It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of J. Brian Hancock, MD FACEP, a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend.

A man of intellect, discipline, and dedication, he lived a life defined by commitment to his family, his profession, and the service of others. Above all, he was loving and supportive and took great pride in his family. Brian was the beloved husband of Linda; father of Shannon (Scott), Courtney Abernathy, and JB (Kristie); grandfather of Grace and Harper; brother of Keith (Becky) and Rory (Nicole); and uncle of Hilary, Kimberly, Andrew, Heather (Steve) Caruso, and Kelsey (Brandon Kowalczyk). Brian was a steady source of encouragement, wisdom, and support, and his presence will be deeply missed by those who loved him.

His life and accomplishments were made possible in no small part by the unwavering love, encouragement, and support of his wife, Linda. Together, they built a life and family grounded in partnership and devotion. Her dedication to raising their children and creating a strong, loving home gave him the opportunity to devote himself fully to his demanding medical career. Their life together was a true partnership, one that extended well beyond family and professional responsibilities, encompassing a shared love of music, exploration, travel, and adventure.

A physician by training, he dedicated his professional life to medicine and caring for others. His distinguished career in emergency medicine was highlighted by rising to leadership in the American College of Emergency Physicians as President and being awarded the 2014 John G. Wiegenstein Award for Leadership. His career then continued with the Department of Veterans Affairs where he served as Medical Center Director.

Music was also an important part of his life. Before pursuing medicine, he studied classically with the ambition of becoming a concert pianist, and continued playing piano well into adulthood. His wife shared his love of music as a violinist, and together they filled their home with music and encouraged their children to develop their own musical interests.

Brian also maintained a lifelong curiosity about the world and a love of adventure. He discovered sailing during medical school aboard a racing sailboat named Vaguary, even competing in the historic Chicago to Mackinac race. Later, he enjoyed sailing his own boat, Andromeda, on Saginaw Bay and Lake Charlevoix. Some of his most treasured sailing memories were with his family.

Travel was another shared passion for Brian and Linda. Among their most memorable adventures were an expedition to Antarctica and a cruise around the world. One particularly special journey brought the entire family together on an Alaskan cruise to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, creating memories that will be cherished for generations.

Brian will be remembered for his thoughtful nature, strong work ethic, dedication to his profession, devotion to his family, love for his wife, and the many lives he touched through his years of service and friendship. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the veterans and patients he cared for, and the memories shared by all who knew him.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. on Friday, November 13, and from 10:00 - 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 14, at W.L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4840 Mackinaw Rd., Saginaw, Michigan, 48603. An 11:00 a..m. service and luncheon will follow Saturday’s visitation. Brian will be laid to rest at a private burial at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Boyne City, Michigan.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Brian’s memory may wish to consider the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, KidneyCure , and/or The Michigan Emergency Medical Foundation.