Randall Lee Hancock, a lifelong Harborite, beloved educator, and coach, passed away on April 26, 2025, at the age of 76 after living with dementia for several years.
Born at Grays Harbor Community Hospital and raised in Aberdeen’s Southside, Randy spent his youth playing with the other kids in his neighborhood and enjoying time at his aunt and uncle’s home in Copalis crabbing and clam digging.
As an adult, Randy dedicated his life to teaching, coaching and mentoring students throughout his 30 plus years in the Aberdeen School District. A majority of those years were spent at McDermoth Elementary School and Aberdeen High School where he left an indelible mark.
Randy was known for his unwavering commitment to the growth and development of his students, both in and out of the classroom. He taught a variety of subjects, but his true passion lay in coaching. It was in the gym and on the field where he taught life lessons about commitment, teamwork, perseverance, and respect, while inspiring countless young athletes to strive for excellence. His enthusiasm and genuine care for his players and students made him a cherished figure, not only within the school, but throughout the community.
While Randy’s athleticism took him to Grays Harbor College and Central Washington University to play baseball, he chose to coach football and basketball, serving at different times as the head basketball coach for both the boys and girls basketball teams. A highlight of his career came in 1982 when he led the Aberdeen High School boys’ basketball team to the State Championship, a milestone that brought pride to the school and the entire town.
Randy was preceded in death by his parents, H.H. “Bud” and Margaret “Peggy” Hancock, and his sister Melanie Hancock.
Randy is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Cheryl, their two children, Shay Hancock (Anne) of Bethesda, Maryland and Carly Hancock of Renton, Washington, and his grandson Declan, along with several lifelong friends who remained with him until the end, particularly his “brothers” Mick Ogren and John Wilson.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 2 p.m. in the Sam Benn Gymnasium at Aberdeen High School with a reception to the follow in the Aberdeen High School Commons. The family looks forward to gathering with anyone whose life may have been touched or impacted by Randy, former players, students, colleagues, friends, and community members. Please plan to wear your favorite past or present Bobcat gear or blue and gold.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider donating to a scholarship in Randy’s honor. The Coach Randy Hancock Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established to support the coaches and students of Aberdeen High School.
Donations can be sent to:
Coach Randy Hancock Memorial Scholarship Fund
1st Security Bank
Aberdeen Branch
120 N Broadway
Aberdeen, WA 98520
Randy will be deeply missed but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those he inspired and the community he loved. Rest in peace, Coach Hancock
