William Sydney Hancox

Peacefully on November 04, 2020 William (Bill) Hancox passed away at the Grace Hospital. Through this difficult time in the world with Covid-19, we can’t say he was surrounded by family. We celebrate his going on to be with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and his loving wife Shirley who passed September, 2010. He will be sadly missed by his children Linda (Jamie) Burke, Derrill (Louise) Hancox, and Todd (Pauline) Hancox; his grandchildren Ashley, Steven , Michael, Josh and Hallee, his siblings El Hancox, Brenda Hancox, and Terry (Leona) Hancox, and a large extended family along with his church family and friends.

Dad was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1936. Living through difficult times in his early years through World War 2, he had a very close relationship with his older brother Elwin. The two remained incredibly close through teenage years, raising families, and working together often. They enjoyed golfing together almost daily, year round for the last few years. He stayed in touch with close lifelong friends “Moe” and Ivan, as well as others. He met his wife Shirley as they travelled on the same bus daily back in the day. He married the love of his life on September 01, 1956, and enjoyed over 50 years together. Dad was a contestant in the ‘65 and ‘66 Mr. Manitoba contests. Working sometimes 2 and 3 jobs to support the family, he wrote a remarkable thesis on driving safety, gaining him a mark of 100% to become a driving instructor. He worked for CNR for 34 years becoming the Supervisor of the Reproduction Centre (printing shop) before retiring at the young age of 52. Along the way he took up running and ran in the first Manitoba Marathon in 1979 and a couple more after that. In 32 years of retirement he enjoyed golfing year round and had 2 hole in ones. He taught many things just by example. Always a smile on his face, he made you feel like you were the only person in the room. That smile remained till the end as nurses and orderlies would comment on it every time they entered his room. Thank you Grace Hospital staff for taking such good care of dad in those last difficult months.


A Celebration of Life service will be announced at a later date.

Condolences may be left on William Hancox’s page at www.interlakecremation.ca

Arrangements entrusted to Interlake Cremation & Memorial Services

6 thoughts on “William Sydney Hancox

  1. Helen Hogue

    I would like to send my condolences out to all of Bill’s Family. Bill and Shirley were very close friends of mine for over 50 years. They were so well matched as a couple and now are back together again.Although the years have separated some of us we have such good memories of the time spent together as our Families grew up. Rest In Peace dear friend.

  2. Barbara Larkin

    My deepest sympathy to all of Bill’s family. I met him and Shirley when they were part of Headingley United Church and then would see them frequently when Shirley was at Grace Hospital, as that was where I worked. He was such a loving and caring partner to Shirley. It was my honour to have gotten to know Bill over the years and I wish for each of you to hold on to the many special memories you have.

  3. Janet Lewis Anderson & Bruce Anderson

    With Deepest Sympathy to the entire family!

  4. Maurice (Moe) Hogue

    I wish to send condolences to Bill’s family……I know that they will miss him very much………
    as will I. I was lucky enough to have Bill as a friend for 70 years, and what a great friend he was. Always upbeat and smiling, and very positive. Always great to be around.
    He will now be reunited with Shirley, the love of his life, as he should be.
    I’ll miss you buddy……..moe.

  5. Marg Weddall

    So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all

  6. Karen Price

    I never saw my Uncle Bill without a smile on his face, with such positive energy which I believe was endless. Sending my deepest compassion to my cousins
    Todd Hancox (Pauline), Derrill Hancox (Louise) and Linda Burke (Jamie).

    No matter your age, losing a parent is never easy, especilly awesome ones like yours. Spending time with the Hancox clan was never dull. My take away from time spent was how magical the marriage of my Aunt Shirley and Uncle Bill’s was.
    Out of all my memories my favorite was watching my Uncle Bill swing my Aunt Shirley on the dance floor and her swinging him with equal skill.

    Namaste
    KP

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