Memories of Timothy John Hancock | Ever Loved

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In memory of

Timothy John Hancock

Scottsdale, AZ, USA

December 12, 1954 - July 11, 2019

Dec 12, 1954 - Jul 11, 2019

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Mike Carnell

My condolences to Tim's entire family.

I knew Tim in high school at a time we were all trying to figure out how to ride bulls. Actually Tim had figured it out and was doing well. Most of the rest of us were just trying to catch up with him. He had an amazing sense of balance and lightening quick reactions.

I went into the military in 1970 and pretty much lost track of everybody from the 60's. I wish i could have caught up with him. It sounds like he lead a good life with a lot of family.

He was always a very straight shooter. Told you exactly what he thought. Good man. I am sure he will be missed.

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Comments:

Vanessa Baker

Mike! I'm his oldest daughter, Vanessa. Thanks for this precious gift this morning. I think about him and... Read more Mike! I'm his oldest daughter, Vanessa. Thanks for this precious gift this morning. I think about him and talk about him all the... Read more Mike! I'm his oldest daughter, Vanessa. Thanks for ... Read more

Mike Carnell

Thank you for your response. I will connect on Facebook. I lost track of most of the people I grew up rodeoing with. Tim was my sister's age (Michelle Carnell). I was 2 years older. When I graduated in 1970, I went into the Marine Corps for 3 years. By the time I got out 3 years later, everybody had moved on. They say you can never go home again. It is true. I got injured pretty badly at a rodeo about 48 hours after I got out so my bull riding career ended.

I knew your Grandfather "Doc" Hancock before I met your father. He and Doc Media were our vets. I met Tim at a place called ABC Ranch (Applegate Buckman Carson) where I worked. We had some stock from a stock contractor named Pete Owens. We did practice bull ridings during the week and jackpot bull ridings on Friday or Saturday night. If there wasn't a rodeo going Tim would show up at  the jackpots. You could tell pretty quickly he had a lot more talent that most of us. Very quick reactions and a great sense of balance. He started winning the Jackpots and the rodeos around Arizona pretty quickly.  When you showed up at a rodeo and Tim was entered you always knew he was someone you knew was going to be competitive. You also knew if you were getting down on a bull and needed someone to pull your rope, he would always help you out even if you were competing with each other.

He was a good man. It was my pleasure to know him. I am very sorry for your loss.

Thank you for your response. I will connect on Facebook. I lost track of most of the people I grew up rodeoing... Read more Thank you for your response. I will connect on Facebook. I lost track of most of the people I grew up rodeoing with. Tim was my... Read more Thank you for your response. I will connect on Facebook.... Read more

Gene Matsko

In 1977 I first met Tim at the SSES ( Berwick, Pa ) Nuclear Plant. He was a Nuclear Welding Supervisor, as I was also. We worked together in the Welder Qualification Test Center where we trained and tested welders. Later we were transferred to the actual Nuclear Plant construction site to supervise the ongoing welding activities as well as to resolve welding, welding related, welding documentation problems etc. Needless to say Tim and I worked closely together to resolve many Nuclear related welding issues.
As a welder/instructer, Tim was what we called in the welding industry an 'ace' welder. He was truly an artist welder. I have seen many good welders but none as good as Tim.
2 years later (1979), we both left the contractor we were working for in Pa and went to work for another contractor who was managing the construction of 2 Nuclear Units, (Laguna Verde) near Vera Cruz, Mexico. Tim and I were responsible for the installation and welding of the NSSS, (Nuclear Steam Supply System), as well as supervising & instructing Mexican Nationals at the craft welding technical training centers. After we completed our assignments we came back to the USA. Tim went to Bay City on another Nuclear Plant and I went to California to work on the San Onofre Nuclear Plant. I lost track of him after a while but every now and then some friend would tell me where he was etc.
When we first met Tim was 23 and I was 36. He was just getting started with his welding supervisory career and I was already an 'old salt' at the business. We had many conversations relating to everything from the human condition, politics and the spiritual realm. It was wonderful hearing about his 'knife making' success.
He truly was a gentle and kind man with a unique sense of humor.
My condolences to his family.
Our loss is heavens gain.

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Vanessa Baker

Thank you Gene! I loved reading your words about my dad. Thank you Gene! I loved reading your words about my dad. Thank you Gene! I loved reading your words about my... Read more

Bjorn Hanson

Apologetically, I cannot attend Tim's service in Casa Grande today. My assumption is that the Wuertz' family will pay fitting homage to such a great man that had an immense influence on our lives. This will be long winded, but you can of course stop reading at any time....

My first experience in custom knifemaking was with a shopkeeper at "The Knife Shop" at Paradise Valley Mall in AZ circa '96-97. I fancied some of the Klingon type replicas made by Gil Hibben, but my Dad was more interested in the buck custom designs of David Yellowhorse. The shopkeeper informed us that one of the greatest bladesmiths in the country was located just down the street off of Shea Blvd. and made rainbow glazed Damascus patterns in his blades on a world class level.

As a successful student in Scottsdale public school academia, I found the education frequently lacking. Tim provided a fountain of knowledge that made me second guess my notion of "intelligence". As a Christmas present, my parents provided me with a "one on one" shop experience with Master Hancock to make a basic hunter with a handle of cherry wood chopped from my Grandpa's tree before he died.

The Knife bug had stung us and we became enthusiasts. We subscribed to Blade Magazine and traveled to local shows seeking out specific makers as celebrities. Tim was always the standard of fundamental craftsmanship and quality.

As I grew older, I considered Tim one of the 3 great male influences in my life along with my piano teacher Larry and my Dad, David. He always taught that everything you create is crap if it doesn't begin with a solid foundation of the basics, which could refer to both spiritual and technical skills depending how you interpret it. "You only have to suck one cock to be a cocksucker for life" was a testament to his integrity to his craft. Tim had drawers full of brilliant, unfinished pieces that he would not let out because of minor flaws other lesser makers would get away with.

It was a pleasure for Tim to introduce me to mule riding. He took me out on a few occasions in the McDowells having me ride "Molly" the mule. Ironically enough, I wound up marrying a beautiful woman with the same name (Now she rides me).

Regardless, my Dad was astute enough to collect a handful of Hancock blades in his collection and we will keep them in our family for generations.

Tim is among the last of the great American Cowboys IMO.

PS, sorry for borrowing your truck Tammy.
Many condolences to the family of a great man

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Comments:

Tammy Hancock

Thanks :) It was a great night . Thanks :) It was a great night . Thanks :) It was a great night .

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Pam Briggs

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Carole Collins

Paula and Pam I was so sorry to hear of Tims passing growing up
Seeing him ride bulls and riding with his dad Dr Rich he was always so funny and carefree I loved hearing about his adventures and was always so scared for him when he would climb on some random bull always a smile I had not seen him for awhile and then when he was with Aubrey Caswell
Shoeing horses he had not changed a bit we talked for a long while about how he loved riding his mule and making knifes I feel bad that I did not go with Charlie Brown to see him
A few years ago as he was starting to feel worse I will always remember him with a smile as he was a special man love and hugs to all his family

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Eric & Chris Stoutenburgh

2014, Tim's Studio

TIm & Eric

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Eric & Chris Stoutenburgh

Dear Tammy:

Eric and I are so saddened to have learned of Tim's passing.  He was an amazing knife maker but more importantly, he was a gentle and kind man.  You may not remember us but we saw you 2 years ago at the last AKI Show.

Our memories of Tim are bountiful.  Eric had known him for many many years and had spent time with him not just at the Rio Verde work shop but also when you lived on Cactus.  My first meeting with Tim took place 8 years ago.  This was funny.  I had ordered a David Darom book through Amazon, not knowing that Tim was the seller,  for Eric for Christmas but it did not arrived when expected so I wrote to Amazon about it.  You can imagine my surprise when I received an e-mail directly from Tim asking if I was Eric Stoutenburgh's wife!  He then explained he had been out of town and would I like to meet him being that we both lived in Scottsdale so we met in the Barnes & Noble parking lot on Shea.  The book I ordered on Amazon was "The Great Collections".  At our meeting Tim also offered his book "Tim Hancock - The Western Bladesmith" at 1/2 the retail price.  Of course I would purchase that as well which Tim signed on 9/11/11.  Eric has referenced that book on many occasions.  Since that time I have enjoyed having lunch with Eric & Tim and spending a number of trips to your Rio Verde location in 2014 when Tim was making a knife for Eric.  What a generous offer Tim made allowing us to watch the progression of his craft.  I have a library of photos of the progress of that knife.  The attached picture of Tim & Eric was the on completion of that knife.  Eric last saw Tim when they had lunch together at the Pinnacle Grille at the latter part of last year.

Tammy, I added our names to the obituaries website to be notified when a Memorial tribute is planned for Tim.  We certainly would want to be part of that.

We know your loss is monumental, as the obituary stated, you were the love of Tim's life.  He spoke of you in just that fashion whenever your name came up.  Tim's legacy will go on and the memories we share of this wonderful man will live on in our hearts with a smile.  We were privileged to have him touch our lives.

"When someone you love becomes a memory; the memory becomes a treasure".  May your family embrace the love and respect that Tim generated in his personal life and in his legendary career.

With our own fond memories and sympathy to  you and all your family,

Chris & Eric Stoutenburgh

Dear Tammy:

Eric and I are so saddened to have learned of Tim's passing. He was an amazing knife maker... Read more but more importantly, he was a gentle and kind man. You may not remember us but we saw you 2 years ago at the last AKI Show.

Our memories of Tim are bountiful. Eric had known him for many many years and had spent time with him not just at the Rio Verde work shop but also when you lived on Cactus. My first meeting with Tim took place 8 years ago. This was funny. I had ordered a David Darom book through Amazon, not knowing that Tim was the seller, for Eric for Christmas but it did not arrived when expected so I wrote to Amazon about it. You can imagine my surprise when I received an e-mail directly from Tim asking if I was Eric Stoutenburgh's wife! He then explained he had been out of town and would I like to meet him being that we both lived in Scottsdale so we met in the Barnes & Noble parking lot on Shea. The book I ordered on Amazon was "The Great Collections". At our meeting Tim also offered his book "Tim Hancock - The Western Bladesmith" at 1/2 the retail price. Of course I would purchase that as well which Tim signed on 9/11/11. Eric has referenced that book on many occasions. Since that time I have enjoyed having lunch with Eric & Tim and spending a number of trips to your Rio Verde location in 2014 when Tim was making a knife for Eric. What a generous offer Tim made allowing us to watch the progression of his craft. I have a library of photos of the progress of that knife. The attached picture of Tim & Eric was the on completion of that knife. Eric last saw Tim when they had lunch together at the Pinnacle Grille at the latter part of last year.

Tammy, I added our names to the obituaries website to be notified when a Memorial tribute is planned for Tim. We certainly would want to be part of that.

We know your loss is monumental, as the obituary stated, you were the love of Tim's life. He spoke of you in just that fashion whenever your name came up. Tim's legacy will go on and the memories we share of this wonderful man will live on in our hearts with a smile. We were privileged to have him touch our lives.

"When someone you love becomes a memory; the memory becomes a treasure". May your family embrace the love and respect that Tim generated in his personal life and in his legendary career.

With our own fond memories and sympathy to you and all your family,

Chris & Eric Stoutenburgh Read less Dear Tammy:

Eric and I are so saddened to have learned of Tim's passing. He was an amazing knife maker but more importantly,... Read more he was a gentle and kind man. You may not remember us but we saw you 2 years ago at the last AKI Show.

Our memories of Tim are bountiful. Eric had known him for many many years and had spent time with him not just at the Rio Verde work shop but also when you lived on Cactus. My first meeting with Tim took place 8 years ago. This was funny. I had ordered a David Darom book through Amazon, not knowing that Tim was the seller, for Eric for Christmas but it did not arrived when expected so I wrote to Amazon about it. You can imagine my surprise when I received an e-mail directly from Tim asking if I was Eric Stoutenburgh's wife! He then explained he had been out of town and would I like to meet him being that we both lived in Scottsdale so we met in the Barnes & Noble parking lot on Shea. The book I ordered on Amazon was "The Great Collections". At our meeting Tim also offered his book "Tim Hancock - The Western Bladesmith" at 1/2 the retail price. Of course I would purchase that as well which Tim signed on 9/11/11. Eric has referenced that book on many occasions. Since that time I have enjoyed having lunch with Eric & Tim and spending a number of trips to your Rio Verde location in 2014 when Tim was making a knife for Eric. What a generous offer Tim made allowing us to watch the progression of his craft. I have a library of photos of the progress of that knife. The attached picture of Tim & Eric was the on completion of that knife. Eric last saw Tim when they had lunch together at the Pinnacle Grille at the latter part of last year.

Tammy, I added our names to the obituaries website to be notified when a Memorial tribute is planned for Tim. We certainly would want to be part of that.

We know your loss is monumental, as the obituary stated, you were the love of Tim's life. He spoke of you in just that fashion whenever your name came up. Tim's legacy will go on and the memories we share of this wonderful man will live on in our hearts with a smile. We were privileged to have him touch our lives.

"When someone you love becomes a memory; the memory becomes a treasure". May your family embrace the love and respect that Tim generated in his personal life and in his legendary career.

With our own fond memories and sympathy to you and all your family,

Chris & Eric Stoutenburgh Read less Dear Tammy:

Eric and I are so saddened to have learned... Read more of Tim's passing. He was an amazing knife maker but more importantly, he was a gentle and kind man. You may not remember us but we saw you 2 years ago at the last AKI Show.

Our memories of Tim are bountiful. Eric had known him for many many years and had spent time with him not just at the Rio Verde work shop but also when you lived on Cactus. My first meeting with Tim took place 8 years ago. This was funny. I had ordered a David Darom book through Amazon, not knowing that Tim was the seller, for Eric for Christmas but it did not arrived when expected so I wrote to Amazon about it. You can imagine my surprise when I received an e-mail directly from Tim asking if I was Eric Stoutenburgh's wife! He then explained he had been out of town and would I like to meet him being that we both lived in Scottsdale so we met in the Barnes & Noble parking lot on Shea. The book I ordered on Amazon was "The Great Collections". At our meeting Tim also offered his book "Tim Hancock - The Western Bladesmith" at 1/2 the retail price. Of course I would purchase that as well which Tim signed on 9/11/11. Eric has referenced that book on many occasions. Since that time I have enjoyed having lunch with Eric & Tim and spending a number of trips to your Rio Verde location in 2014 when Tim was making a knife for Eric. What a generous offer Tim made allowing us to watch the progression of his craft. I have a library of photos of the progress of that knife. The attached picture of Tim & Eric was the on completion of that knife. Eric last saw Tim when they had lunch together at the Pinnacle Grille at the latter part of last year.

Tammy, I added our names to the obituaries website to be notified when a Memorial tribute is planned for Tim. We certainly would want to be part of that.

We know your loss is monumental, as the obituary stated, you were the love of Tim's life. He spoke of you in just that fashion whenever your name came up. Tim's legacy will go on and the memories we share of this wonderful man will live on in our hearts with a smile. We were privileged to have him touch our lives.

"When someone you love becomes a memory; the memory becomes a treasure". May your family embrace the love and respect that Tim generated in his personal life and in his legendary career.

With our own fond memories and sympathy to you and all your family,

Chris & Eric Stoutenburgh Read less

Tammy Hancock

Great picture ! Thank you so much for the kind words ! Great picture ! Thank you so much for the kind words ! Great picture ! Thank you so much for the kind words... Read more

Karen Bowe

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Comments:

Tammy Hancock

Thank you for sharing ! Thank you for sharing ! Thank you for sharing !

Karen Bowe

Spurs made by Tim for our friend Paul Hughes. That damascus - Wow. Just beautiful work ♥️

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Karen Bowe

Comments:

Tammy Hancock

Thanks for sharing ! Thanks for sharing ! Thanks for sharing !

Sue Gillette

I met Tim and Tammy when they moved in two doors down from me several years ago. Such a lovely couple. As an artist myself, when I saw his metal craft and studio I was absolutely blown away. He came and visited me at the Celebration Of Fine Art when I was showing my work there, and about five people knew who he was before he even came up to them in their booths—he was like a rockstar to them. I even leant my Hancock knives book to one guy and he wouldn’t give it back, so thankfully Tim gave me another. Such a kind and classy person broken-hearted for Tammy and family.

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Dan Madia

Hi Paula and Pam, I was so sad to hear about Tim. I hadn’t seen Tim for some time nor you guys either but L certainly hadn’t forgotten you. Your family was always one of my favorites and had a lot to do with my beginning in Az. And my life as a veterinarian. My thoughts are with you and my sincere condolences - May Tim Rest In Peace.

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Pam Briggs

Thank you Dan. You were such a big part of our family history. Those were fun days back in the 60’s and 70’s.... Read more Thank you Dan. You were such a big part of our family history. Those were fun days back in the 60’s and 70’s. Thank you Dan. You were such a big part of our family... Read more

Joshua States

2016

Some of Tim's gifts to me

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Billie Jo Swink

Comments:

Joshua States

A couple of things Time gave me include one of his handmade and signed horseshoes. This will forever hang... Read more A couple of things Time gave me include one of his handmade and signed horseshoes. This will forever hang in our shop. The knife... Read more A couple of things Time gave me include one of his ... Read more

Tammy Hancock

Thanks Joshua Thanks Joshua Thanks Joshua

Billie Jo Swink

Birthday chinks from Tim and Tammy

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Tammy Hancock

Thanks Billie Jo for sharing Thanks Billie Jo for sharing Thanks Billie Jo for sharing

Billie Jo Swink

Damascus spurs made for Jody

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Billie Jo Swink

Trail ride at Seven Springs

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Tammy Hancock

Good times Good times Good times

Billie Jo Swink

Trail ride at Badger Springs

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Billie Jo Swink

Trail ride at Spur Cross

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Tammy Hancock

This could be where he says " Over there is a short cut" :) This could be where he says " Over there is a short cut" :) This could be where he says " Over there is a short... Read more

Billie Jo Swink

Those were the BEST rides! Those were the BEST rides! Those were the BEST rides!

Billie Jo Swink

Trail ride at Spur Cross

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Karen Bowe

Comments:

Karen Bowe

Love it ♥️ Love it ♥️ Love it ♥️

Billie Jo Swink

My husband Jody and I had the pleasure of meeting Tim when he met and married our dear friend Tammy. He was a true cowboy in every sense of the word and he was as talented as any man I have ever known. We have a few of his handcrafted pieces of art that we will treasure forever. He made a pair of Damascus spurs for Jody one Christmas and he and Tammy made me a set of chinks for my Birthday. He had what he referred to as a knife that wasn't "anything special" and he gave it to Jody and he has worn that knife on his belt from that day forward. Anything handcrafted by Tim Hancock was always something special. I am grateful for the many hours of trail rides we had with him and enjoyed listening to his adventures. The pictures I have to share aren't the best quality but each one means something to us. Go Rest High on that Mountain Tim.

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Karen Bowe

Comments:

Tammy Hancock

Thank you Billie Jo ! We did have great adventures. One thing riding with Hancock when he said"I think I ... Read more Thank you Billie Jo ! We did have great adventures. One thing riding with Hancock when he said"I think I know a short cut" Grab... Read more Thank you Billie Jo ! We did have great adventures.... Read more

Margaret Taylor

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Comments:

Margaret Taylor

When I heard of Tim's passing, I couldn't think of what to say...I had known Tim from the many shows that... Read more When I heard of Tim's passing, I couldn't think of what to say...I had known Tim from the many shows that I went to with my Husband... Read more When I heard of Tim's passing, I couldn't think of ... Read more

Karen Bowe

So many great memories with Tim and Tammy. I’m so glad you two found each other. He was a truly gifted bladesmith, packer, farrier, the list goes on. But, he also was a true friend and partner to his wife ♥️ Hancock left quite a legacy. A genuine and kind man. We will miss him.

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Timothy M. Herrera

Comments:

Slim Skinner

I only met him a few times, but his impact and the respect he garnered was humble but powerful. He embodied... Read more I only met him a few times, but his impact and the respect he garnered was humble but powerful. He embodied the kindness, strength... Read more I only met him a few times, but his impact and the ... Read more

Tammy Hancock

Thank you ! Thank you ! Thank you !

Karen Bowe

Tehachapi, CA, USA

Consummate Cowboy ♥️ At our ranch in Tehachapi Ca.

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Pam Briggs

Comments:

Tammy Hancock

That was such a great day we had at your ranch ! That was such a great day we had at your ranch ! That was such a great day we had at your ranch !

Tracy Silva

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Karen Bowe

Tracy Silva

Sorry to say I do not have any personal pictures to share, however, I do remember the talks that him and I had on occasion. He is in my ear very often regarding these conversations. He showed empathy and also strengh in his opinons throughout. Always left me with something to think about and ponder in my own mind. He spoke quietly, with knowledge, and positivity to help one rise up from their troubled mind. R.I.P. Mr. Tim Hancock until we meet again. You will be missed beyond measure. We all loved you!! Your legacy as a "Bladesmith" will live on in everyone that knew you.

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JoAnna Anderson

Timothy M. Herrera

Hancock was "strength" in one word!! Patient, and a teacher to all. Our most sincere condolences my life friend Tammy. The sun will rise, the sun will set, each day will be different. We all will have the memories gifted by Hancock.

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Carlo Cardella

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Carlo Cardella

Such a great man. Lots of Love to you and jesse Such a great man. Lots of Love to you and jesse Such a great man. Lots of Love to you and jesse

Sandee Lobred

Tim made me laugh, he was a wonderful man Who took my dad Superstition Mountains. A trip my dad cherished.... Read more Tim made me laugh, he was a wonderful man Who took my dad Superstition Mountains. A trip my dad cherished. I wished I would’ve... Read more Tim made me laugh, he was a wonderful man Who took ... Read more

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