Neil passed away at his home Aug. 22, 2021, with his wife, Jean, by his side. Neil was born in Boone, Iowa, on March 6, 1933, to John and Elsie (Grubb) Hinman. He is survived by his wife, Jean Lloyd Hinman, sons Jon (Wendy) of Alaska and Michael (Laura) of Virginia, and four grandchildren, Jonathan, Dominique, Elise and Tori. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Arden Bahnick and Landy Bierman.
At the age of 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a Marine for life. He retired after 21 years due to health reasons. He served in the Korean War and later two tours in Vietnam. He completed his GED soon after enlisting. He distinguished himself to such a degree that he was selected to the first Marine Corps college scholarship program. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Boulder, Colorado, in electrical engineering, finishing second in his class.
Later he completed his master’s degree at the University of Michigan with a degree in computer engineering. He was a world computer purchasing expert for the Department of Defense. After retiring, he worked in the private sector which took him to Tehran, Iran, for three years (pre-revolution) where he shot the world’s largest leopard.
He returned to the United States and bought a ranch in Nespelem, where he ultimately met Jean and they married in 1993. They enjoyed motor-homing in Canada, the United States as well as traveling to Australia and Mexico. They built a home in Mexico in 2000 which they return to every winter.
Neil was an avid golfer, hunter, fisherman and radio-controlled airplane builder and operator.
While in college he studied many other subjects which served him well in his private life, such as business.
He loved watching the sun come up every morning. It meant another new day of life.
He will be missed.
