Obituary of Donald Ian Robert Hancock

HANCOCK-Donald Ian Robert Passed away reluctantly on November 13, 2024. An amazing husband, father and grandfather. Husband of Anna (Cerget), Father to son Christopher and wife Margaret (Bunn), son Brian and wife Deanna (Cincurak), daughter Laura Ann and husband Peter (Dobrich). Predeceased by son Kenneth (1980). Grandfather to Jessica, Spencer, Forrest, Garrett, Landis, Brennan, Kendra, Aleksandar, Danijela and Stefan. Survived by sister Druscilla Rose, brother Danny McCallum and wife Christina. Predeceased by mother Rose Fillar (Thomson Hancock), father Harry Hancock, stepfather Walter Fillar, in laws Julius and Gizela Cerget, brother in law John Cerget, as well as wonderful grandparents Rose and William Thomson. Donald was born on Peter Street in the Town of Sandwich in June of 1936. He attended Prince of Wales School, among others. Following his graduation from W.D. Lowe Secondary School, he worked with local Architects until 1965. During the Summer of 1965, Donald was hired by then Riverside Board of Education to teach Architectural Drafting at Riverside Secondary School. While at Riverside, he assisted the senior football team and coached the badminton team to a Southwestern Ontario Championship. Following ten years of classroom teaching, including two years as supervisor of the evening school program at Riverside, he was promoted to Technical Director at Centennial Secondary School where he taught Architectural Drafting as well as interior design. He assisted the senior football team and continued his University of Windsor studies which he had began while at Riverside. During this time he became the first Technical Teacher to be selected to participate in a Ministry of Education Program to train Secondary School Principals. Following a two year summer program, Donald was promoted to Assistant Principal at William Hands Secondary School. This position was held for five years prior to being relocated to J.L. Forester Secondary School, also for five years. While continuing his administrative work at J.L. Forester, Donald completed a general B.A. and Masters of Education Program at the University of Windsor. During his years at Forester he was involved with the School Revitalization Program, directed in large measure by a very active “Parents For Forester” led by Larry Renaud, as well as Doris and Roger Yaeger, among others. This group of leaders along with many parents and students filled the Windsor Board auditorium one evening at a Board Meeting. A fine presentation by Mr. Renaud and the overwhelming presence of parents and students convinced the Board to vote in favour of keeping the School open. Following these events, Donald was reassigned to the Hon. W.C. Kennedy Collegiate Institute. During this time he acted as recording secretary and eventually chair of the Windsor Association of Secondary School Principals. Having completed five additional years of administration duties, he retired in 1993. Much of Donald’s success is owed directly to his wife Anna, as he traveled six summers outside of Windsor for various academic upgrades, and an additional eight years of summer and evening classes to complete his University studies. During all of these times, Anna was alone raising four children and did it very well indeed. Thanks must be given to Dr. C. Watling, London Health and Sciences Centre and Dr. M. Winger, Windsor, whose efforts and care, gave him the extra time to enjoy the marriages of his children as well as the births of his grandchildren. Also a special thank you to Dr. O’Callahan and staff and all the doctors and nurses who cared for Dad during his short stay at Windsor Regional Hospital - Met Campus and Ouellette Campus. Donald has requested a private family funeral followed by cremation and interment along side his son Kenneth at Green Hill Cemetery in Kingsville. Donald and family would appreciate your prayers. As your expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Alzheimers Society, Transition to Betterness T2B and Kingsville Community Food Bank. Arrangements entrusted to the WINDSOR CHAPEL (Banwell Chapel) 11677 Tecumseh Rd E (519)253-7235