September 30, 1943 - December 29, 2012
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Ray Hancock on December 29, 2012 at Nanaimo General Hospital. Ray is survived by his wife of 46 years, Joyce, his daughter, Suzanne (Colin McAdam), son, Jeff (Christy Topolewski) and beloved grandchildren, Jonas and Lola. He is predeceased by his father, William, his mother, Olive (nee Armstrong), and his sister, Sharon.
Ray grew up in West Vancouver and remained close to many of his friends from West Van High. He worked as a salesman for Arrow Transfer before becoming co-owner of Bronco Transportation. He was a lover of sports, and excelled at baseball throughout his early life. He was an active member of the North Shore Winter Club for many years. He was a fantastic coach of his children’s ringette and baseball teams, and he also enjoyed coaching curling and baseball with the Special Olympics program. He traveled throughout Europe, to Mexico and Japan, across the US and Canada, and had a soft spot for Las Vegas and Palm Springs. Ray and Joyce lived in North Vancouver before moving to Qualicum Beach where Ray played golf and enjoyed every day of his retirement. He was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, and, with courage and an unending sense of humour, he accepted a difficult reality for almost eighteen years. He was a loving, gentle and devoted father, and he cared and fought for his family until his last day. Ray’s strength and grace will always be remembered, and his ability to live one day at a time will inspire those left to mourn him. To respect his wishes, there will not be a memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Oceanside Hospice Society in Qualicum Beach would be much appreciated.