and I can go along with her. She will be doing a 10 mile swim this year in Vermont at Lake Willoughby. I enjoy volunteering as much as possible and am involved in many groups here in Big Lake. One event I work with is the Prom for mentally and physically challenged young adults – ages 16 to 20. This year it’s being held at Rockwoods on May 21st. I also volunteer with the American Legion, the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, Spudfest, Thumbs Up, The Wave Youth Center, Serve BIG, Sherburne County United Way, and the Patriot Guard. I was helping at the United We Shiver event this year and helped with tent set-up and generator set-up. I didn’t just volunteer – I also took the leap into the icy lake! My work with the Patriot Guard includes things like attending military funerals and I’m also involved with Tribute to the Troops.
Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
I would like to get to Scotland. My family is very Scottish and we have history there all the way back to the 1700’s. While I’m there I would like to visit our family castle. Yes, we have a castle! It’s near the town of Sorbie. We have a Coat of Arms and tartan. There is a clan chief who is located in Scotland as well.
Q: What would you buy/do if you won the lottery?
I would buy the old Big Lake Highschool – the Carousel – and create a center for Veterans. I would like them to have a place to hang out. I would also give back to the community.
Q: What has been a challenge you have had to overcome? (Life, School, Work, etc.)
One challenge I work on is the feeling I never can do enough to help others.
Q: Who has been a hero in your life?
My grandparents and parents were heroes in my life. They did everything they could for us, had strong work ethic, and enjoyed volunteering. My dad worked constantly at the local fish hatchery and I took care of my grandparents often. My grandpa always demonstrated how he loved volunteerism. Both my dad and grandpa were volunteer fire fighters as well. I was taught to do what you can to help others. It’s important to give of your time and not just your money.
Q: What is something even your family and friends may not know about you?
I don’t think many people know how Scottish my family really is! I also sang in the Navy choir.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
Definitely owning my own company for 25 years! I am also proud that I can help others – whether its assisting people with electrical needs or volunteering.
Q: What are a few of your favorite businesses / restaurants in Big Lake?
Ember Coffee – I’ve know Matt & Elisa for many years, Cocoa Maas – I love her salted nut roll and salted caramels, and Willy’s on the Water. I loved Russell’s but Willy’s is a good addition.
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Big Lake?
We have endless opportunities to volunteer and help others in Big Lake. One quote I like is “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Get out and make a difference!
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
Stella Husso – she is the oldest Gold Star Mom in America and Bob Eddy
