Walter "Cork" George Hackett, III, 70, of Fort Wayne passed away peacefully on August 10, 2021, at Lutheran Hospital. He was born Sept. 12, 1950, to Ruth (Mannweiler) and the late Walter G. Hackett, Jr., MD

Cork was the best husband, son, big brother, uncle, and friend. He always put others first and was the first to offer a helping hand. He was a humble, steady presence in the lives of those he loved.

Cork graduated from Elmhurst High School and Indiana University with a bachelor's degree in biology. He met his beloved wife, Roberta "Bert" Hackett, while they were both working at Lutheran Hospital—he in the ER and she in the surgical waiting area. They married in 1983.

Cork loved Rugby and played at Indiana University and on the Fort Wayne Rugby team.  He also enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson 1969 Electra Glide, and he had a wealth of encyclopedic knowledge on many topics, including vintage cars, tractors, Lionel trains, Coleman lanterns, and vintage Christmas of any kind. He cherished the chance to share his many interests and hobbies with others.

Cork developed chronic myeloid leukemia five years ago and endured two stem cell transplants. He never complained about his condition and fought bravely to spend more time with Bert, his family, and friends. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Roberta (Crowl) mother, Ruth (Mannweiler) Hackett; sisters, Jane (Mike) Brammer of Bloomington, Ind., Janet Bir, and Sue Hackett (Steve Bredemeyer); and sister-in-laws Kelly (Dale) Borne and Kay (Joe) Moore. Cork is a loving uncle to Michael, Todd, Colin, Kara, Adam, Amanda, Melissa, Ryan, Nicole, and Kristy. He is preceded in death by his father, Walter G. Hackett Jr., MD, and brother, Frank Hackett.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at 11:30 a.m., with viewing one hour prior at Covington Memorial Funeral Home at 8408 Covington Rd., Fort Wayne, IN. Calling will be held Monday, August 16, 2021, from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials are to The Golden Glow of Christmas Past 4837 Cedar Springs Rd #301, Dallas, TX 75219 and the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.