Michael Daly Hanscom

Michael Daly Hanscom was born in Kansas City, Kansas on June 24, 1948 and died peacefully at home in Chestertown Maryland, November 19, 2017, surrounded by family. His late parents Daniel H., a naval officer, lawyer, and chief administrative law judge for the Federal Trade Commission, and Betty S. Hanscom, a schoolteacher, raised five children, Barbara, Deborah, Michael, Connie, and Stephanie. As part of a traveling Navy family, Michael grew up in many places. The family finally settled in Bethesda, Maryland, in the late fifties, where Michael spent his formative years. He and his friends were fascinated by government and spent many days sitting in Senate and Congressional chamber meetings listening to debates and witnessing the inner workings of government. After graduating in 1968 from Walter Johnson High School, he headed to his father’s alma mater, Northwestern University, but it was no match for an increasingly politically-focused young man. After a few semesters he joined AmeriCorps VISTA, where he spent a year working in the Bronx. In the early 1970s, he and his partner Joan Kelley became parents to Lucas and Jenny, settling in San Francisco. He trained as a welder to support his new family and he became active in the anti-war movement. Michael railed against injustice his whole life. Although Joan and Michael went their separate ways, his children remained his raison d'être. In 1982 he met Danielle, the love of his life, in Zurich, Switzerland. The two became inseparable and married in May of 1985. Sophie joined the family later that year, and soon they were looking to start a business. Pooling their talents and a love for old houses Michael and Danielle found Brampton in Chestertown, Maryland. They arrived on July 4, 1987, made it their home, and opened the doors as a B&B later that year. Michael’s talents as a craftsperson are visible throughout the property. In 1992 their youngest daughter, Simone, joined the family. Michael adored his large family and considered his four kids his greatest achievements: son Lucas with Rachel Hanscom, granddaughter Abigail; Daughter Jenny with Greg Husak, grandsons Liam and Taylor; and daughters Sophie and Simone Hanscom. Brampton was Michael’s life’s work. His attention to detail, dedication, and brilliance continue to shine there. He loved the great outdoors, Bethany Beach, the Atlantic Ocean, and most of all, bodysurfing. He loved hiking the mountains of Switzerland. He loved corn on the cob. He was a great man. He is greatly missed. Friends and neighbors, please join us this Sunday, November 26th between 11am - 2pm at the Brampton Inn 25227 Chestertown Road, Chestertown Maryland 21620 to celebrate Michael’s life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Compass Regional Hospice or the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge in Baltimore.

Michael Daly Hanscom

June 24, 1948 - November 19, 2017