John Henry Hankinson

Still listening to John's music and remembering fondly our times in the field.
He was a good man. Gone on, but not forgotten.

John, You passed too damn early. I'll never forget our adventures (and misadventures) together, and your and Gail's kindness to me. Peace, my brother.

I've been thinking about John in recent days. I must say that these memories are vivid and happy, such as "recreating" in a small sailboat on the Potomac River one fine fall afternoon. He is sorely missed.

He was the friendliest neighbor in Summer Haven.

John is still missed by all, he was one hell of a guy. I miss jamin with him from time to time, he could work that harmonica.

I really miss you and your family here in Summer Haven

Remembering John is remembering what heroes do for the rest of us and reminding ourselves not to forget those contributions or those heroes. I love Florida and am always in the fight to preserve our natural resources and always encouraged to keep up the fight when I know their are people at the lead really taking the fight to those who are mired in greed and unawareness. This was John. I grew up in an Ocala family, as did my husband David Swindell, where natural resources was our life. John was my husband's roommate at Florida Presbyterian and later worked on many an effort with my mother-in-law Betty Swindell who was Staff Director for Governmental Ops (under three Governors). David went on to be an archaeologist, my father-in-law was a Masters level biologist (a Gator!) who worked for the Game and Fish Commission and there was never a day in my life with them that we were not involved with the fight to preserve all our state's natural resources, including cultural ones. John and I went to school together and church together and he was both a friend and extended family to my Swindell family, which I am, a Swindell. Hats off to John now and forever and to all our heroes who work tirelessly and without thought of themselves to save and preserve what we have right now and might not have ever again unless we pay attention and draw a line in the sand. John's memory still leads us in this battle and his accomplishments and his leadership and his kindness and light still shine brightly. Much love to his family. My entire family is now gone and so we all hold to what was by continuing to be present to what is!

Gail, it was with great sadness and sense of loss that I just learned of John's passing. Please accept the condolences of an old friend . "The strife is over, the battle won". Arms around you.

I just read about your house for sale in the paper. I'm a recent widow,the pain & loss is so great,I'm sorry. Prayers for a calm heart.

Margaret, Vince and Family: So sorry for your loss with our deepest sympathy. Praying God's Holy Spirit will comfort you.

A truly wonderful man who worked hard to make this world a better place for others. John will be missed.

John's great deeds helping restore the St. Johns River provides a lasting tribute given to all future generations.

Gail and family: Just returned from being out of town and was shocked and saddened to read of John's passing. We had just spoken not that long ago about getting together in Summer Haven to catch up and to hear some of that mean blues harp. The obituary header said it all - Florida lost of its staunchest environmental advocates. We will be forever in his debt. His words, deeds and music shall live on. Our profound condolences.

My sincere sympathy at the loss of this great champion of the environment. His loss will be felt by all those who respected and admired his dedication.

I was deeply saddened to hear about John's death. He and my late husband, David Swindell III, were roommates at Florida Presbyterian and John and I grew up together in Ocala and in the Presbyterian Church. I and all true Floridians grieve his death and pay homage to his dedication, extraordinary advocacy and vital leadership in the crucial job of preserving and protecting our natural resources, the future of our state and our planet. Namaste dear friend.

Gail, We were saddened to hear of John's passing. You and the family have our deepest sympathy. John will be missed by many who remember his total commitment to the environment as well as his positive and happy approach to life and everyone around him.

Our sincere sympathies are extended to your entire family. We were indeed saddened to hear of your loss.

Mrs hankinson jimmy Margaret Mary Allison Russell Vincent I am so sorry for your loss as always my prayers and thoughts are with your family

I worked for John at EPA while he was the Regional Administrator. Love the photo of him at Eddie's Attic. He and some other EPA folks did a really cool Blues Brothers act and he played a mean blues harp maybe not Little Walter or Juke Logan but he threw some sound down that was sweet! His most important personal impact on the Region I remember was when he had his first senior staff meeting - he was the only man there without a coat & tie needless to say the standard professional dress code changed dramatically and quickly and never changed back (except for a few holdouts) he brought the laid back Florida vibe. He really valued the environment more than political connections - that was not common and he made the atmosphere serious but fun because the focus was on restoring and protecting the environment for us and the future.

Thanks John, for your big heart, sound advice, good works, and great music!

Gail and Family, I was so sorry to hear of John's illness and passing. I remember him from when he worked here at the District. The music that was played at a few of our event with him and David Porter. God be with you and give you His peace that passeth all of our understanding as you mourn this tremendous loss. I know the joyful memories of your life with him will help, in time.

I've not seen John since high school but recall him as a gentle man. According to the article in the Orlando Sentinel, his life was full and lived for the sake of others. I pray God's supernatural peace upon you and your family during this time.

I first met John as Johnny in the 3rd grade at South Ocala Elementary. He was a best boyhood friend, and I will surely miss him and carry his memory.Sincere sympathies to his family.

So sorry for your loss. John is missed. We loved seeing him around Matanzas Inlet days and his music and humor. God Bless, Jim and Debby Craggs

so sorry to read about Mr. Hankinson. Please accept our condolences. His generosity and earnest efforts to defend the environment will not be forgotten."A good name is better than precious oil..." Eccl 7:1

We were friends from age nine on. Sadly after high school we lost touch with each other. John will be missed. The world was a better place with him in it.

John was a great guy who always seemed happy to see his former EPA folks. He was telling me about his son working for Florida DEP last time I talked to him. I enjoyed seeing him in the Non-Essentials because he was obviously having so much fun. Reading this obit was a great reminder of all he did for the environment.

To the Family of Mr. John Hankinson
I am so very sorry for your loss. I worked for him at the EPA in Atlanta, GA. He was one of the very few Regional Administrators who treated ALL of his employees with respect. He was a true lover of the planet and our environment. He will truly be missed. May you find strength in God throughout this very difficult time.

I was privileged to know John as a classmate in Ocala High School Class of 1966. He left the world a better place.

I will pray for John and his family. I knew him well in High School. I did talk to him at our Class of 66 Breakfast Club meeting in Dec 2016.

Such a great loss to us all. Such a gentle, wise man. He will be much missed. So sorry for his family. And thanks for all you did for Florida and the earth, John

I look back on my short career here in Florida as an environmental attorney and realize just what a large role John Henry played in developing who I am as a person and attorney. It was at his place in Ocala where I would meet some of my greatest friends and a future law partner. It was at Marineland where my husband and I got to swim in a tank at his suggestion. And it was John Henry who gave me hope after the BP spill. He never knew and I never thanked him. But I want his family to know how special he was to me and many others. He will very much be missed.

I'm blessed to have known him and Florida is blessed that he never waivered from his passion for holding on to what remains and his vision for what can be. I've got to believe he's jamming with angels!

John Morgan

A big voice for Florida's environment.

I feel lucky I got to finally meet John just this past fall and was honored when he gave me a music CD that is still in my car set on "Play" today. He is an example of leaving the earth better than he found it. Sending love and strength to his special family.

We lost a true Floridian. So sorry for Gail and their son's loss.

Please know that I am sending my thoughts and prayers to your family.
My sincerest sympathy,
Heidi

I ALWAYS CALL HIM "BIG JOHN" IN HIGH SCHOOL.... AND I KNOW HE WILL BE MISS TO ALL OF US.. OHS CLASS OF 66... RIP... JOHN.... I WILL MISS YOU... BETTY BURBANK HILL

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May you feel the Lord's arms and comfort around you.

Blessings on you, Marcie Brown Bailey

Fond memories; still have his CD's which will live on here on earth, RIP Johnny.

Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to all the Hankinson Family. It was such a pleasure to visit with John at the Everglades Coalition meeting in January. John chaired a panel discussion with his usual great humor. Little did we realize that our friend and Great Floridian would be leaving us. John's harmonica is silenced but his many years of dedicated work for Florida's environment will not be forgotten.

John was an inspiration to me; his calm manner gave me the courage to step outside my comfort zone and fight to preserve Florida's wild lands and waters for the benefit of our kids and grandkids.

The environment has lost a true champion. Fortunately, his work will benefit public health and the environment for eternity.

I met John not long after I began working for the Fla. Senate in Oct., 1981. I never acquired his ability to let the machinations of the legislature roll on, which I think contributed to his ability to take the long view. RIP big guy.

Gail, John, Jr. and Sam,

I am so saddened to have heard of John's passing. He was bigger than life and made a difference to this country for his stand on the environment. I owe my career to John. He took a risk in appointing me as Regional Counsel in Atlanta in 1994. I know for certain that much of the success that I have today is because of his faith and belief in me. Most significantly, John saw the goodness in all people, no matter their race, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation. He was be sorely missed at a time when I country needs compassion and courage in our leaders. May peace be with you during this difficult time.

SIncerely,
Phyllis Perrin Harris

Dear Gail, John and Sam, my heart and prayers go out to you. I celebrate with you the life of John. From my own experience I know the happiness and good he brought to this world large and small. All of us here in Decatur that knew him are the better for his energy, his wit, his passion and his embrace. Bless you and bless John. Love, Marc

Summer Haven is blessed to have had this great man in our midst! We send our love and prayers to all. With love, the Lemberger family- Max, Terry, Cecilia and Rob

My heartfelt condolences to the Hankinson family....he will be remembered always by many who were fortunate to know him.

Gail, John was one of my favorite people. He will be missed not only for his music and great Bar-B_Q but for his lasting impact on all of us because of his hard work on environmental policy. Susanne and have you in our thoughts and prayers.

John brought his own brand of energy to the Summer Haven community. He will be sorely missed. Peace to you, Gail, and your sons.

I will miss you and your music here in Summer Haven.

Farewell to a big, wonderful soul. They only made one of this kind and we are all blessed to have known him. God be with Gail and the boys. Blow that harp forever, John Henry.
Mac McLeod & Family

May the powerful words recorded in the Bible at Matthew 5:4 encourage and strengthen your saddened heart.

John was our administrator at the EPA, and in my 25 year career there, he was by far the best. As an administrator and a person. God Bless.

Gail, my prayers are with you and the boys! You three were the joy, the pride and the calm in this man's life of larger-than-life presence. Thank you for sharing him with so many - through his environmental focus and drive, through his genuine caring for people and love of living, and through his music. It may have been "blues" in its genre but it was dynamic and happy as presented by him. I was fortunate to work for him at EPA and blessed to count him as friend. His force will live on in the many projects and especially in the many people he touched. God bless you and yours!

My heartfelt condolences to the Hankinson family. Always cherish the memories that you have and remember that God is always there for us like it tells us at 1Peter 5:6,7. I hope you continue to feel the love and support from your family and friends.

My thoughts and love are with you and your family Gail.

I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was unique in many ways. He once gave the keynote address at our State of the Gulf Summit and played his harmonica! Without doubt the most unique, and much appreciated, talks ever presented at the Summits. Only John could have pulled it off. We will make a special tribute to him at the upcoming Summit at the end of March

Larry McKinney Ex. Dr. Harte Research Institute

Laura & Sam,
So sorry for this difficult time and your loss.
His spirit will always be with you.

John worked tirelessly to protect air and water resources of the state of Florida and of the southeastern United States, for all people. His was a passionate, educated, intelligent, and reasoned voice among many others with less foresight. His contributions to the well being of all citizens must never be overlooked.

John, thank you.

I got to know John Henry when he was working for the SJR WMD and I was a legislative analyst for the Florida House of Representatives. John Henry was smart, funny, persuasive, and kind. He was One of a Kind, too. Sincere condolences to his loving family and many friends.

We are so sorry for your loss! John was such a talented and kind man! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Claudette Hughes McCann and Rick McCann

Gail and sons, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. John will be missed by many. My heart goes out to you all.

RIP my friend John Henry!