LUCERNE, Calif. – After a five year battle with kidney cancer and other health complications, John Hancock went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, at his home in Lucerne. He was 71 years old.

John was born in Long Beach, Calif., on March 5, 1943.

During the course of his childhood he lived in Southern California, McKinleyville, Calif., and Summer, Mont., and then finally in Fortuna, Calif.

He graduated from Fortuna High School in 1961. He then attended Trinity College in Chicago, Ill.

In 1964 he joined the Army and was assigned to the ASA. John was stationed in the Philippines, traveled to and from Vietnam while in the Philippines, and ended his service at Ft. Huachuca located in Arizona.

After marrying his wife Kay in 1970, he attended San Jose Bible College, transferring to Simpson College in San Francisco to graduate with a bachelor's degree in history and a minor in th Bible.

John worked as an environmental consultant both independently and for various Native American tribes. He was a strong advocate for Native American water rights both on a state and federal level.

He was known to be strong at networking by putting people with similar needs together.

John wanted others to know about his Lord and would often communicate that to others.

He had a passion for the outdoors, including fishing, hunting and camping. John passed this passion along to his son and grandchildren. He would go fishing every chance he had, and loved to pass on the enjoyment of fishing to children in the community.

John enjoyed traveling with his wife Kay and spending time with his grandchildren.

He served on the Mendocino College Board and was a longtime board member for what was then the Lucerne Fire Department. In years past, he had also served Lake County Fair Board. John was also involved with the Vietnam Veteran's Association.

He was very community minded, helping wherever and whenever possible until severely limited by his illness.

John is survived by his wife, Kay; his son, Aaron (Bethany) of Wilton; two grandchildren, Lillian and Luke; his brother, Terry (Rita) of Twin Falls, Idaho; and several nieces and nephews throughout the Northwest.

He was known as a “unique” individual with a big heart. John leaves behind a void in many hearts.

Services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Lucerne Community Church, 5870 E. Highway 20, Lucerne.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, Lakeport.