Retired computer whiz, handyman, and tomato whisperer Joseph Karl Hancock passed away on June 16, 2021, at the age of 69 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

Karl was born in Roosevelt, Utah, the third of seven children and served an LDS mission in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He completed his bachelor’s degree at Utah State University and a Masters of Business Administration from Brigham Young University. He married his beautiful, fiery wife, Kioko, in 1982 and had four beautiful children, Melissa, Matt, Nate and Natalie and one incredible surprise, Jordan. His family was the most important part of his life.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Karl. He loved spending a quiet evening with his children and grandchildren. He loved a good meal. Once, while visiting Philadelphia, he enjoyed Hershel’s Rueben sandwich so much that he went back to Reading Terminal right before his flight for another bite of the “best sandwich he’s ever had.”

Karl had a lifelong love affair with gardening. He could coax a dying daisy to full vibrant color with his green thumb and his tomatoes made the staunchest tomato hater a lover of the ripe, round fruit. For his latest tomatoes, he procured every kind of seed and nurtured them using a combination of fertile soil, UV light, and tender care. Without a doubt, this latest harvest will be the most memorable.

If there ever was a problem, Karl could MacGyver his way out of it. Car has a broken fuel pump? Road trip ready the next day. IT problem? Outsource it to Karl. He was the quintessential, do-it-yourself handyman and nothing stayed broken for long with Karl around.

Most importantly, he had an uncanny ability to find happiness in his daily activities and an unquenchable spirit even in the greatest of adversity. His spirit and steadfastness were contagious. His faith in God and Christ never waned. You could face any challenge with him by your side and count on him at any moment, night or day. Even as Karl’s physical strength waned in his last months, when you walked into the room, he would immediately pull himself up, slap an awkward grin on his face, and say “hello” and your day would immediately be the better for it.

With his passing our hearts are broken. Without a doubt, we’ll miss him. Without a doubt, this world is a better place because of him. We love you, dad.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at 11:30 am at the Union 4th Ward, 1834 East Creek Road (7995 South), Sandy Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 10:00 am – 11:15 am at the church. Interment to follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East, Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah.