Brian Hankinson

Brian Keith Hankinson was an inquisitive, conscientious man with a kind heart and energetic spirit. He was fascinated by life and explored its mysteries and its challenges through books and his own ingenuity. He liked the brashness of punk bands and big cars at the same time that he enjoyed the solace of friendships and pets. In a complex world, Brian managed to live a simple, meaningful life.

Brian was born during a decade of radical change in America. Despite increasing war protests and the deaths of key political leaders, the United States made gains in civil rights and the space race with the first moon walk. A true bright spot for Wilbur and Elaine (Fish) Hankinson of Grand Rapids, Michigan was the birth of their second child, Brian Keith, on March 22, 1963. He and his older brother Chris, younger sister Rachelle, and younger brother Dennis grew up under the attention of their stay-at-home mom and their dad, who supported the family as a salesman for Motion Control. Brian attended North Oakview Elementary and Middle School and Northview High School, graduating with the class of 1981. Already at a young age, Brian showed a mathematical fascination for numbers and codes, which fit well with his interests and hobbies. He liked magic tricks, juggling, and puzzles and he collected knives, lighters and playing cards. In fact, one of the biggest thrills of his life was visiting the Bicycle Playing Card factory in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was one of the few times he enjoyed traveling. In general, Brian preferred to stay at home where he was surrounded by the things he liked best.

Brian was an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction. He read to gather information and acquire knowledge about topics that interested him. In particular, history captured his attention, and he learned what he could about major world events such as WWII. He also studied the Bible and was particularly interested in what it said about events that would occur at the end of time. True to his nature, Brian allowed his curiosity to expand his mind and his world.

Even though Brian liked to delve into rather weighty topics, he also liked to be entertained. He played miniature golf, drove remote controlled cars, boats and planes, and watched movies. Not surprisingly, crime flicks and thrillers were his favorites, probably because they were a kind-of puzzle for him to figure out. He was also a fan of punk bands, especially Social Distortion and the Ramones, whom he had the great privilege of meeting in person. Then there were Brian’s cars. He never felt compelled to own them, but he loved the “big iron” of the 60’s and 70’s, especially the Cadillacs and Lincolns. Collecting die cast models of them was certainly cheaper than owning them.

With Brian’s interest in automobiles, it was little wonder that he worked at Meridian Automotive. It was a job he took seriously, doing an honest day’s work for a full day’s pay. That’s the way Brian worked since his first job out of high school at Art Optical and then at Bissell Corporation. He didn’t understand why everyone didn’t approach work with the same attitude. Indeed, his loyalty and dependability were traits that all employers look for, and Brian satisfied completely.

Brian was a careful and thoughtful person. He did not make decisions impulsively, rather, he took time to research a matter before coming to a conclusion. He had a tender heart, especially toward animals. Over the years he had several pet cats and birds. Interestingly, Brian often bought birds from the pet store only to give them away or free them from their cage. Even the ones he kept had free reign of the house.

In 2006, Brian had the joy of meeting a young woman with whom he could share his heart. His friendship with Cindy Johnson grew into a relationship that became all the stronger with life’s “ups and downs.” In one another, they knew they had found a special connection that both had been searching for.

Sadly, Brian passed away on Thursday, September 20, 2007 at the young age of 44. For family and friends, his death came suddenly and unexpectedly. They will miss him deeply and always remember his kindness, curiosity and intensity for living.

Brian Keith Hankinson is survived by his mother and step-father, Elaine and Ron Smith of Florida, father and step-mother Wilbur and Joanne Hankinson of Grand Rapids; brothers and sister, Chris (Jennifer) Hankinson, Rachelle (Mike) Stout and Dennis Hankinson, all of the Grand Rapids area and his girlfriend, Cindy Johnson. Memorial services will be held 11AM Friday, September 28, 2007 at the Heritage Lifestory Funeral Homes-Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel with visitation from 10-11AM. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice. You may view Brian’s lifestory film, sign the guestbook or make a memorial contribution by visiting www.lifestorynet.com