Bernard Hanchett

Bernard “Bernie” William Hanchett has passed away peacefully in the calming company of his wife, Jalene Moore, on August 19th, 2026 at the age of 93.

Born 6/29/1933 in Hartwick Township of Osceola County during the Great Depression to Bryant Hanchett (father) and Margaret Derr (mother), Bernie moved to Traverse City with his family in 1945 at age 12 where he would attend Disciples of Christ Church and graduate from Traverse City High School in the Class of 1951. In 1953 Bernie would be drafted into the Army, where he would serve for 2 years, primarily in Japan.

Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Bernie utilized the GI Bill to enroll at Michigan State University where he would obtain his BA in Psychology in 1959, and further his education by receiving his Masters in Psychology in 1964. Bernie then put his degrees to use in a successful career as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the State of Michigan.

One of the many hats Bernie would wear over of his next decades included his time as a scoutmaster. Bernard lead Boy Scout Troop 127 in Dania, Florida, in which his sons were members during the early 1970s, taking the troop on camping trips every month year round.

Other honored titles he would hold include but are not limited to; husband, father, grandfather, caregiver, musician, community volunteer/activist, MENSA member, gold miner, and the unforgettable legacy of “Barney DuLittle, the Bubble Clown.” Bernie also took great pride in the organizations he participated in such as Veterans For Peace, Cherry Capital Clowns, and the Universal Unitarian Congregation of Grand Traverse, where he attended and married his energetic match of 11 years (plus 4), Jalene. Bernie will forever be remembered for his childlike curiosity, gentle spirit, quiet words of wisdom, and loud facial expressions.

Bernie is survived by his wife Jalene Moore; children Fredrick Hanchett (Rebecca) and Robert Hanchett (Jennifer); grandchildren Ashleigh Udell (Cory), Caitlyn Minard (Neal), Jaren Hanchett, Ethan Hanchett, and Ian Pettingill; great grandchildren John, Dean, Alexander, and Georgia; as well as his nieces, nephew and their families. He is preceded in death by brothers Jackson Hanchett and Joseph Hanchett, and late wife MaryLee Lostrom Hanchett.

A celebration of life will be held at The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse at 6726 Center Rd, Traverse City, Michigan at a future date. In lieu of flowers, Bernie wishes instead a contribution be made to Interlochen Public Radio.

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