--�Jerry Hanauer, who built Pacific Coast Feather into one of the industry's biggest companies and most sophisticated marketers, died on Dec. 2 after a long illness. He was 80 years old.
A towering figure in the down and feather business, Hanauer employed a strong moral compass and cutting edge marketing and advertising to make the company one of the most admired, not to mention successful, in the home textiles industry.
He was the last of the legendary "Three Hs" to still be involved in the down and feather business, following the retirement of Chuck Hansen of Pillowtex and the death of Leo Hollander of Hollander.
Hanauer, who still held the title of co-chairman of the family-owned company, joined PCF in 1965 when it was doing less than $1 million and his father said it needed "young blood." He became president and CEO in 1971 and before he cut back his active management over the past decade, it had passed the $300 million mark in annual sales.
"Jerry was an enthusiastic, passionate proponent of quality in the bedding industry," said Eric Moen, president and CEO in a statement, "although he sometimes marveled at his transition from a Bohemian life in Greenwich Village during the 1950s to a life immersed in the nuances of down and feathers.
"He was extraordinarily committed to developing a company culture that gave people opportunities to grow and an environment in which they could have fun," he said. "He was proud of what PCF has accomplished. All of Jerry's extended family at Pacific Coast Feather will miss hearing is great laugh rolling down the hallway."
Funeral plans were still being set, but were expected to be in Seattle on Thursday.
Hanauer is survived by his sons Nicholas, who continues as chairman of PCF, and Adrian, daughter-in-law Leslie, grandchildren Cole and Lauren and friend and former wife, Lenore.
