Tributes

Frederic (Fred) Charles Hanker, III passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on 5/20/2022 following a short fight with ALS. Fred was born to Frederic, Jr and Eleanor Hanker in East Orange, New Jersey on January 16th, 1942. He moved around the country with his father’s job as a chemical engineer with the oil companies. He and his mother eventually settled in Piedmont, CA with his step-father, Robert Rogers, sister Sarah Rogers and brother David Rogers. Following graduation from Piedmont High School, Fred attended college at University of Nevada, Reno. This is where he met the love of his life, Leilani (Lani) Powell, who told her roommates she was going to marry him the very night they met! Fred and Lani were married in Palo Alto on January 22nd, 1966. During a break from school, Fred worked in professional ski patrol at Slide Mountain, between Reno and Tahoe. He also enlisted in the Nevada Air National Guard where he initially enrolled in flight school, until lovingly talked out of this by Lani. His Air Guard Unit was activated into the Air Force in January of 1968, and he spent time in an intelligence unit in Japan, analyzing pictures taken from aircrafts during the Pueblo Crisis. Upon discharge, Fred and Lani lived in Tracy, where he worked for her family in farming. During this time, Fred realized the importance of a college degree and returned to UNR, graduating in 1971. Their first son, Chip (Frederic, IV) was born in 1970, while he was still in school. They moved to Stockton later in 1971, and this is where their family grew, with Glenn being born in 1974 and their daughter, Paige, born in 1976. Fred and Lani worked hard to provide for their three kids. Fred worked in agricultural sales for 50 years, first with Germain Seeds, and was then hired by Delta Bluegrass in 1987, where he worked until his death. He cherished this job. His smile, friendliness and quick wit served him well, with many customers becoming friends and a few becoming family. He was awarded a lifetime membership into the California Landscape Contractors Association for his contributions to the industry. Fred was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and always had a huge smile on his face when in the presence of family and friends. He was an avid snow skier and never missed his annual ski trip to Sun Valley, Idaho. He skied until the end, with his last days on the slopes being in January and February of 2022. He shared his love of boating and waterskiing with his family, and loved to watch his grandchildren jump off his boat to get golf balls off the shore of Edgewood Golf Course in Tahoe, just as his children had done many years before. He and Lani spent many years supporting their children in swimming and water polo, and made many lifelong friends along the way. Summers were filled with beach and boat time in Tahoe, as well as boat outings on the Delta, creating many cherished times. Fred is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lani, his daughter Paige, his son Chip (Frederic, IV) and wife Kim, their children Lindsey, Chase (Frederic, V) and Ryan, his son Glenn and wife Sonia, and their children Vanessa, Selina, Derek, Andrew and their granddaughter Gali, as well as his brother David Rogers and sister Sarah Rogers, and their families. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and step-father. A graveside service will be held on May 31st, at 1pm at Schulte Memorial Park, 501 E. Schulte Rd, Tracy, CA. A celebration of life will be held at Stockton Golf and Country Club at a later date. Email paigehanker@yahoo.com for date and time. Fred was not a formal man and he would love it if you came to these events dressed casually, preferably in a Hawaiian shirt. Our family cannot say thank you enough for the love and support shown to us over the last several months by the Delta Bluegrass Company, California Landscape Contractors Association, Trivia & Therapy families and the best neighbors ever! Donations can be made in Fred’s name to The Fred Hanker Memorial Scholarship c/o CLCA, 1491 River Park Dr #100, Sacramento, CA, 95815, The ALS Association or the charity of your choice.

Tributes

Frederic Charles Hanker

January 16, 1942 - May 20, 2022