Richard Bruce Hancock DDS

Richard Bruce Hancock, 92, passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2024 with his loving family by his side. Richard was born to James and Eileen Hancock in Minneapolis, Minnesota on February 3, 1932 and was raised near Lake Harriet. He had one brother JB Hancock (Darlene) of Marcell, Minnesota.

He graduated from Southwest High School in 1950. Dick was quite the Cross Country/Track athlete as he was on the Cross Country team that won State in 1948 and later was a Captain of the squad. He had a “great” car and was widely known as a swell guy. Everyone knew he would succeed in life. He was an Eagle Scout in Troop #119 in Minneapolis. The troop spent ten summers constructing camp “Flaming Pine” on Mirror Lake in northern Minnesota.

He graduated from the University of Minnesota as a double major and was also the Chairman of Homecoming. He met his wife, Barbara Honor Quick, while at the U of M. The couple married on June 19, 1954. He attended The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and graduated with his DDS in 1957. He spent 6 ½ years in the Air Force (Captain). While stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany their son Scott was born. Their daughter Diane was born after the family returned to the States in Los Angeles, CA.

The family moved to San Diego in 1963. Dick “Doc” went to San Diego to attend an education course and visited a classmate for lunch. His dentist classmate mentioned he should talk to the doctor next door who was retiring soon. Doc bought the practice and began 45 years of practice in San Diego. He loved the warm Mediterranean climate of San Diego. Doc rose to leadership levels locally as President of the San Diego County Dental Society in 1973 as well as achieving numerous positions and honors with the California Dental Association, American Dental Association, American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists, Pierre Fauchard Academy, and served many years on the Board of Delta Dental of California (Chairman) as well as the Resthaven Foundation, San Diego Dental Health Foundation, and the Children’s Dental Health Association. Doc was instrumental in bringing water fluoridation to the City of San Diego and surrounding communities thru his decades of work with the community, organized dentistry, and politicians. It was his pleasure to serve others.

Dick was active as a Scoutmaster of “Troop 4” in La Jolla as well as an Adult Leader of the Explorer Scouts. He was a founding charter member of University City United Church of Christ, a deacon at Torrey Pines Christian Church, a Master Mason, and a leader in the Frantic Investment Club. He loved having fun with family and friends. He enjoyed backpacking (John Muir Trail), snow skiing, and freshwater fishing. Dick was humble and soft-spoken, a devoted and loving husband, father, papa, mentor, and friend. He loved his family, holidays, entertaining, cookies, turtles, and managing his investments.

Survived by his son Scott Hancock, granddaughters Rebecca (Andrew) and Ashley; daughter Diane Stratigopoulos (George), and grandson John (Meredith). Memorial Service will be held Friday June 14, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at Torrey Pines Christian Church, 8230 La Jolla Scenic North. Private interment at Miramar National Cemetery. Donations may be made to: Children’s Dental Health Association of San Diego, 1270 24th St. San Diego, CA 92102.