H Kay Hancock

H Kay Hancock passed away on July 13, 2024 at his home in Grand Junction, at the age of 89. 

A beautiful red-haired baby boy was born to Henrietta and Harold Hancock on January 26, 1935. He grew up in the Neosho Rapids, KS farming community where the family lived in a house ordered from Sears and Roebuck. 

Kay went to school in the “Rapids,” followed by Kansas University (bachelor’s degree in geology 1958, plus a secondary degree in science education). He then was employed at Grand Teton NP and soon married Karla Rugh in 1961. Further employment led them to Death Valley NP, Rocky Mountain NP and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

They then moved to Columbia, MO where he obtained his Master’s degree, followed by PhD from Utah State University. Daughter Aneth came into the family in 1973. Moab, UT became their next home where Kay was the Director of Continuing Education for Utah State University.

Kay and Donna Kerr Sherwood were married in 1994 (and recently celebrated 30 years!). Kay retired from USU and they moved to Grand Junction, CO where Kay finally had time to enjoy his many hobbies—including jeeping, camping in the San Juans, yard sales and acquiring clocks and vehicles. They enjoyed the family home in Crested Butte, CO for many years and loved walking the CB streets on many a cold night.

Kay recently began volunteering at Community Hospital, was an active member of the local clock club, and a member of First United Methodist Church.

Kay had an endearing, lifelong love of the West—the mountains, deserts, canyons, rivers, flowers and history. He was truly a scholar and a gentleman who will be missed by his family—Donna, daughter and son-in-law Aneth and Doug Wight, stepdaughter Hillary Sherwood, nephew Peter Jhones and family and niece Johnna Hale and family plus his two beloved dogs, Prince Harry and Prince Willie. His sister Karan preceded him in death.

Donations appreciated to Hope West Hospice whose help with the transition was immeasurable.