Alan Hancher

Alan spent a happy childhood amongst his family in San Francisco.  He had a special connection with his maternal grandparents, and was the apple of his grandma Carrie’s eye.  As he neared his teenage years, he moved with his mother to the SF suburbs where he got a paper route and rode mini-bikes near the Bay.  His little brother completed a rather non-traditional but loving family of three.
 
Alan pursued many interests in his early years, including photography, four-wheeling, camping, and attending rock concerts.  It was also during this time he developed a lifelong love of fishing.  Alan became a skilled river rafting guide and led many trips down rivers throughout California and the western United States.  Alan loved food and drink, and became an excellent cook over the years.
 
In the ‘80s, Alan moved to what was to become Silicon Valley, and entered the burgeoning telecommunications industry.  He held many telecom positions over the years, providing him the opportunity to grow professionally and personally.  He met many friends during this time, and eventually his future bride.
 
Alan married Bonnie in 1991 and moved to the Sierra Foothills where he helped raise three step-daughters whom he loved dearly.  He met many more friends, and continued his love of the outdoors.  In addition to fishing, Alan took up duck hunting, and helped guide horse-packing trips into Desolation Wilderness.  It was also during this time that Alan developed a love of SCUBA, travelling to Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America to explore.  Alan loved travel of all sorts, and enjoyed trips with his family to destinations including Italy and Ireland.
 
Always an animal lover, Alan enjoyed the companionship of loyal canines, including Bolinas, Buck, and eventually Amber, with whom he shared a special bond.
 
Later in life, Alan continued to move in an eastward direction.  He spent several years in the Boise, ID area, continuing to enjoy his outdoor pursuits in the Rockies.  
 
Most recently, Alan followed his dream of living in the Florida Keys where he could enjoy the sea and all it has to offer.  He succeeded in making the move, but his time was cut short when he passed suddenly in the Atlantic Ocean while preparing to SCUBA dive.  Fortunately, he did not suffer, and died doing what he loved.
 
Alan is survived by his brother Jay (Kim) and their twin girls (Luciana, Molly), many loving cousins, three stepdaughters, Melisa (Ryan), Angela (Ryan), and Tarah (Nick), nine step-grandchildren, and many dear friends.  A celebration of life will be held in August in Sutter Creek, CA.