Accident victim helped make a difference

Hancock worked at a disability organization

Priscilla Hancock has two families mourning her after a tragic car accident in Calgary on the weekend.

Garth Reesor, executive director of L’Arche Calgary, confirmed Hancock, 63, died on Saturday when the car she was a passenger in collided with a truck that crossed the median on Glenmore Trail.

L’Arche is an international federation that supports people with intellectual disabilities. Hancock and her husband, Eric, who was seriously injured in the crash, both worked at the Calgary community, Reesor said.

“Eric and Priscilla were a very close couple.

“They worked hand in hand with each other. They were both very warm individuals and very caring individuals and so both the L’Arche community and their family are grieving their loss and adjusting to our new realities.”

Reesor spoke with members of Hancock’s family on Sunday.

“They’re supporting each other and carrying it well but it’s clearly difficult for them.”

Hancock was the co-ordinator of a supported living program at L’Arche, which helped residents live as independently as possible.

“Those individuals will be missing her in a very intense and personal way,” Reesor said.

“Our philosophy is that it’s about being with people and living life together rather than just supporting them. It’s like a family living together, processing loss and grief together.”

Eric Hancock, 66, had worked at L’Arche Calgary since 2005 and was an integral part of its management, Reesor said.

“I started in my new role in July and Eric was a huge support to me. He knows our day to day operations very well. He was a great friend to a number of the gentlemen in our community.

“(Eric and Priscilla) are really quality people. I think everyone who’s been affected by them, it’s been a positive effect. This is a real loss for the city of Calgary.”

Two other passengers in the Hancocks’ car, a 22-year-old woman and a five-year-old girl, were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the pickup, a 30-yearold woman, was treated in hospital for minor injuries.