Roger Hankle

Roger Hankle, a long-time and active GLCC member, passed away April 21, 2025.

Roger joined the Great Lakes Cruising Club in 1994. He was the Port Captain of Pelee Island, Ont., (E-33) in Region 53 from 1998, retiring from that position in 2023. He served as a Great Lakes Cruising Club Director from 2004 to 2015. Roger stepped up to become the Rear Commodore for Region 53 from 2016-2018.

Roger received the Admiral Bayfield Award in 2009, and the Commodore’s Trophy in both 2001 and 2013.

His GLCC member profile demonstrates his love of the Great Lakes: USCG licensed Merchant Marine officer; life member of Columbus Sail and Power Squadron (CSPS), a unit of the United States Power Squadrons since 1960 with the Grade of Senior Navigator (SN); CSPS Past Commander, navigation instructor, GLCC Port Captain Pelee Island, Ont.; member Middle Bass Island Yacht Club; member Canadian Boating Alliance; member Seven Seas Cruising Association.

A number of our members reached out upon hearing of Roger’s passing. Mark Gagyi summed up everyone’s thoughts that “at the end of a day’s voyage, it was always a treat to end up at a port and find that Roger and Joyce just happened to be docked there, too. They loved cruising, sailing and always had a smile to share.”

Roger will be greatly missed by the GLCC family as well as his family and friends.