BORN

1929

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Ralph Hancox Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 24, 2017.

Ralph Hancox, latterly from Victoria, British Columbia, died 22 March 2017 at the fine age of 87 after a short stay at the Victoria General Hospital recovering from a fall.

Ralph was born to Ada Frances Smith and Harold Barnsley Hancox in West Hamstead, England on 23 August 1929. He was predeceased by sister Sylvia (Gordon, deceased) and survived by brother John (Irene, deceased).

Ralph was predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Margaret Gilmour Frier, who he married in Ickenham, England on 5 June 1954.

Ralph attended the School of Modern Languages, Regent Street Polytechnic in London, where he mastered the Pitman shorthand, a prerequisite skill for his early career in journalism. In 1965, Ralph won a Nieman Fellowship recognizing excellence in Canadian editorial writing at the Peterborough Examiner and attended Harvard's Nieman Foundation for Journalism. Later he joined Harvard's Program for Management Development as part of the PMD 26 cohort at the School of Business.

Ralph started his career as a pilot in the Royal Air Force at the tender age of 17. He trained in Rhodesia. He hurtled through the air in a variety of different aircraft including the Tiger Moth (which he described as a tin can), Harvard, and the first RAF jet, the Gloster Meteor. He flew in the Berlin Airlift in 1948, and later as a journalist covered the building of the Berlin Wall. In 1961, he reported on his experience travelling via the underground from East to West Berlin through the Wall. In Canada he started his career in journalism writing obituaries for the Kingston Whig Standard. After a career as Editor-in-Chief at the Peterborough Examiner as a colleague of Robertson Davies, he joined the Reader's Digest where he worked for 32 years. Ralph ended his first career after 16 years as Chairman, President, and CEO of Reader's' Digest, Canada and Consigliere delegato and chairman of Reader's Digest Italy. Post retirement he served as Adjunct Professor and Professional Fellow Emeritus at Simon Fraser University where he published a textbook on Managing the Publishing Process for the Canadian Centre for Studies in Publishing. There, he was honoured with the Chancellor's Award for Distinguished Service for 10 years of teaching before he retired again at the age of 80, in 2009.

Peg and Ralph (aka Hank) lived a life post-World War II in Canada pursuing family and career dreams in Kingston, Peterborough, Boston, New York, Montreal, Milan, Vancouver and Victoria, with summers at Sandy Lake and weekends of leisure in Vermont. He was inquisitive and over the years Ralph pursued his passion in photography, choral music, madrigals, travelling the world, writing and publishing 6 books exploring topics of social conscience, family history and publishing. Simple pleasures included sautéing the perfect scallop, bird and wildlife watching. A storyteller at heart, he regaled generations of family and students with lessons he learned from his rich life experiences. "Good judgment comes from experience and experience comes from poor judgement" he would say, quoting his mother.

He was a man of letters in the classic sense: fountain pen, elegant italic script to paper and daily journaling over the last 53 years. He engaged in written repartees, Olympian literary gymnastics with family and friends, including long time Peterborough friend and librarian, Bob Porter.

He was not an ordinary man. Robert Frost's words "I had a lover's quarrel with the world" describes the restless soul, the intimate relationships, the daily tensions, his ability to question and think deeply and at the same time embrace his life. His mind never rested as he explored life and the meaning of existence, to the day he died.

The unfinished business he leaves behind includes a never ending 20 foot long pile of uncut wood in Vermont and a half finished literary masterpiece.

Ralph leaves behind a wonderfully appreciative family who live with gratitude across Canada: Linda, Rick (Mary), Alison (Chris), Julian (Laura). Ralph is Morfar to Matthew, Liesel, Luke, Kenzie, Jessie, Isaac, Jessika, Dallas and Morgan and great grandfather to Anders and Rowan. Ralph leaves fond memories with the extended family and children of Sandra (Charlie), Suzanne (Kirk), Phillip, Lindsey (Steve), nieces and nephews of John and Sylvia's families in England.

A celebration of life will be hosted at First Memorial Funeral Services, 4725 Falaise Drive, Victoria on Saturday, 25 March 2017 at 3:30-4:30 pm. Following, friends are welcome to join the family at their home 5 - 6:30 pm for a reception. In the summer of 2017, service and interment for both Ralph and Peg will be held at the family plot in Cataraqui, outside Kingston, Ontario, with a special celebration and reunion of family and friends.

More information about Ralph's publishing career is found on the Fictive Press website (http://fictivepress.com/ralph-hancox.htm) and (http://www.abcbookworld.com/view_author.php?id=9671)

A writing project, he undertook in December 2016 with daughter Alison, with a compilation of poems, essays and letters, which shares Ralph's insights about
his understanding of the meaning of life can be viewed here. (https://alisonhancox.shutterfly.com/pictures/8)

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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77 Entries

September 7, 2017

Anne Miner

To all members of his family and those he held most dear, you will surely miss Mr. Hancox. Like so many others, when I worked with him, I did not use his first name as it always felt too familiar.

He was a wonderful mentor and taught me what a great leader can be. I use the lessons learned nearly every day!

It has been a great honour to know him and I too will miss his shining light.

May 17, 2017

Linda,
My deepest sympathies. I'm sorry to ask this here and at this sad time, but I'm trying to reach Sandi Eggleton. I'm an old friend from Montreal. Do you have her contact information? Sorry again for your loss.
Peter Darwish

May 9, 2017

I recently heard about Ralph's passing, and I wanted to offer my sincere condolences. I will always remember him with affection.
Angela Molino and family (Montreal, QC)

April 19, 2017

Ellen L'Ecuyer

I worked at RDC during Mr. Hancox's tenure as president. It never ceased to amaze me that in his busy schedule he took time to pen personal notes to staff. I still have a couple,done in his beautiful signature script and fountain pen.
He took the time to know everyone's names and greet them. A true leader and gentleman.
My condolences to the family. A bright light has dimmed. He will be remembered dearly by many.
Ellen L'Ecuyer

April 18, 2017

Lyne Chateauvert

Ralph Hancox never forgot a name or face. In all my years at the Digest (almost 30 years), he always greeted you by your name. What a wonderful, brilliant man. My condolences to the family.

April 17, 2017

A simple note to the entire Hancox families on their loss.
Your father was - and will always remain to me - the epitome of class and grace.
I had the opportunity to let him know that in writing approximately one year ago. I am so glad that I did.
His e-book picture shows perfectly his class and elegance.
My sympathies to you all.
Will & Sharon Carey

April 3, 2017

Linda Hancox

Hi Linda,

I wanted to send my condolences to you and your family on the loss of your dad. One of the last real gentlemen I think. I'm so glad that your lovely son brought him over here when we had Sombrio in the driveway last summer. We had such a nice visit. Your father must have been so proud of you and your children. There is no getting around the grief, but I hope that it's the happy memories that you are feeling the most.

sending love and best wishes, Sandi Eggleton

April 2, 2017

Linda Hancox

Linda,
I knew the first, the only time I met your dad in Papua New Guinea, that he had had an interesting life, he was a pleasure to talk with.

It's clear that he enjoyed a varied and busy life, blessed with success and fulfilment.

I hope that this fact will give you and yours some comfort at this sad time. I'll be in touch.

Roger McLean

March 30, 2017

We have very fond memories of Ralph dating back to the late 1950s and during his "Peterborough Examiner" years. At that time, we were members of a local amateur dramatic club and Ralph attended several of our play productions, reviewing them for his paper, always with a touch of humour. Later, he became associated with our club, and our very good friend. We have many happy memories of our time together, and these we will always cherish, affectionately and with a smile. We feel so privileged to have known him and received his friendship.
We are greatly saddened by his passing, and extend our very sincere condolences to the Hancox family.
Barbara and Gerald Cantello, Peterborough, Ontario

March 29, 2017

Linda, sad news indeed for you, your kids and your siblings. As you say, the end of an era. Our parents Ralph , Peg , Bob and Val had a history of friendship that lasted many decades. Ralph had a long and very productive life. A father to be proud of as he was of his children.
I forwarded your message on to my brother John. In my message to him, I recalled how we marvelled at your charismatic and brilliant Dad. From the time we were grammar school kids, we imagined that he resembled the handsome and rakish Sir Francis Drake. Ralph was a great raconteur we all loved his stories whether local Peterborough gossip from his Examiner days, to his term on the Board of Education or his publishing exploits with Reader Digest, (I still refer to his Home Improvement Manual). He was witty and observant. I also recall his stories of growing up in London during the war and descriptions of his Dad, who I believe was an electrician, testing high voltage circuits by touching them. I also remember one story that reduced your Dad to tears, as he recalled a mate in the RAF, crashing his jet.
Your Dad was very kind and loyal to Bob, and as you point out, an admirer of his wood carvings. We cherish the collection of photos of Bob's work that Ralph photographed and had printed. John and I are delighted that your family have these carvings and will continue to enjoy them.

March 28, 2017

Posted by

March 28, 2017

Hi Linda:

Geoff passed along your message below regarding your Dad. I'm very sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a wonderful guy, and I remember him fondly from as far back as my childhood. He was an incredibly bright and handsome man, who retained a wonderful intellectual curiosity about all manner of things. I remember that the last time I saw him at the lake a good many years ago, he was chatting about the many intriguing aspects of prime numbers. I was spellbound. His interest and enthusiasm was infectious.

Your Dad was one of our father's close friends. They both had great intellects and enjoyed each other's company and your Dad's admiration for the carvings meant a great deal to him.

Our Moms were great friends as well and I know that you stayed in close touch with Mom throughout, which meant a great deal to her and a great deal to Geoff and me, too.

March 28, 2017

Hi Linda,
Sorry to hear about your Dad. I thought the world of him, too. I thought that he was a very interesting man, and so willing to have a conversation with anyone about anything. I am sure that this is a tough time for you and the whole family. I am so glad that Matt brought him around to the shop. We had a lovely visit sitting in the shop by the stove. Your Dad was a very gracious man. I am sorry for your loss.
love Ian

March 28, 2017

Julie Comeau

Dear Rick, my deepest condolences for the loss of your father. My thoughts are with you.

March 28, 2017

Posted by

March 28, 2017

Alana Farquhar

Ralph you will be truly missed by your wonderful family and all those that knew you. May your family find comfort that you are reunited with your beloved Peg once again. I'm grateful that I met you and spent time with you. You were a wonderful man who loved your life well and it was an honour to have met you.

March 28, 2017

Posted by

March 27, 2017

Claire Gipson

Posted by Claire Gipson

March 27, 2017

Claire Gipson

Posted by Claire Gipson

March 27, 2017

Claire Gipson

Posted by Claire Gipson

March 27, 2017

Claire Gipson

Posted by Claire Gipson

March 27, 2017

Claire Gipson

Posted by Claire Gipson

March 27, 2017

Claire Gipson

Posted by Claire Gipson

March 27, 2017

Claire Gipson

Posted by Claire Gipson

March 27, 2017

Claire Gipson

Posted by Claire Gipson

March 27, 2017

Claire Gipson

I hold and will continue to hold many treasured memories of my GAP and GUR! One of my first when they came to the UK to visit. GUR gave me my first Calligraphy set and taught me how to write in italic styles.

We had many amazing visits to Canada, my first being our family trip in 1998, we stayed with GAP and GUR in their home in Vancouver, what an amazing area to live. One memory I will treasure and giggle about is the worm on my blackberries! :)

After that we visited pretty regularly, until in 2012 I decided to come out to travel for a year and ended up staying and producing two amazing beautiful children. I managed to visit everyone for longer periods of time and I really enjoyed my stay in Victoria, just hanging out and spending time with my aunt and uncle.

Grandad and GURs opposite eyebrow raise will live with me forever in my memories. Aunt Pegs shopping spree to buy some new beautiful outfits another treasured memory.

But I will be proud to remember my amazing Great Uncle and Aunt to Maxwell and Hope. I was lucky enough to take Max to Victoria to meet his GGUR, we will treasure them photos and memories.

My GAP and GUR were always so proud and supportive of my achievements from my Bachelor to becoming a permanent resident which I was given the day before GUR went back to be with GAP.

We will love you always and will be forever in our hearts.

Claire, Jesse, Maxwell and Hope xxxxxxxx

March 27, 2017

Ann OKeefe

I was one of Ralph's classmates (the only female!) at the Harvard Business School Program for Management Development back in 1973.

Please accept my deepest sympathy. I am so very sorry for your loss. I kept in touch with Ralph (and Peg) over all these years, in my role as the person who compiled information on the PMD 26 class, for the HBS Alumni Magazine. I can tell you honestly that everyone in our class admired and indeed loved Ralph! Again, I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to all your family.

Ann O'Keefe
Class secretary for PMD 26

March 27, 2017

Bill Toohey

He was a wonderful person and a mentor to many. I saw Ralph a few years ago and he was still the most wonderful and charming man. He was so very happy to have spent his years with Reader's Digest and he really enjoyed his life after RD as a teacher of publishing. He clearly enjoyed the role of developing people to achieve the best in their lives. I feel quite special to be in included in the list of people he spent extra time in developing.

I will certainly miss him, and I am happy to have so many warm memories of a really outstanding and unforgettable person.

March 27, 2017

John Maxwell

Your Dad was a wonderful teacher... I was a student here in 1995, in the first year of the Masters program; the lessons from his course on management are still with me today. I think that whole generation of our graduates would say the same.

March 27, 2017

Pat

My mind has been filled with memories since I heard the news last week. And I just loved the project you and your Dad were working on. So many interesting - and fun - items and photos.

March 27, 2017

Marissa & Dave Sollows

Rick, our condolences as you say farewell to your father. He sounds like he lived a most interesting and full life. His spirit for adventure, travel and entertaining story telling skills are certainly well carried on by you.
Take care, we are keeping all of you in our thoughts.

March 27, 2017

Carol Parkinson

Rick, Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. What an amazing life he appeared to have lived.

March 27, 2017

I am deeply saddened by the news about Ralph.

He was a wonderful person and a mentor to many. I saw Ralph a few years ago and he was still the most wonderful and charming man. He was so very happy to have spent his years with Reader's Digest and he really enjoyed his life after RD as a professor of publishing. He clearly enjoyed the role of developing people to achieve the best in their lives. I feel quite special to be in included in the list of people he helped.

Like many others, we will certainly miss him. And we are happy to have so many warm memories of a really outstanding and unforgettable person.

Our best to his family

Bill & Kathy Toohey

March 27, 2017

Jason Alcorn

Dear Rick, I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the loss of your father. You are in my thoughts.

March 27, 2017

Nathalie Thibodeau

Our sincerest of condolences go out to you and your family as you bid farewell to your father. He sure lived a full life.

Nat and Danny

March 27, 2017

Rick, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Your father sounds like a wonderful man who lived a fantastic life. Fiona Boffa

March 27, 2017

Janique

Rick, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. Your father sounds like he was one amazing person.

March 27, 2017

Linda & Andrew Rickard

Rick,

Our deepest sympathies at the loss of your father. He sounds like he led an incredible life.

March 26, 2017

Sandra

I am sad that I will not be with you today as you remember and celebrate Ralph and of course Aunt Peg who will also be in your thoughts.

I have many special memories of them both so thought I would share some with you.

Probably some of my earliest are of your dad - turning up at our house with woollen hats - mine a black patterned one that went down to a point and a small tassel that you could wrap round your neck, putting a 'boiled' egg in my eggcup [I hated boiled eggs at that time] which then turned out to be a solid chocolate egg that obviously didn't crack when I hit it with my spoon - much to my amazement, retrieving a coin from behind my ear that had surely not been there before, the lovely postcard with the picture that seemed to move when you tilted the card and was one of my treasures for so long. [I may even still have it]

Your fist visit to England with your mum making mine phone my school so I could come to London with you, the excitement of actually meeting my Canadian cousins, the fun times we had during your visit.

Then there was, for me the most life changing event, - the chance to spend two months in Canada the summer I was 15. What a wonderful gift your mum and dad bestowed on me and one that I will forever treasure in my heart. The fabulous month at Sandy lake, the trip through the 'pipe', star gazing in the middle of the lake late at night, your dad taking a 'bath' in the lake, the leeches, the water filtering system, me in my purple slippers because my shoes had rubbed my heel so badly, Long Cool Woman in a black dress [still one of my favourites, going to my first nightclub [too young] and Victoria. [+ not realising how the shower worked so that when your mum went for her next one she had her head doused in water]

And from that the opportunity to come to know and love all of you for all these years and hopefully many more to come. And of course the relationships that are continuing through to the next generation.

Thank you to all of you for those memories.

Love Sandra

March 26, 2017

Lindsey

Thinking of you all and sending our love as you say goodbye... xxx❤

March 26, 2017

Bill

There is consolation in looking back on your father's lifetime accomplishments which were varied and many. His wit and wisdom were always a delight whenever we had the opportunity to visit with he and your mom.

This will be a sad time all over again for you and words are so difficult to find that adequately express consolation. I can at best wish that your family relationships are most important and provide comfort to each of you.

God bless and keep you safe and provide strength in each other.

March 26, 2017

Bill and Jean

Dear Alison, what a wonderful life your father has lived and I read the funeral is today. It is so hard to say these goodbyes, as my mother said, "If you wish to remember me, look into the eyes of my children". Thinking of you today, Bill and Jean Ede

March 25, 2017

Mike and Grat Wennberg

Rick, what an amazing life led. Our deepest sympathies to you and all your family.

March 25, 2017

Sandra

Hi there to all of you.

I am sad that I will not be with you today as you remember and celebrate Ralph and of course Aunt Peg who will also be in your thoughts.

I have many special memories of them both so thought I would share some with you.

Probably some of my earliest are of your dad - turning up at our house with woollen hats - mine a black patterned one that went down to a point and a small tassel that you could wrap round your neck, putting a 'boiled' egg in my eggcup [I hated boiled eggs at that time] which then turned out to be a solid chocolate egg that obviously didn't crack when I hit it with my spoon - much to my amazement, retrieving a coin from behind my ear that had surely not been there before, the lovely postcard with the picture that seemed to move when you tilted the card and was one of my treasures for so long. [I may even still have it]

Your fist visit to England with your mum making mine phone my school so I could come to London with you, the excitement of actually meeting my Canadian cousins, the fun times we had during your visit.

Then there was, for me the most life changing event, - the chance to spend two months in Canada the summer I was 15. What a wonderful gift your mum and dad bestowed on me and one that I will forever treasure in my heart. The fabulous month at Sandy lake, the trip through the 'pipe', star gazing in the middle of the lake late at night, your dad taking a 'bath' in the lake, the leeches, the water filtering system, me in my purple slippers because my shoes had rubbed my heel so badly, Long Cool Woman in a black dress [still one of my favourites, going to my first nightclub [too young] and Victoria. [+ not realising how the shower worked so that when your mum went for her next one she had her head doused in water]

And from that the opportunity to come to know and love all of you for all these years and hopefully many more to come. And of course the relationships that are continuing through to the next generation.

Thank you to all of you for those memories.

Love Sandra

March 25, 2017

Pat

The obituary is beautiful and a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. I will be thinking of all of you this afternoon as you attend the service for your Dad. I wish I could be there with you but I'll be there in spirit for sure. I have had him on my mind with floods of memories for the last couple of days.

I went online to see the obituary and also saw many lovely tributes in the guest book. I'm hoping it is a great comfort to you and Laura, Rick, Mary, Alison, Chris and Linda, to see what high esteem your father was held. He will be sorely missed.

March 25, 2017

Tim Daly

So sorry for your loss. I will always remember how he treated us children with dignity and respect. He was a good man and will me missed.

March 25, 2017

Andrew Nicholson

Rick, Mary and family, our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Andrew and Paula Nicholson

March 25, 2017

Manon Losier

Rick, Mary, Luke and Kenzie,

My most sincere condolences. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Sincerely, Manon

March 24, 2017

Morrie

My heartfelt condolences to you and your extended family on your father's passing. I was very fond of your Dad and so sorry that he and I won't be able to continue our Skype and email conversations.

Beyond all his remarkable accomplishments and brilliance, he was an exceptional individual, a real gentleman, so kind, so thoughtful, so funny. I will really miss him.

You may not know this, but your Dad gave me my first real job, way back in 1974. He was extremely patient with me and played a pivotal role in my formative years, basically launching my 10-year association with Reader's Digest. I feel so privileged to have been able to work with him in the last two years on his publishing projects.

March 24, 2017

Jessie

Beautifully written...I am from such an accomplished family and feel so lucky to have had such a great influence in my life. Love you Mom

March 24, 2017

Bruce and Betty

He was such a wonderful man. I feel so fortunate to have gotten to know him and closing' the circle with your parents especially after having first met your mom, Cousin Peg to me, so very many years ago (when I was five and she was a teenager). I will always remember our shared times together in Montreal and Vermont. I was delighted that your dad got such a laugh out of the pictures I concocted of them both as a retirement present.

I know you will miss him terribly. I hope that as time passes you will feel him by your side from time to time. That has been my experience, especially with regard to my mother.

I know that Betty joins me in extending our condolences. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Please keep me posted with respect to the necessary activities of the coming days.

Always,

March 24, 2017

Bryan and Mary Beth

So sorry to hear about your dad's passing. I hope he didn't suffer much. Thanks for letting us know. It's like the end of an era. Our thoughts are with you and all the family.

Bryan and Mary Beth

March 24, 2017

Ross and Robin

Robin and I are so sorry to learn about Ralph's passing this morning. Our thoughts are with you and Laura. I only ever spoke with your Dad on a couple of occasions since I first met you and Laura but it was clear to me from those discussions how much he cared for you both. I know you will miss him a lot.

March 24, 2017

Moira

Both your parents were wonderful friends to me over some difficult times in my life and I still think of them both with affection and glad that I am still in touch with Alison to get news of the rest of the family from time to time.

March 24, 2017

Ann O'Keefe

I am heartbroken by this news and so will be our Harvard PMD 26 classmates. I am so sorry for your loss and I thank you for letting me know.

Ann O'Keefe, PMD 26

March 24, 2017

Sue

We are so very sorry to hear the news.

We are so very sad to have lost these precious family members, our matriarchs and patriarchs.

We want to celebrate their amazing lives and what they have imparted into our lives, whilst acknowledging such sadness that they are no longer with us.

We hope that you will find comfort together at this time and send you so much love and hugs.
Sue, Kirk, Amy and Esther
xoxoxoxoxox

March 24, 2017

Mike

I am profoundly saddened by the news of Ralph passing away. My heartfelt condolences to Linda, Roderick and Alison. You've all lost a lovable, great and intelligent dad and I've lost a dear friend, a classmate and a mentor. I'll deeply miss him and am sharing your grief.

March 24, 2017

Kathy Edwards

I am so sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. Please accept my most sincere condolences for your and your family's loss.

I will miss my conversations and correspondence with Ralph during the year, especially his very sharp wit and warm sense of humour. He never failed to include a humorous note and some very kind words written in his own wonderful writing style . I know that Ralph will be missed.

Thank you very much for letting me know.

Kindest regards,

Kathy

March 24, 2017

Robin Seager

I am so sad. I've lovely memories of your Mum and Dad - both our marriages and lives in London plus visits to each other's countries. I know what loving parents they were to you all. I know you'll all be together shortly and what a sad time that will be.

I'll be thinking and praying for all of you. What a sad month this is!
Please pass on my love to your siblings and also to John.

Sadly yours. Love Robin

March 24, 2017

Alan

Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss.

I have fond memories of all your family's visits to Aus and cherish the memories of the contacts over the years.

March 24, 2017

Jill and Doug

We are so sorry to hear this and send you our deepest sympathy & loving thoughts. What a wonderful man he was, and he had a great & full life, especially with his beloved Peg by his side. You will miss him greatly as he was such a big part of your lives.

Doug & I shall always remember just how well your folks ferried us around on our Canadian visit, they gave us a wonderful time & we shall never forget re connecting with them & meeting you all. I first met him in person when Shiona was a baby, back in 1970. I think he went across to New Guinea at the time.

We have wonderful memories of both your mum & dad & shall never forget them. I certainly hope your memories & the precious time you spent with him keep you guys going.

March 24, 2017

Bob Cook

We only spoke about once a year but I had great affection for him having shared a bunk with him while learning to fly in Rhodesia and living with him in Ruislip when he started his career in journalism.

I visited him several times in Montreal and Toronto but never made it to the west coast. He had a great enthusiasm for life and achieved so many things. Its sad to think he is no more and as one of the best people I have known in my life he will be missed. One of life's gentlemen. May he rest in peace.

March 24, 2017

Denise Surprenant

To Ralph's children.

I am so sorry to hear that you have lost your father,after having
lost your mother recently.

For many years, Ralph has been very present in my life. He was a remarkable man and I am glad I had the privilege of knowing him.

Denise Surprenant
ex-rédactrice-en-chef de Sélection

March 24, 2017

Pat

I know these are very difficult days for you with much to do. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

March 24, 2017

Pierre Charlebois

Very sad indeed! He was a gentleman.

March 24, 2017

Roslyn Britt

He was a good President to work for and a wonderful family man. My heart goes out to all of them in their loss.

March 24, 2017

Nazlin Kassam

This is indeed very sad news, and another part of my RDC history being blanked out. I, too. always called him Mr. Hancox and physically and otherwise, he had an imposing presence in the company. I certainly learned a lot from him, and I fondly talk of him to my kids and others. My prayers for his soul to achieve eternal peace

March 24, 2017

Earl Shaw

I'll be eternally grateful to Ralph for the sage advice and counsel he once provided me that had a significant impact on my future at the Digest.

March 24, 2017

Heather Stenhouse

Please accept my sincere condolences to you and all the family. I have so many great memories of past good times with both your Mom and Dad. So sad to think those days are finally over. Best regards,

March 24, 2017

Charles and Marcelle

So very sorry to hear that your father had passed away, Please accept our heartfelt sympathies and best wishes and pass them on to, Linda, Rick, Alison and the family.

Kind regards,
Charles and Marcelle

March 24, 2017

Ann O'Keefe

Thank you so much for sending me the obituary. Whoever wrote it has a good bit of the wonderful gift of writing that your Dad had. The obituary is simply beautifully written. I have also gone to the Shutterfly and will look into that more. I am not familiar with Shutterby but I can see that he and Alison have done something beautiful together.

Again, Julian, I am so sorry for your loss. No matter how old we are when we become orphans, it is just hard. I remember your Mom and of course Ralph often mentioned her when he wrote to me for our Harvard class notes. With sympathy and keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers,
Ann O'Keefe, from Ralph's HBS PMD 26 (1973)

March 24, 2017

Denise Surprenant

To Ralph's children.

I am so sorry to hear that you have lost your father,after having
lost your mother recently.
For many years, Ralph has been very present in my life.
He was a remarkable man and I am glad I had the privilege
of knowing him.

Denise Surprenant
ex-rédactrice-en-chef de Sélection

March 24, 2017

Susan Riley

From Susan Riley
Oh what sad news. I feel good to know that the true gentleman that he was didn't linger in pain.

March 24, 2017

Elinor Griffith

From Elinor Griffith
It feels like the end of an era. He was such a gentleman and had such a broad vision of improving and entertaining people through the powerful written word."

March 24, 2017

Suzanne Hurtubise

From Suzanne Hurtubise
Mr. Hancox is a man I always respected, a gentle man who always treated me kindly, and a gentleman with a good sense of humor. I also admired his attitude toward all RD employees, whether executives or ordinary staff.

March 24, 2017

Suzanne Dillon

From Suzanne Dillon
I was always so impressed with Mr. Hancox and the way he reached out to all of us. One day he gave Mary Ellen and I a lift home and it was as if it was the most natural thing in the world. I felt so special. He was pure class through and through. He will be missed by so many I'm sure.

March 24, 2017

Danielle Dufour

From Danielle Dufour
What sad news. Mr. Hancox was such a great man, he left his mark on all of us. My thoughts are with his family but especially with you who was so close to him for so many years. I can imagine the thousands of souvenirs that are going through your mind these days.

Showing 1 - 77 of 77 results

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

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The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

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Resources to help you cope with loss
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Estate Settlement Guide

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The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

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How to Write an Obituary

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