Herk Hancock Hancock

Herk Hancock died early Sunday morning, Feb. 15, 2004, with his wife by his side after a brave, valiant and unexpected three-month battle with brain cancer. He was 60 years old.

Herk was born June 21, 1943, in Cheyenne, Wyo. He graduated in 1961, attended the University of Wyoming and enlisted in the Wyoming Air National Guard until he moved to Seattle in 1968 where he worked for Boeing as a draftsman.

As a music lover, he managed a local band named “Butterfat” in the Seattle area. He had many fond memories of those days and spoke of them often.

Ever the restless soul, he soon discovered flea markets, antiques and auctions thus embarking on what would become his life’s work of owning several antique stores. In 1978 he became an auctioneer after “practicing” a few times in the shower, entering into partnership as Hancock & Rasmussen for many years.

Married Dec. 19, 1985, he and his wife Stephanie lived in LaConner upstairs in their antique store (Old 99 Antiques), moving to Conway in 1987 where they owned and operated the Herk Hancock Auction Company until their last auction in November after he was hospitalized.

He was preceeded in death by his parents Loren and Mary, brother Dudley, and a sister Lynn Marie. He is survived by his loving wife of 18 years Stephanie, his beloved children Cubby and Jaynie, brothers George and Eddie Hancock, sisters Patricia Hancock and Mary Jo Ore, his aunt Elsie Bondi and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and his countless friends. And of course his cherished dogs, cats and chickens — especially Johnny.

Herk loved life and was determined to continue living. He never gave up and was convinced he would win the battle. He eagerly looked forward to going on a fishing trip with Cubby and to cheer Jaynie on at her next volleyball game. He wanted so much to be well again and come home to Stephanie and his family. This devastating illness took Herk’s life in 90 short, but very long, days. He will be dearly missed.

A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church at 103 N. Fifth Street in Mount Vernon on the hill Saturday, Feb. 28, at 11 a.m. Visit the Web site at hancock

auctions.com for photos and a final look at our auction company Herk was so proud of.

A potluck celebration of Herk’s life for family and friends will follow at the LaConner Garden Club at 622 Second St. (across from Gaches Mansion) at 2:30 p.m. Please bring any memories or photos to share.

In lieu of flowers, accounts have been opened at Skagit State Bank and Bank of America to help the family pay for expenses or make a donation to your favorite animal charity in Herk’s name. Arrangements are under the care of Skagit Cremations.