Walter Russell Hancock, January 9, 1955 – January 31, 2025

It is with fond memories and love that we announce the passing of Walter Russell Hancock on January 31, 2025. He passed away at home in American Fork, Utah.

Walt was born on January 9, 1955, in Sacramento, California to Herman and Carolyn Hancock. He was the third of four kids: his older sisters, Diane Coumbs and Connie Pratt and younger brother, Jim Hancock. He would share fond stories of his childhood getting into trouble with Jim and he enjoyed hunting, biking and outdoor adventures with his family. Going on LONG drives with his family to view any scenery would be a hallmark of his childhood and would continue into his own family later on in life. He also spent a lot of time with his extended families, including aunts, uncles and cousins.

Walt attended Pleasant Valley High School in Chico, CA. After high school he served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Columbus, Ohio that also included the state of West Virginia. After his mission, he graduated from Chico State University with a bachelor's degree in Business. While in the Chico LDS Student Ward, he met and married Rebecca Ann Struthers from Orland, CA. They were married in the Oakland California Temple on December 16, 1976. They lived in Chico for the first 5 years of their marriage where they managed the infamous 5th Street Apartments. While in Chico, they started their family, Joseph, Nathaniel and Shauna. In 1984, they moved their family to Oroville, California where 3 of their remaining six kids were born, Kaylee, Sam and Becca.

While in Oroville, Walt was famous for many things, none more so than his time as the Keebler and Little Debbie territory sales manager. He would be highly anticipated at all neighborhood functions and church activities when he would come with boxes of treats for all to enjoy. His kids have fond memories of working with their Dad: his signature speed walk, meeting every grocery store manager in Northern California, sharing Big Gulps and ice cream cones along the way.

In addition to hard work, his kids will remember their Dad for his famous laughter/cackle and the fun he brought to everything. Games like “Tiger”, Cribbage, Dancing, Pillow Boxing, Hand Slap and tickle fights still continue with their own kids. He also loved blasting music on a Saturday morning, cooking his famous breakfast and a good yard sale find and negotiation. Walt also worked hard to give his kids a great childhood including building multiple backyard pools that all the neighborhood enjoyed. Camping, dancing, movie watching, his famous popcorn and staying until they kicked you out of any theme park are also great memories. Walt also worked hard as a parent leader for the Oroville Orcas Swim Team and served 15+ years for the Palermo Union School District Board.

Walt served faithfully in various assignments for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, but there was no calling he loved more than teaching and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He would later serve a mission with his wife Becky for the Bishop Storehouse in American Fork, Utah.

Later in life, Walt became very close to his friends that all raised kids in the Oroville area and he would spend much of his time planning cruises for their friends with his close friend and “Cruise With Us” partner, Tom Robertson. After Walt and Becky's move to Utah, this friend group became a strong support for him and looked forward to all of their get togethers. He also loved BYU sports and fishing and became an incredible fisherman the final few years of his life.

Walt and Becky have 26 Grandkids. Challenges arose the past few years that caused limited interaction with their kids and grandkids, but he was always proud of all of them. Despite this separation at the end of his life, his kids have applied many of his lessons and memories to their own lives and with their children. It is with very complicated feelings and emotions that they find comfort in Heavenly Father’s plan that life goes on, and that healing can continue for both him and his children after death

Walt is survived by his wife of 48 years, Becky; his children, Joe (Kristen), Than (Erica), Shauna (Ben), Kaylee, Sam (Hilary) and Becca (Kyle) and their 26 kids. His siblings, Connie and Jim (Lori), Tim Coumbs (Diane), his cousins Kathy, Kevin and Kim Harper and his large support of friends. As a family, they are very grateful for the love, support and comfort brought to them and Becky at this time. 

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