William Gordon "Gordy" Hankinson

William Gordon “Gordy” Hankinson, of Comstock Park, MI, passed away June 26, 2026, after 91 years of life filled with love, hard work, and adventure. At his request, cremation has taken place. 

He is survived by his six children, whom he loved and took the most pride in, Dan (Sandy) Hankinson, Dave Hankinson, Matt Hankinson, Kathi Hankinson, Ken (Brenda) Hankinson, and Jim Hankinson; 12 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, whom he mailed birthday cards with hand-drawn birthday cakes and colored-in candles; his brothers, Bill (Jo) Hankinson and Mike (Lori) Hankinson; his brother-in-law, Dean Harrison; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Marilyn (Hewartson) Hankinson; parents, William and Wenonah (Guidinger) Hankinson; sister, Nora Jane (Don) Kauffman; sisters-in-law, Pat Mourer, Barb Dillon, and Linda Harrison; and close companion of nearly 20 years, Donna Sienko.

Gordy always liked repairing things. His father first taught him how to maintain and repair farm equipment. A former neighbor ran his own backyard repair shop and helped Gordy hone his mechanical skills and, more importantly, learn to manage a business. At the age of 31, he drew his last paycheck and started what would become a successful business that he retired from and passed on to some of his sons. 

After semi-retiring in January of 1984, Gordy and Marilyn decided to take a nearly 3-month trip out west in a travel trailer. Over decades, they crisscrossed the United States many times, seeing a total of 46 contiguous states, as well as 4 provinces in Canada and 2 states in Mexico. Many miles were driven via motorcycle, especially his 1992 Harley.

Gordy loved nature, from sunrises and blooming flowers to changing leaves and snowfalls. With his motorcycle and dirt bike, he could ride as easily in the Appalachian Mountains as in the Arizona desert. Michigan’s wooded trails provided ample tracks for his dirt bike, too. In 2007, he received the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan for his many hours of service and dedication to clearing trails around the Newaygo County area.

Geocaching enabled Gordy to wed many of his passions. He enjoyed wandering the great American landscape, on two wheels until his late 80s, and looking for caches of various sizes across varied terrain. He found over 10,000 caches throughout his years and appreciated the search for difficult ones as much as hiding and maintaining many of his own. 

In recent years, Gordy especially valued fellowship. On Thursdays, he regularly attended Coffee with a Cop sponsored by the Kent County Sheriff's Office. The Salvation Army offered a vibrant senior program on Fridays. On the weekends, Gordy attended motorcycle meetings and geocaching events eager to hear or share a story over a pancake breakfast or bowl of ice cream. 

A party to celebrate his life will be held Friday, July 24,2026 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Alpine Immanuel Baptist Church, 692 7 Mile Rd NW, Comstock Park, MI. A brief prayer of commitment to God will be held at about 5 p.m. Please join his family and friends as we gather in God's house. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Trinity Congregational Church to repair recent damage caused by a vehicle. 

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