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Walter D. Hancook "Jack"
Born: 4/11/1925
Died: 11/7/2023
Age: 98
Community: Holly, MI
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HANCOOK, WALTER D. “JACK”
Age 98, of Holly, MI, passed away at his home with loved ones at his side on November 7, 2023. He joined his loving wife of 72 years, Dawn Darlene, to whom he was devoted and faithful till her passing one year ago.
Jack was born in Lansing, Michigan on April 11, 1925, son of the late Walter and Vivian Hancook. Jack was raised in Flint, MI and graduated from Flint Central High. He served his country as a Navy pilot. He also played baseball (catcher) for the Navy. He earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering at the University of Michigan, where he was also the catcher on the U-M baseball team. He retired from the Navy reserve after 27 years, as a Lieutenant Commander.
After graduating he worked for the railroad. Jack went on to successfully and generously provide for his family as co-owner of C.A. Hull, one of largest bridge building companies in Michigan. Jacks’ presence at C.A. Hull played an integral part of building that company to what it was when he retired in 1990.
“Joe Malloure summed him up perfectly, “…I worked for and with Walt for almost 20 years - he was masterful at handling people, proficient with all equipment and could really make things happen on the job. Plus, we had some good racquetball games (which Walt most always won).
Walt most reminded me of Tom Brokaw's book The Greatest Generation. He served his country with distinction, played catcher at U/M, had a wonderful family, was well respected in our industry and kept flying as he loved to do. I have lots of great memories of my times with Walt.”
Racquetball was Jacks way of staying fit (and he was darn good at it), but aviation was his passion. He was a member of the EAA 77 at Dalton Airport in Flushing and the Greater Flint Pilots Association. In his retirement he continued his passion for aviation, building two experimental aircraft, as a flight instructor, maintaining 6 aircraft for a flying club out of Bishop Airport, and flying friends and family. He also participated in the Young Eagles program, giving kids their first airplane rides to introduce them to the world of aviation. Until just a few months ago, he maintained his presence at the Bishop Airport 3 times a week, catching up with other retired pilots and mentoring younger pilots.
His generosity was very evident when he decided to buy property on Hubbard Lake and build a cottage for his family. He would fly up many weekends in the summer to work on the cottage and only took breaks long enough to pull his kids behind the boat, teaching them all to waterski. His family continues to enjoy the fruits of his labor.
Jack was a wise, intelligent, responsible, and caring husband, father, and grandfather. A pillar of strength and stability to his family. A loyal and consistent friend, brother, and son.
He is survived by 5 children, Linda (Ron) Carmean, Paul (Emily) Hancook, Diana (Rob) Carver, Jill (Marc) Miller, and Jim (Tammy) Hancook; 12 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.
Jack was preceded in death by his only brother, Jerry L. Hancook.
Visitation 10 a.m. and Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, November 20, 2023 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Father Jarrod Dillon officiating.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to Devoted Friends Animal Society, Inc. or Tunnel2Towers.
Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com
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| Visitation |
| Date: |
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11/20/2023 |
| Time: |
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10:00 AM |
| Visitation 10 a.m. and Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, November 20, 2023 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint, |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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11/20/2023 |
| Time: |
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11:00 AM |
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| Location: |
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Swartz Funeral Home & Cremation Center
1225 West Hill Road
Flint, MI 48507Get a Map to this location...
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