Graydon Hancock

Obituary

Dr. GRAYDON L. HANCOCK, DDS

The family of Dr. Graydon Hancock announces his passing peacefully on Monday June 14, 2021 at the Hampton Court Retirement Lodge in Southampton, Ontario in his 91^st year.  Graydon was born in Harriston, Ontario, but spent his adult years in Toronto and Southampton.  He is predeceased by his parents Richard Henry Hancock and Catherine Blanche Cordick and by his devoted and loving wife of 56 years, Noreen J. Hancock who passed away in 2013.  Graydon is survived by his three children, Valerie, Stephen and Geoffrey.

He was trained as a dentist in the army (Peace Corp) and had a successful private dental practice in Toronto for almost 40 years.  In addition, Graydon taught at George Brown College in the 70s and at the University of Toronto dental school for over 25 years.  His knowledge of history, anything mechanical and the arts meant he was able to converse on many subjects beyond teeth.

Graydon moved around a lot in his childhood so his father could be near many of southwestern Ontario train hubs in the 1930s.   These early life experiences contributed to Graydon’s lifelong passion for trains.  Train-chasing is clearly a lost “sport” today, but to Noreen and the kids, no weekend went by without a trip to find trains, or if they were lucky, riding on a remaining steam engine excursion.  Graydon also spent countless hours in his basement working on his exquisitely detailed model railroad layout.   He always enjoyed showing off this labour of love to anyone who showed an interest. He often volunteered at the Bruce County Museum on Family Day, taking a small layout with him, to allow children to try to run a train and get interested in the hobby.  He enjoyed curling, lawn bowling and was an avid Blue Jays baseball fan for decades.  Graydon enjoyed growing raspberries in his yard for his grandchildren, just as his own grandfather did for him.   Berries not eaten right off the canes were always made into jam by the whole family.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of choice would be greatly appreciated. Graydon was a 16-year survivor of colon cancer while his wife Noreen, was afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease.  Valerie, Stephen and Geoffrey wish to thank the dedicated and caring staff at the Hampton Court, particularly Jen and Danielle who patiently and kindly helped Graydon to adjust to life at the retirement lodge. A Memorial Service for Graydon will be held in the summer 2021 in Southampton, details to be confirmed.  The service will be arranged through Eagleson Funeral Home in Southampton.