Allan Hanckel

Allan R. Hanckel NORFOLK - Allan Robertson Hanckel, 79, died peacefully at Leigh Memorial Hospital on Monday, Sept. 27, 2010, with his family at his side. Allan was the son of William Robertson Hanckel and Evelyn Clower Hanckel, and grandson of the Honorable Allan Reeve Hanckel and Alice Watts Robertson Hanckel. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Clower Hanckel; his stalwart hunting companion, Bear; and his Good Dog, Gracie. Allan Hanckel attended Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Va., and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. He was owner and president of Hanckel Smith Sales Company Inc. for 32 years. During that time, he was president of the Tidewater chapter of "Ashrae" and served several terms as commodore of the Norfolk Boat Club. Allan was directly responsible for the reconstruction of the Boat Club after it burned in 1966. A master sergeant in the Virginia National Guard, Allan also was scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop No. 32 at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in the West Ghent area of Norfolk. He served as a member of the Norfolk City Planning Commission and was once a candidate for Norfolk City Council. Allan was very proud to have achieved the rank of life master at bridge. An avid tennis player, he was a charter member of the Downtown Racquet Club and was ranked No. 2 in the state for men 60 years and older. A member of the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club as well, Allan served on its Tennis Committee and twice won the Tired Businessmen's Doubles. Allan served on the board of the Mary Ludlow Home for Elderly Ladies. He also coached the West Ghent Youth Soccer team to three victorious seasons with his partner, Dixie Dickenson. In the 1980s, he even found time to own and operate the Recovery Room, a restaurant/bar in downtown Norfolk. For 10 years, Allan and his family helped care for Big Cedar Island in Back Bay, Va. Subsequently, he and his family enjoyed a cottage in Kill Devil Hills, N.C. He spent every August for 35 years, usually with family and good friends Dr. A. L. Roper II and Michael Devine, at Camp Greenbrier's annual House Party, a family camp in Alderson, W.Va. Allan retired from his business in 1992 and soon thereafter went to work for Hobbs and Associates, where he remained for 13 years. His second attempt at retirement stuck, and in 2006, he stayed home to enjoy life. For the next several years, he volunteered to maintain the outdoor lighting in his community. He and his faithful dog, Alice, graciously hosted friends who dropped by frequently for impromptu meetings of his Garage Society. Allan led a very full life and will be deeply missed. Allan is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jane Harden Hanckel; son, Allan Robertson Hanckel Jr. and his wife Connie of Charlotte, N.C.; son, William Robertson Hanckel II of Raleigh, N.C.; son, Carter Allan Hanckel and his wife Susan of Raleigh, N.C.; and four grandchildren, Allan Robertson Hanckel III and John Henry Hanckel of Charlotte, N.C., and Addison Savita Hanckel and Holden Grayson Hanckel of Raleigh. A memorial funeral, directed by the Rev. Win Lewis, will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 4, at Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 560 W. Olney Road, Norfolk. A reception will follow at the Norfolk Boat Club, 432 W. Freemason St., Norfolk, immediately after the funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Camp Greenbrier for Boys Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 585, Exmore, VA 23350. Arrangements are being handled by H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel. Online condolences may be made through www.hdoliver.com.