Donald George “Don” Bancroft made the journey to his eternal home on March 7, 2024. Born on Jan. 7, 1953 in Waukegan to Edward George and Genevieve Emerson (Beck) Bancroft, he lost his mother at the age of 6 and his father when he was just 18.
He attended Western Illinois University in Macomb and was a true lifelong learner, whose interests included the mathematics of shapes, nanotechnology, 3-D printing, comparative religion, art, gardening, entering sweepstakes (he won a pick-up, a computer, a fancy grill and several guitars among other prizes), troubleshooting for the disabled by crafting adaptive gadgets to help them in their daily lives, woodworking, and carpentry. His work life included Abbott Laboratories, Ted’s Sandy Beach Resort, Harris Labs in Tempe, Arizona, and handy-man where his carpentry, electrical and other skills allowed him freedom to express his creativity.
In 1981, Don received US Patent 4257605, titled “Rollable Body.” He called the rolling body a tetrahemicon and the game he invented, the “Rockin’ Roller.” Over the years, he hand-carved or 3D printed and gifted many of these mathematical shapes to friends. He lived and worked for years in Tempe, Arizona and spent many hours of fellowship at the famed Mill-Avenue music venue, Long Wongs, with members of his favorite band, The Gin Blossoms. Generous to a fault, it especially gave him great joy to give to a child or an individual in need.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Bancroft Snell Kierein and by his brother, Edward Gary Bancroft. He is survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends who will miss his quick wit, his brilliant mind and his kind and generous spirit.
Thank you to those at Evergreen Village and Richland Beanblossom Nursing Home who assisted Don during his final days. Cremation was performed by Allen Funeral Home in Bloomington, Indiana.
A “3D Printing Remembrance” of Don Bancroft will be held on Saturday, April 13 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Maker Studio, in the Brookfield Public Library. A plaque will be placed in his honor.
Please make any donations in Don’s memory to the Maker Studio at the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, 3541 Park Ave., Brookfield, IL 60513 where Don spent many joyous hours evangelizing for 3D Printing.
Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com.