"My deepest heartfelt sympathy goes out to Emily and Garsha. Bruce touched, served, and inspired so many people. I am so thankful for his guidance and friendship. I will treasure my memories reporting to Bruce at St. V's. Bruce made me a better person and clinician. Emily, the Millikan family is here to support you, just like you and Bruce have supported us in our time of need."
In loving memory of
Bruce Gavin Hancock
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969
Professor Bruce G. Hancock
Bruce Gavin Hancock, a beloved educator who influenced the lives and career choices of countless pharmacy students, passed away Thursday, January 19, 2012 at the age of 59.
Born in Carbondale, IL to Samuel O. and M. Garcia (Waggener) Hancock on October 8, 1952, Bruce spent his youth in a three-generation household in Herrin, IL. Growing up in a neighborhood established in the early 1900s, Bruce developed his keen sense of history and a passion for the older adults who inhabited the community. From the many mentors in his neighborhood, he learned the fine art of debate, a love of literature, the complexities of world geography, an active engagement in current events, and a competitive drive for sports. Bruce was an official member of the Die-Hard (Chicago) Cubs Fan Club since 1965. Bruce?s love of fishing and commitment to inland lake conservation came from the loving guidance of his paternal grandfather, Hiram Hancock.
Bruce was immensely proud of the high-quality primary and secondary education he received in the Herrin public school system. The friendships he forged at the Herrin South Side School continued through his entire life. Graduating from Herrin High School in 1970, he served as class president during his senior year. Following two years at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL, Bruce transferred to Purdue University, College of Pharmacy in West Lafayette, IN, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy in 1975 and a Master of Science degree in Clinical Pharmacy in 1977. Bruce also completed an American Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ASHP) - accredited residency in hospital pharmacy at St. Lawrence Hospital in Lansing, Michigan in 1977.
Bruce met his wife Emily Florene Cramer at the Michigan Poison Control Center, housed within St. Lawrence Hospital pharmacy. Even though Emily was a pharmacist at St. Lawrence Hospital when Bruce began his residency, he often chuckled when he told people he met his wife at the toll-free number printed inside the front cover of the telephone book. Bruce and Emily were married on Thanksgiving weekend, November 26, 1977.
Bruce was the type of person who never called attention to himself. Yet, his sense of family cast a wide net including diverse people of all ages and from all walks of life. Described by those closest to him as a common man with exceptional wit, Bruce found humor in situations of everyday life. His friends and colleagues have been repeating Bruce?s legendary stories for decades with escalating hilarity.
Bruce began and ended his professional career in Indianapolis as an educator. In 1977, he was one of four Purdue University pharmacy faculty members who established and instructed rotation sites at Wishard Memorial Hospital and Indiana University Hospital Most recently, Bruce was an Assistant Professor at Butler University, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
with primary responsibilities directing the Pharm.D. Experiential Program. In the nearly 35 years in between, Bruce also assumed professional roles in clinical pharmacy administration at Wishard Health Services and St. Vincent Hospitals and Health Services. In addition, Bruce worked several years on the St. Vincent Advance Health Team, an internal business consulting unit disbanded in 2001.
Active in many professional organizations with service on Boards of Directors, Bruce served as the president of the Indiana Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ISHP) and the president of the Indiana Rural Health Association (IRHA). Bruce was a regular volunteer at the Genessaret Free Clinic in Indianapolis for fifteen years. He also served as a deacon and three terms as an elder at First-Meridian Heights Presbyterian Church.
In their 34 years of marriage, Bruce and Emily enjoyed time spent with family and friends at their cottage at Chippewa Lake, Michigan, regular excursions with their dogs along M-22 (Northern Lower Michigan), studying and collecting pieces of history, patronizing the arts in Indianapolis, and living the experience of Indiana basketball. During the season, it was not uncommon for the Hancocks to be at three basketball games per week between Butler University men, Butler University women, and the Indiana Pacers. Bruce often remarked that he loved the Butler basketball team members like they were his own children. The same goes for the Girls of Summer. With seats behind the bench, the Indiana Fever will miss Bruce?s continuous shouts of support, ?Let?s Go Ladies?!
Bruce is survived by his wife Emily, mother Garcia, two aunts, four first cousins, two nephews, one niece, two sisters-in-law, and two brothers-in-law. He was preceded in death by his father, Samuel O. Hancock in 2000. The family of Bruce Hancock will be receiving friends and colleagues during a visitation on Friday, January 27, 2012 from 4:00pm ? 8:00pm in the Reilly Room of the Atherton Union, Butler University, 704 West Hampton Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46208. A memorial servic
Tributes
"Emily - I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you. "
"Bruce was a great man and mentor. His passion and heart was felt by many of us at Butler. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to his family and the Butler community."
"Emily and Garcia -Our heartfelt condolences go out to you from us, and from all the staff at Mary's. We are praying that peace, comfort, and understanding will come from your terrible loss.David and Carla "
"Dear Garcia and Emily-We are so sorry of Bruce's death-our thoughts and prayers are with you both, God bless -"
"Garcia & Emily, It was a privilege to know Bruce, he was such a warm and gracious man and he will be greatly missed. The Chapel community at Camp Arifjan will be praying for you both during these difficult days. "
"Emily and Garcia we were sadden also about the news of Bruce. Mother said she wants you both to know how sad she was too.We are still keeping both in our thoughts and prayers."
"Bruce was a good man. I remember his positivity. When I botched a presentation, Bruce was there with honest feedback and encouragement. He gave me confidence. Emily, our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Garcia & EmilyBruce was always so gracious and engaging when we spoke, he had a very positive presence and will be greatly missed. Praying for peace and comfort for both of you. Kathi "
"Garcia and Emily,So sad to hear the news about Bruce! Our hearts are with you."
"Emily and Garcia, My family and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Bruce, and we wish to express our sincere condolences to you both and to Bruce's entire family. I have known Bruce for many years. He has been my teacher, my mentor, my respected colleague, and my trusted friend. Bruce was a wonderful person who always went out of his way to help others..... always willing to help those less fortunate, always willing to serve, always willing to put his needs second to the needs of those around him. Bruce had a great sense of humor, and he never failed in his ability to make me laugh out loud or to put a smile on my face. I loved his "famous" quotes (e.g., "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't turn it into a duck!")! I will never forget all of the great advice that Bruce has given me over the years, and I will always appreciate the significant role that he played in my own personal and professional development. In all of the years that I have known and worked with him, there was never a time when I did not feel supported by Bruce, and I always knew that I could trust him to give an honest opinion; to be there for me, for his colleagues, or for the students; to simply get the job done --- all with a smile and a touch of class. I miss him greatly, and he will always hold a special place in my heart. There is no doubt that he will be remembered fondly by so many of his colleagues, students, friends, and family. Emily and Garcia, may you find strength in the days ahead, and may you take comfort in knowing what a wonderful, generous, and caring man Bruce was and what a significant impact he had on the lives of so many during his time here on Earth. Peace and blessings to you both. Rest in peace, Bruce, and thank you for having been a tremendous blessing in my life."
"Dear Emily...you and family are in our prayers...God Bless...STVH GUILD"
"Emily, You and Bruce have meant a lot to me since my First Meridian Heights Presby days, throughout my St. V's days, and post residency. You and Bruce's mother remain in our prayers. His passing is not just a loss to the pharmacy profession and Butler, but to the world as a whole. I loved running into Bruce. His wit and kindness are two of his characteristics I will miss the most. I know God is holding you all in His loving arms. Our deepest sympathy."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I became acquainted with Bruce when I came to his office for a meeting and noticed the artwork on his screen saver. We began talking about art and the friendship began. Tonya and I have cherished the good times we have had with you and Bruce, and we will greatly miss his friendship. "
"Emily, words cannot express the sorrow I feel knowing that Bruce has passed. You and Bruce were one of the best reasons why I would go to the Fever games. I enjoyed sitting across the court and watching you two cheer for The Girls of Summer. :) He will ALWAYS be right here in our hearts smiling and cheering. My heart is so heavy for you and all of us that will miss him dearly. Please call on me anytime - to go to a game or just to talk. I'm here for you, Emily."
"Emily, Bruces's obituary proves he had wonderful years, but there never seem to be enough. He will be missed by so many. May God bring you and your family comfort and peace in this time of grief. "
"Garcia, I am so sorry about Bruce's passing. I've enjoyed knowing Bruce since about 1966 when we started high scool. His locker was by mine and we talked every day. I'm so glad he came to our last reunion. I remember him always smiling. May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you during this trying time. God Bless. "
"Emily, I wish you wonderful memories of your life with Bruce; enjoying your puppies, traveling (digging for diamonds), and going to events and activities. Know that your friends are here for you in this sad time and always. "
"Emily, I was shocked and so saddened to read of Bruce's death. I worked with him at St. Vincent for several years and always found him to be such a smart, kind man with a wonderful sense of humor. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers."
"Emily and family,My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.Bruce was a wonderful liasion at the college for those of us who work in the field. He will be greatly missed."
"I would like to extend both professional and personal condolances to Bruce's family and friends. We have lost an outstanding leader and colleage and he will be missed. Our prayers for God's grace and comfort during the difficult days ahead."
"With deepest sympathy to the family of Bruce Hancock, Butler University and Indiana pharmacy in general have lost a great leader. Bruce, you will be missed. I'll be screaming "Go Dogs!" for you."
"Emily & Garcia,I am terribly sorry for your loss and I express my deepest sympathies. Bruce was a wonderful man and colleague whom I will miss conversing with every time I visit Butler. I enjoyed meeting both of you and you will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers."
"Emily: LaTenia and I truly loved Bruce. He was a wonderful, very intelligent, kind and gentle man. Especially loved watching both of you at the Fever Games!! He will truly be missed. Our prayers goes out to you and your family."
"Emily - my prayers and thoughts are with you on yourgreat loss."
"Emily,Was shocked to hear of Bruce's passing. He always made me laugh with his teasing and sense of fun. I am sad just knowing that he is no longer with us. Take care and may you find solace in your memories and canine friends."
"Garcia and Emily, There are no words to tell you how very sorry we were to hear of Bruce's passing. We always enjoyed seeing them and their dogs when they visited you in Herrin. You are a dear friend, Garcia. You and Emily are in our thoughts and prayers. Your friends, Joyce and Larry"
"Emily and the Hancock Family,After being a classmate of Bruce's at Purdue, we were able to reconnect about 8 years ago. I was quickly reminded of his incredible wit as well as his sincere interest in others, particularly students. He helped make those of us that knew him better people as well as better pharmacists. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
"Emily, I'm so sorry for the loss of Bruce. He was quite a character. Even though he and I never had a chance to work very closely for long periods (our positions were always like passing ships) we knew eachother for many years and I valued the times we got to talk. My thoughts are with you.Steve"
"Emily and family,I wanted to send my sincerely sympathy to you. Bruce was instrumental in setting up my involvement with Butler from Evansville---creating a job that I never dreamed was possible. He was always fun to chat with and always showed his caring for students and indigent patients everywhere. He will be missed."
"I am truly saddened by the loss of Bruce. My thoughts and prayers are with Emily and his family. I worked with him at Butler until 2006 and continued to work with him regularly as a preceptor. He was always one of the people I made sure to see and say hello to on visits back to campus. He never hesitated to make a wise crack about me being a redneck from Kentucky or about the UK basketball team, but I am sure going to miss them. He also always asked how my husband and kids were doing and made it a point to tell me how good it was to see me. The feelings were mutual. I am really going to miss his great sense of humor, his caring attitude and his dedication to Butler students. We lost an amazing individual in Bruce."
"Emily, we are shocked and saddened by the death of Bruce. We had the chance to visit with him each year during the Rural Health Conference. He was a wonderful man, and we want you to know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Carolyn & Ray"
"Emily & Gracia you are in my prayers. Bruce and I was always right there together at everything in grade and high school,(ha-he in the alphabet). always beside each other. It was so good to get to spend time with Bruce last summer when we had the reunion.Know that he is always with you and God has a reason for it all. God Bless "
"Emily, my thoughts are with your family during this difficult time. It was an honor to know Bruce."
"Emily, Please accept our sympathy and prayers at thissorrowful time. Working with Bruce at St. Vincent was an experience. He helped me grow in my job there both clinically and personally. My growth into a Unit pharmacist and increasing my clinical knowledge was greatly influenced by Bruce along with other mentors. I loved his sense of humor (even if I didn't always "get it"), he could always make me laugh. Bruce touched many people in his short life and we are better for having known him as a friend and colleague.I will miss seeing Bruce at Butler games and know that he will be cheering the Dawgs on from above. I am sorry that I could not adjust my schedule to make his reception and service. Please know that I will be there in spirit and pray that he is at peace."
"Emily, Bitter is the loss of such a mate! We grieve with you. We turn in hope toward our faith in Christ Jesus, keeping in focus that we will be reunited in Heaven. "
"My most heartfelt condolences go out to Bruce's loved ones, especially to his lovely wife and mother. I pray for peace, understanding, and comfort during this tough time as we lost a good one in Bruce. Our loss is unquestionably heaven"
"Garcia & Emily,It is hard to find the words that might bring you comfort at this time, but hopefully knowing that there are so many people who are thinking of you, wishing you strength and peace, will bring you solace.With heartfelt sympathy."
"Emily, Garcia and family:I am so sorry about your loss. I had known Bruce for many years, even when I was a pharmacy student and currently as a colleague at Butler. He was such a wonderful down to earth guy. He alway had a smile on his face and was always very approachable and fun. I knew that I could talk to him about anything, and he would have an answer. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Emily and Garcia:Bruce was a great colleague to have next door at Butler in the Experiental Office. We will all miss him dearly. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
"Emily - you have been in my thoughts. I will always remember Bruce as a wonderful co-worker who taught his colleagues as much as he did his students. His kindness, positive outlook, and love of life drew people to him. And when he would refer to you, his entire face smiled. Thank you for sharing Bruce with us."
"Garcia-Deepest sympathy for your loss. I didn't know Bruce, but after reading the obituary, I can see what an amazing person he was and the legacy he left behind. Prayers for all of you."
"Emily,We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep you and your family in our prayers...."
"Emily,Our thoughts are with you. We were glad to have had the opportunity to know Bruce. We will be thinking of you."
"I am so saddened to hear of Bruce's death and the loss for all of this genuine, compassionate man. Bruce and I worked together while at St. Vincent Indianapolis. I so respected his talents, sincerity, intelligence, and vision. He brought comfort to me when my own father died suddenly. Emily, you and your family are in my prayers that your wonderful memories will bring you strength to cope with the pain of this tragic loss. God Bless. "
"Emily, I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Bruce. It doesn't seem so long ago when he was teaching me how to do nutritional monitoring & encouraging me to go on to grad school. He was a wonderful mentor & I appreciated all of his support. I will always remember his wonderful sense of humor and his passion for life. He will be greatly missed. I send my deepest sympathy and will keep you and your family in my prayers. "
"Emily,I was honored to know Bruce as both a student and a preceptor. I will always remember his wit, kindness and the impact he made on my pharmacy career. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. "
"Dear Emily: I am so sorry for your loss. You and Bruce have both contributed to my professional and personal growth. You are and will be in my prayers daily. With deepest sympathy, Julia "
"Dear Emily, Garcia and the Butler Family, I am so very sorry for your incredible loss. I hired Bruce and he was a joy the entire time we worked together. He teased me constantly, generally usually using some political reference - Bush was one of his favoite targets. I always looked forward to his radical birthday cards. I know he must have spent hours contemplating the right card. When I heard of his passing and then saw the calling is tomorrow, on my birthday, it really hit hard. Even though I left Butler 5 1/2 years ago he never forgot me. One time he wrote a beautiful note saying how much he loved working at Butler. He truly loved all the faculty and staff and really cared for his students. Bruce and I also worked together on the CAP grant and we secured well over $6M in free medications for the working poor in Indiana. Bruce will be missed by so many people! He truly made a difference in hundreds, if not thousands of lives. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm very sorry I cannot join you this weekend. Warm regards,Pat "
"We have enjoyed having Bruce as a neighbor on Delaware, and we appreciated his contributions to the sense of community on our block. We will miss seeing him on his walks around the block. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Emily and the rest of his family. "
"Emily, it was an honor to know Bruce. The two of you set such a good example for me as I began my career in Indianapolis. You gave me hope and inspiration as you guided me toward the art and music that made me love this city. And although the years have chugged along, and we have seen way too little of each other, your influence is something I have always carried with me. I remember thinking, "That's how I want to live my life. I want to be like those two!" Bruce and his incredibly well balanced combination of qualities -- graciousness, expertise, competence, wit, ethics, honesty, generosity, creativity, and compassion for those needing guidance, is now, and will always be, in the hearts of the countless individuals whose lives he touched. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and the days ahead."
"emily ~ i was so shocked when i received your voice message and since then, you have been on my heart and mind. sending you much love and prayers as you move forward. please let me know if there is anything you need. hopeful to share my personal condolences with you tonight at Butler. with much love"
"Garcia I'm so sorry for you. When I think about what good peolpe you ,Emily ,and Bruce are I a'm saddened.I guess the Lord truely does work in mysterious ways. As you saw the outpouring of concern for Bruce there,it was likewise here. So many people continue to ask how they can help. My heart goes our to you all.Love,David and Tina"
"My condolances to you in this sad time. Much too soon for such a remarkable man. God Bless."
"Bruce touched so many lives through his professional and personal commitments. Through his students, his legacy lives on and will continue to improve the health and well-being of Hoosiers. Thank you Bruce for a life well-lived through your love and dedication. "
"Emily, I share my sympathies and prayers for you and Garcia with the many, many friends whose lives that Bruce touched. From our years together at St. Vincent, I have Bruce to thank for the journey that led to my current position at Methodist Hospital. His influence was immense. I will miss our lunches together at the Side Street Deli and seeing him each year at Rotation Discovery Day. He was a great man!"
"My thoughts and prayers are with the family & the Butler community. I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with Professor Hancock throughout my years at Butler. He truly was one of my favorite professors, because he never hesitated to joke with you, but also would set you straight if thats what you needed! He will be very missed by many students and faculty! I appreciate all he did for me! God Bless"
"dear emily i was so sorry to hear you lost your best friend.tGod must have wanted a pharmacist in heaven to help him .the woeld lost a good person..till you meet again .much sympathy to your family."
"Emily: I was shocked and saddened to learn of Bruce's passing. He was an individual of rare professional talent, great humor and exceptional personal qualities. I always enjoyed talking with him on your visits to Campus and also at the "Rock" on those occasions when you spent time at your Lake cottage. I know that he will be greatly missed by the many whose lives he touched and especially by you - you were a wonderful couple. My deepest sympathy to you and the entire Hancock family in this time of sorrow. IAN"
"I enjoyed getting to know Bruce during my almost seven years on campus and I especially adored his support of women's basketball among other sports. He will be truly missed. I send my deepest condolences to his family, friends and peers, and hope for peace for all during this difficult time."
"Emily please know that my thoughts and prayers have been with you over the past several weeks. It was such a joy and inspiration to get to know you and Bruce this past year at the Homewood. Your positive outlook and kindness was always a ray of sunshine. Know that I am thinking of you during this difficult time."
"Emily and Garcia, You were truly lucky to have been able to spend your lives with such a wonderful man. Although his time here was much too short, he will never be forgotten. Bruce was truly dedicated to his students like me, and for that I am forever grateful. I will miss the fun of joking with Bruce about the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs rivalry. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you in this difficult time. "
"So extremely saddened and shocked by the news of Bruce, Emily. My deepest sympathy to you and Garcia. Bruce meant so much to you, his mother and family, the Butler community, and countless current and past pharmacy students/residents. He touched so many lives with his ability to teach and guide. I, personally, have so many fond memories of you and Bruce when at St Vincent Hospital and then with Bruce when at Butler. I loved his quick-witted jokes, pranks, and stories! I have such fond memories of his mentoring me and taking the time to make me feel special. Bruce always loved to point out that we came from the same neck of the woods and loved to talk about Herrin and the surrounding area. He always seemed to find some connection with people he worked with and taught. I know Bruce touched countless others in the same positive way. I was blessed by knowing him. He will be so very much missed! My thoughts and prayers are with you both, Emily and Garcia. "
"Emily, I just learned of your loss. Bruce was always one I could depend on for support of COPHS programs. Bruce touched many lives with his love of the profession and his desire to bring others into this service. We will always remember him, may the Lord bring peace to you and to his family."
"Emily, I was so shocked and saddened by the news of Bruce's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will miss his smiling face at the games."
"Emily,We are so sorry for your loss. Bruce was a wonderful man and a talented pharmacist and teacher. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Emily - I was so sorry to hear the news about Bruce's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I hope the wonderful memories will be a blessing to you during this difficult time and in the future. Take care. Dave"
"Emily,I had the pleasure of working closely with Bruce via email for several years as we scheduled BU students to come to the Cincinnati VAMC for rotations but it was only two years ago that we actually met. Bruce took time out of his busy schedule to come meet me when he learned I was doing the BU residency showcase. It was so nice to be able to meet in person this wonderful, caring man. He was always so thoughtful and concerned about the students and also about BU having an outstanding relationship with their rotation sites. I will miss working with him and I offer you my heartfelt sympathy."
"I knew Bruce when I was a pharmacy resident with Community Health Network and Butler University during 2005 through 2007. We shared the fact that we were both Purdue grads working at Butler. He was so friendly to everyone and always had a smile on his face. He will be missed by so many. I hope that we will meet again one day in heaven. My prayers go out to you and your family during this time of grieving."
"We wish to express our deepest sympathy to the friends and family of Bruce. He positively impacted so many lives and helped shape so many bright futures. He was an amazing mentor, friend, and collgue. Butler basketball games will never be the same without him as we will forever miss his smiling face, beard, and ballcap as we make our way to our seats. All our love to Bruce and his friends and family."
"Dear Emily,I was so shocked and saddened to read about Bruce. Both of you were so dear to me during my years at St. Lawrence Hospital in Lansing. When I saw both of you at the Pioneer a couple of summers ago it was like none of us had changed. I will be 59 in a few days. It really makes you stop and think about how precious life is. If you are in Big Rapids please call me and I can meet you for lunch somewhere. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. work phone 231-592-8374"
"Emily, I am so very sorry to hear that Bruce has died. Every one on the trip to Chicago always spoke very highly of him. He was clearly a special person. My thoughts are with you."
"Emily,We've only recently learned about your loss. Please accept our condolences. Bruce lives on in all of the students he has educated.Carla"
"Emily,While it was so nice to see you this morning, I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your husband. Although I did not have the good fortune to meet him, its clear what a wonderful man he was. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. "
"My sister, Melissa, and I were fortunate enough to attend Bruce and Emily's wedding. It was then that we knew our cousin, Emily, had found herself a winner. Bruce was a joy to be around with a great sense of humor. He will be missed by so many people both near and far away. Rest in Peace Dear One. Emily, may God comfort you and wrap his arms tightly around you."
"A shock to all of us at Artcraft Upholstering Co.Long time loyal customer of Artcraft, Bruce was always a pleasure to work with. My deepest sympathy to Emily and family."
"Emily, I just found out about Bruce's untimely demise and I offer my deepest condolences. I first met Bruce when he was on his hospital pharmacy rotation at Good Samaritan Hospital where I was Asst Director. He was a delightful person and I am sure that he was an inspiration to everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. God bless you and your family. Randy "
"We are all sorry for your loss. "
"Emily, I am so sorry to learn of Bruce's death from the Butler Magazine--thoughts and prayers are with you. (Still remember the first day you worked at St V's and skied to work in a snow storm--impressed me.)Jeff Patchett"