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VIENNA -- Edward Charles Hinckley, 77, of Vienna, who was born on Dec. 16, 1934, in Bridgewater, Mass., passed away on Nov. 12, 2012, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. Edward graduated from Noble & Greenough School; from Harvard University he earned a bachelor of arts degree in anthropology (1955) and, after service in the Army, an M.A.T.
In February 1959, he married Priscilla Salisbury of Coventry, R.I.
After two years teaching for the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs (Utah and Arizona) and four years as an education specialist for the U.S. Public Health Service, Division of Indian Health (Arizona and Nevada) he became Maine's first commissioner of Indian affairs, and in 2001 was recognized by the Maine Legislature for "helping the tribes to gain funding to fight malnutrition, increase educational opportunities and to provide better housing."
From 1971 on, Edward worked first as an educational planner in the Department of Education, later as director, and then field operations manager for the Office of Children's Services in the Maine Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. He co-founded the Maine Association for Infant Mental Health and edited its newsletter for 25 years. Establishing an award named for him, MeAIMH said, "Edward has been a pioneer, leader, and catalyst in innovation and collaboration on behalf of children and their families at risk."
Retiring in 1991, he remained active with MeAIMH and with the Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance. He wrote three books (privately published): "Kuenzlis in the Klondike" (his grandfather and two great-uncles took part in the gold rush of 1898); "Bridge Across Time: Personal Glimpses of Dine-Bilagaana Education 1959-61"; and "A Unique Moment in Time: Letters Home from Maine's first Commissioner of Indian Affairs."
He is survived by his wife, Priscilla; his sisters, Marjorie M. Kelly, of Hilo, Hawaii, and Lois McCarthy, of Vienna; his son, Kee, of Somerville, Mass.; and two granddaughters, Shireen Hinckley and Shadi Fotouhi, both college students.
A memorial service is planned for Dec. 1, 2012; for location and time, contact [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the American Indian College Fund, 8333 Greenwood Blvd., Denver, CO 80221; www.collegefund.org.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dan & Scott's Cremation and Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Road., Farmington.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Kee Hinckley.
Priscilla and Kee, Sorry to hear about Ed. He was an important part of my life at MDOE. I couldn't begin to tell you the impact he had on the education of children with disabilities and their parents. Ed was a true advocate; in the regulations he put together,and his communications to the community of special educators. Ed and I complemented each other in our work styles that's why we got along so well all those years. It worked! Although it been years since I spoke with Ed, it seems like only yesterday. He'll be missed by so many. He was a wonderful and delightful person and friend. It was a loss to me and the Dept. when Ed left MDOE to go to Mental Health but it served him well. Best wishes and my condolences to you and the rest of the family.
John Kierstead
November 27, 2012
I had the great pleasure of knowing Ed for a portion of my life. Having heard wonderful accolades about him from the Gov. Curtis folks (including my brother), I was pleased to have the opportunity to actually work with Ed for some years. A true gentleman, a scholar, and nice person doing good things for his fellow man, Ed just made you glad to know him.He had a sneaky sense of humor too, which endeared him to me and others. Ed Hinkley was a man who will be remembered and missed.
November 18, 2012
To Ed's family - I first worked with Ed as a colleague in the Div. of Special Ed., then as an interdepartmental colleague when he changed departments. He was a delightful man to work with, and his contributions to the children of the state of Maine are awesome. Please accept my condolences at your loss.
Christine Bartlett
November 17, 2012
Priscilla...I will always remember Ed as a formidable and courageous advocate and doer for people in need.
Michael DeSisto
November 17, 2012
Thoughts of you from very far away and am sorry for the sadness of your loss.
Penelope Cumler
November 16, 2012
Priscilla, please accept our condolences. I loved working with Ed and years ago brining he children to your house for fun events. Ed was one of those remarkable people that if you are lucky enough, you get to meet and know. He was indeed one very special man.
Marty Thornton
November 16, 2012
Kee Hinckley
November 15, 2012
Kee Hinckley
November 15, 2012
Mrs. Hinckley and Kee, my deepest sympathies and condolences to you both. Ed was a wonderful man and I have so many good memories of time spent at your old brick house in Readfield. I will keep you both in my prayers. He was a man who lived a good life, one to be very proud of.
Jeffrey Cotnoir
November 15, 2012
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