Ernie Hancock

Ernie Hancock passed away at home Sunday October 1, 2017. He was born September 18, 1947, the oldest child of Clifford Hancock and Ellen (Ott) Hancock. Ernie spent his childhood in Jerome during those idyllic small-town days when boys with imagination had all kinds of adventures, and he and his life-long friend, Mike Atwood, certainly did.

His work ethic was an example for all and started young. At 14 years old, he worked summers moving irrigation pipe on a farm north of town. A year later, Ernie helped his dad and grandpa break ground on land they homesteaded under the Desert Land Entry Act in Bruneau, ID.

After graduating from Jerome High School he moved to Seattle to work for Boeing and found a whole new set of things to experience in the big city. Ernie was drafted into the Army and stationed at Ft. Lewis, WA but never shipped out to Viet Nam. He returned to Seattle and married Vikie Read; they had a daughter, Jill.

In 1970 Ernie was diagnosed with a late-onset form of Muscular Dystrophy and the family decided to move to Jerome. Back home in Idaho, Ernie was able to resume his love of deer, duck and pheasant hunting. He built pens and raised all kinds of game birds in the back yard of the house he purchased in 1973 and lived in for the rest of his life. He was taught taxidermy by his uncle, Bob Hancock, and was great at bird mounts, filling the converted garage with them. Ernie and Vikie bought property in Florence, AZ in 1985 where Ernie enjoyed warmer winters for the last 30-plus years. He and Vikie were divorced in 1993.

In 1995 Ernie met Sherral Jackson and they were married in 1997. Ernie loved working with his hands and being outdoors. He and Sherral created beautiful and productive gardens at their homes in Florence, Arizona and Jerome, Idaho. Ernie also loved spending time with family and friends. He and Sherral were welcoming hosts and their house was often filled with happy guests and smiling faces. Ernie will be remembered as a loving husband, caring father, supportive and loving grandfather, a wonderful big brother, and a great friend to many.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford Hancock and his mother, Ellen Hancock. He is survived by Sherral Hancock, his wife and partner of 20 years; his daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Roberto Albanese of Houston, TX; granddaughter, Ashley Kauffman, Ashley’s husband Matt Biggers of Seattle, WA and grandson, Scotty Kauffman of Boise, ID. Ernie also leaves his brother and sister-in-law, Lewie and Jan Hancock of Jerome; sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Darrell Taylor of Castleford; and sister, Janie Sherwood of Las Vegas, NV; and many loving friends, cousins, nieces and nephews who were inspired by his courage, strength and sharp sense of humor.

Arrangements are under the care of Farnsworth Mortuary and Crematory in Jerome. Ernie will be cremated and a private family service will be held at a later date.