Former Ferndale Teacher Passes Away

(Obituary from Handler Funeral Homes, Ferndale 115 News, July 20, 2012)

Robert Allan Bancroft, age 69, of Onsted passed away Friday, July 13, 2012 under the care of Hospice of Lenawee with his loving family at his side. He was born January 12, 1943 in Battle Creek, the son of George Elwood and Blanche Esther (Leib) Bancroft. On August 12, 1967 he married Patricia Kelley in Ann Arbor.

Al taught at Ferndale Public Schools for over 40 years until his retirement in 2008 and had attended the First Presbyterian Church of Tecumseh. In his youth, he was involved with the Boy Scouts and 4H then in college Al was a member of the fencing team and the Tri Beta Science Honorary. His early years were spent on the family farm and he always enjoyed the time he spent there and, along with his wife, Pat, operated Tipton Farms. He loved the outdoors and his greatest joy in life was his family and the time he spent with them.

In addition to his wife Pat, Al is survived by his son, Sean Kelly Bancroft of Berkley, MI and his daughter Kirsten Sue (Wesley) Preston of Brooklyn Park, MN; and his grandsons Connor Allan and Ryan Curtis Preston. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services to celebrate Al’s life was held Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Tecumseh, with the Rev. Richard Blank officiating. The family received friends at the church from 10:00 am until the time of the service. A private burial was held at Leib Cemetery in Dundee. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Heifer International (www.heifer.org).

Those who wish to have their memories of Mr. Bancroft added to this post, please email editor@ferndale115.com. For more information on Handler Funeral Homes, visit their website at http://handlerfuneralhomes.com.