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BORN
1943
DIED
2016
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Leland Hancock Obituary
Sept. 6, 1943 - July 1, 2016
Discovery Bay
Leland (Lee) Wiley Hancock passed away suddenly on July 1, 2016. He was a husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, boss, but he was mostly a good friend to many who appreciated a firm handshake and a warm smile.
Leland was the oldest son of 10 children born to William and Lorine Hancock of Galena, Missouri. The day after graduating from Galena High School in 1961, he left the family farm and made his way to Los Angeles where a relative gave him a construction job. That opportunity, along with a tremendous drive and ambition lead to a 50+year career in construction, development and real estate. Upon moving to San Jose, Lee Hancock Construction Inc. was established in 1969 and would eventually build 3600 apartments and single family residences in Santa Clara, Contra Costa and San Joaquin Counties. Lee was always willing to give a job and a chance to anyone who wanted to work hard.
Lee was a 36-year resident of Saratoga, California. He was extremely involved with the Saratoga High Athletic Boosters. When the baseball field needed to be redone, rather than waiting for bake sale fundraisers and the beaurocratic process of approval, Lee took his tractor and his talent and transformed the old dirt field into a lush baseball diamond himself. In appreciation, Saratoga HS named the field "Lee Hancock Field" in 1988.
Lee never forgot his humble Missouri roots. He returned back to his alma mater, Galena High School, and donated the funds to remodel their gymnasium. In 2013, "Hancock Gym" was dedicated to a grateful community. The superintendant's message to the staff that year was simple yet profound. In referring to Lee's life he stated, "It was a story about a poor kid from Galena. He worked hard and wasn't afraid to take a chance. You never know which of you may have the next Lee Hancock in your class. Never overlook a single student."
Lee is survived by his wife of 52 years, Beverly, son Doug (Liza) of Stockton, son Leland (Leslie) of Brentwood and daughter Tamie (Ron) Scranton of Petaluma. Grandchildren: Madison, Chelsey, Teddy, Elena, Daniel, Allison, Chandler, David, James and Matthew.
Friends and family of Lee Hancock are welcomed to a Visitation on Wednesday, July 6th from 5:00-8:00 PM at Brentwood Funeral Home, 839 First Street, Brentwood, CA. The Celebration of Life ceremony will be held on Friday, July 8th at 10:00 AM at Golden Hills Community Church at 2401 Shady Willow Lane, Brentwood, CA. He will be laid to rest at Union Cemetery 11545 Brentwood Blvd, Brentwood.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to "Damn Good Kid," a scholarship founded in Lee's honor intended for non-college bound high school graduates who, like him, just need vocational skills and ambition to achieve success. Send donations to "Damn Good Kid" c/o Brentwood Education Foundation. P.O. Box 853 Brentwood, CA 94513.
View the online memorial for Leland (Lee) Hancock
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Memories and Condolences
for Leland Hancock
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
Jack Krystal and family members...
June 30, 2025
Lee remains constantly in my mind...a special human being who cared and added value and affection to everything he did and everyone he got to know!
Mike Josselyn
November 30, 2016
So sorry to hear about your loss and the loss to the community. Lee accomplished so much for the region with his carefully designed projects that many people enjoy to this day. I was pleased to work with Lee and found him as a warm and friendly individual despite the many pressures he faced in completing projects. I wish more people were like him and send my condolences to his family.
Mike Josselyn
Mark Summers
August 7, 2016
My Condolences to The Hancock Family
Long lost cousin
July 14, 2016
To the family of Leland,
So sorry for your loss. When someone you love becomes a memory the memory become a treasure so treasure the memory
Matt 5:4,5
BC~
Rosa Petez
July 8, 2016
I am deeply saddened by Lee's passing.
Remember he is alway's and forever in our hearts.
May God bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Please know you are in my thoughts and in my prayers.
Rosa Perez and Family.
Rosa Perez
July 8, 2016
May the constant love of caring friends soften your sadnes
May cherished memories bring you moments of comfort
May lasting peace surround your grieving Heart.
Still loved,still missed and very dear
With all my Respect and Love during this difficult time.
Rosa Perez and Family.
July 7, 2016
My most heartfelt condolences to the entire family. He was such a kind and compassionate man. He will be forever in my prayers.
Raquel Munoz and sons
Los Angeles CA
Carol Harris
July 6, 2016
So very sorry to hear of Lee's passing..he was a very nice man..he sold us our home here in Brentwood in shadow lakes. .our thoughts and prayers are with his beloved family...Mike and Carol Harris
July 6, 2016
My prayers and condolences for Bev and Lee's family. Always a gentleman to work with. He will certainly be missed by all who knew him.
Carlyn Eaton
Leavitt Pacific Ins. Brokers
Jack Krystal
July 6, 2016
Lee is gone! A better friend, partner, family man one could not find. The space he occuppied will never be filled again. Loyal, Honorable, kind, determined, gracious with old world values rarely duplicated...One of a kind and always kind to everyone!
Andy Krotik
July 6, 2016
I met Lee back in the 1990's when I was serving on The Atwater City Council. Our Air Force base had just closed and he bought former dilapidated base housing. He promised me he would re-build it, and that Atwater residents would never be ashamed of it. True to his character he kept his word and today it looks better than ever. Heaven is a better place today. RIP Lee and I pray God comforts your family.
CW
July 6, 2016
I am so sorry for your great loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this challenging time. (Isaiah 61:1,2) With heartfelt sympathy
July 5, 2016
Lee was a great friend and always there for someone. His handshake was as good as any contract you could ever write. I did business with him for years, a lot of , and mostly on a handshake, that was all you needed with him. We continued our relationship into a lasting friendship up to the present time. Lee and Bev have been so special, he will be missed so much, our love and support for Bev will continue. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and the family at this sad time. Harry and Sara Chalmers
Brentwood Funeral Home
July 6, 2016
Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this time.
July 4, 2016
My prayers go out to your family. Because of you I have memories of many good times together, camping, hunting, gambling, family dinner are just a few things I will treasure and remember always doing with Lee, Bev, Nick and I.
Nadene Salamida
July 4, 2016
Out thoughts and prayers go out to our dear family/friends. Lee was a wonderful man. We will miss his him greatly!
The Pangborn family
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