Letter: Hancock daughter thanks city for tribute to dad
October 14, 2014
To the editor:
Leaving Cape Ann’s sea air, early autumn colors and dear friends was especially poignant after the outpouring of affection for my late father.
I would like thank Mayor Carolyn Kirk and Councilor Bob Whynott for presenting the proclamation declaring Sept. 25 to 27, 2014, a Salute to Walker Hancock Weekend.
The inspiration of Judith Hoglander along with the support of Pat Earle, the dedication of Ronda Falloon and entire staff of the Cape Ann Museum, of Sinikka Nogelo, the generosity of Rob Newton at Cape Ann Community Cinema, the participation of Cape Ann TV, the advance articles of the Times’ Gail McCarthy, the GHS Color Guard,video help of Les Bartlett, all conspired to make the weekend a grand success.
My heartfelt thanks to Jonathan Fairbanks, Rebecca Reynolds, Walker Flint, Bob Shure, Gloria Parsons, Lee Kingman Natti and all those spoke their recollections.
Many of us were lucky to hear Robert Edsel, author of “The Monuments Men,” “Rescuing Da Vinci” and “Saving Italy,” deliver a rich and compelling talk. I appreciate even more deeply now my father’s role in the rescue of art in Belgium and Germany and am so thrilled the story of the Monuments Men is becoming better known.
I’d also like to acknowledge Lisa and Ina Hahn and The Dusan Tynek dancers for the beautiful Quarry Dance at Walker’s studio this past summer.
The warm welcome of so many familiar faces ... and new ones as well ... made it evident that my father’s contributions as a sculptor and as a humane man will be treasured by his Cape Ann family and beyond.
Those who have recollections to record can do so by getting in touch with Sinikka. They will be kept for the future at the Cape Ann Museum.
Deanie Hancock French,
Nashville, Tenn.