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David Hinman Obituary

David H. Hinman

WALPOLE, NH David H. Hinman, 64, of Walpole, died June 21, 2010, of a heart attack, while shearing sheep for close friends.MEMORIAL NOTICE: Family and friends are invited to attend an outdoor service celebrating his life at 2 p.m. on Friday, June, 25, at the Hinman residence, 82 Hill Rd., Acworth, N.H. Directions at 603-835-2309. A full obituary will be announced later.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Brattleboro Reformer on Jun. 23, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for David Hinman

60 Entries

Sue Miller

June 21, 2020

Hard to believe it's been 10 years! It doesn't feel like it could be. Cathy was just thinking of David. And I do when I see Old English Sheep dogs, hear certain songs, random times. Today is Father's Day, so thinking of his kids and family. Best to all...

Sue Miller

June 18, 2019

I still miss my "big brother" from back in the 1960's when he lived with us. He was so influential, a source of many memories for me and my siblings.

July 21, 2011

Thank you to all who wrote in this Guest Book since David's death on June 21, 2010. His children (Thatcher, Gwen and Peter) and I (married to David for 32 years and friend and co-parent after our divorce) have been moved by your memories and care. I believe this Guest Book will go off-line on 7/24/11. Once again, thank you so much to all.
Debby Hinman, Acworth, NH

March 17, 2011

Dave was a wonderful friend and taught us soccer and hockey while he was working at the Hindman Settlement School in Kentucky. I have thought of him over the years and remember his kindness and gentleness. He had a very positive influence on all the children he came in contact with. I was so sad to read of his passing. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family. May this good man rest in peace.

Betty Joseph

March 17, 2011

August 9, 2010

We miss you, Dave, and especially the annual updates on your two wonderful children. How proud you were of them! I think you even loved them more than your sheep! Yes. You did.

I'm starting to feel guilty that we never got around to serving you lobster at lunch time (per your suggestion) during those numerous days of shearing here at Mirage Alpacas. You were always happy with peanutbutter, declining a sandwich made of anything else.

To Earlah Swift and me, you were like a girlfriend--someone we could talk with and be entertained by in spite of the fact that you were "all boy!" There were no subjects off limits! And you kept us in stitches!

Well Dave, Dear, Dear Dave, I know you have by now encountered the Good Shepherd and our mutual girlfriend, Earlah Swift, in the big pasture in the sky known as heaven... Although difficult to accept that you are no longer on this earth, there is a great comfort knowing that you're with other past shepherds helping to look over all of us that have been left behind.

Bill and I wish to express our sympathy to Dave's family, and especially to Gwen and Peter. At some time in the future,we would also like to share the numerous photos we have of Dave, collected over many shearing years.

God Bless. Audrey & Bill Rhoades, Washington, NH [email protected]

July 20, 2010

I am sure my brother, David, is with loving friends and sheep now. I also trust he knows how much he was, and is, admired and loved by all his family. Thank yu all for the kind words and wonderful memories.
Jane Hinman Ramsay

Sherry Baer

July 18, 2010

David will be sorely missed. Last night I sat talking about shearing and we were laughing about David and his stories--but also deeply thankful that he was such a good shearer. He embraced a way of life and was very truthful to it. He was an anachronism to our time--one I deeply respected. We will really miss him and send our condolences to all of his family.

Carol

July 15, 2010

deepest and heartfelt thoughts and memories of David, on this, his birthday weekend- and deepest condolences to all who knew, cared for and loved him.

Carol Burtt

July 15, 2010

Carol Burtt

July 15, 2010

Carol Burtt

July 15, 2010

Carol Burtt

July 15, 2010

Carol Burtt

July 15, 2010

Carol Burtt

July 15, 2010

Carol Burtt

July 15, 2010

Carol Burtt

July 15, 2010

lori hastings stephens

July 9, 2010

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Hinmans family. He was a wonderful teacher to me many years ago.

Marilyn Stuller - Far View Farm

July 9, 2010

I was shocked and saddened to just learn of David's passing. He had stopped by a few weeks ago to say he was running behind, but my flock was "next" for shearing. We caught up on some news that day and he was in such good spirits. I looked forward to his returning as shearing day was always good fun, lots of laughs, stories about his kids. He was so proud of them. For more than 20 years David has been a part of our farm, stopping by with the seasons. He will be missed. David, wherever you are, you lived your life your way. Enjoy those green pastures. I am glad to have known you. Too soon gone.
My deepest sympathy to Gwen and all. May wonderful memories of David bring you comfort.

Stephen Thompson

July 8, 2010

My all time favorite teacher, Mr Hinman was a wonderful and to me, a magical man as he made learning fun. I can't help but believe he made huge impacts for so many he taught. I wish to express my condolences to his family and all who loved him.

Glenn Gammon

July 8, 2010

Mr Hinman was one of my favorite teachers at Northwood Elementary in Northwood, NH. He always made learning, fun & interesting. But the one thing I'll never forget, was when any of us kids in the class were talking while he was at the chalkboard with his back to us, sometimes to get our attention, he would spin around real quick and throw a chalk eraser past us. I always thought it was funny when he did that. :-)

Standing next to my maple tree in New Hampshire (age 39).

Heather Meserve (Thurber)

July 8, 2010

"Mr. Hinman" (I will always call him that) was an extraordinary fourth grade teacher and a wonderful man. Reading to us, taking us out on adventures (as Paul H. pointed out -- maple tree tapping, building shelters), playing music in the classroom (Bread, etc.), encouraging our creativity and talents (letting us sing songs to the class)...I am sad that he is no longer physically a part of the world, and look forward to meeting up with him again when I move on to the next stage of existence. I have to agree -- heaven will be full of sheep (some animal, some human *smile*) and the animals will all need tending. I can't think of a better person for God to put in charge of a flock or two. There is a lot of love following him right now, as there has always been -- as "in tune" with life and insightful as he was here on Earth, I'm sure he is feeling and appreciating it.

July 8, 2010

Mr. Hinman was my 4th grade teacher at Northwood Elementary School. He encouraged me to write plays and was the first person to teach me to believe in myself. I still think of him so fondly after all these years and consider him the teacher who made a difference in my life. He will be missed.

Caerthan Banks
Los Angeles, CA

Rob Herron

July 8, 2010

I will never forget Mr Hinman as my 4th grade teacher in Northwood, NH. My condolences to his family. I hope they lay him to rest with a chalk board eraser within reach.

Matt Whaley

July 8, 2010

I have very fond memories of Dave as a cutting edge educator who made learning enjoyable. He also played cool tunes and kept our fourth grade class lively and fun. I also remember shearing sheep on his farm and making maple syrup in class. He was a trues down to earth guy and I was saddened to hear of his passing. Definitely one of my favorite teachers that I had over the years. He also was an excellent hockey player, a real talent on the ice.

Diana Post

July 8, 2010

I was sad to learn about Mr. Hinman's passing. He was my fourth grade teacher at Northwood Elementary and my first real teacher crush. (Was it really 40 years ago??) During this year he taught me a number of things beyond the basic three R's: to love the game soccer; to like the band Bread; that girls are good at sports (could not convince my parents of this)and most importantly that teachers do indeed have eyes in the back of their heads. Mr Hinman would be writing at the blackboard, back to the class, when one of the rowdy boys in the back would actup he would turn around and instantly with great accuracy throw the chalk/eraser in his hand at the trouble maker. Boink! Off the head nearly every time. Had we all known that his nickname was Shmoo life in that classroom could have been very different. RIP Mr. Hinman

CM Archambault

July 8, 2010

Mr. Hinman was my fourth grade teacher. One of my favorites because of his thoughtfulness. He had such a genuine quality, I think I learned more in that one year then through all of my grammer school years. I remember his sheep and maple sugar, keeping a jounal. I feel priviledged to have known him.

Paul Hoogeveen

July 8, 2010

Dave Hinman was my 4th grade teacher many years ago in Northwood, NH. He is remembered by many of us from those days as a dedicated and caring educator, attributes he also applied to coaching the school soccer team. He was creative and unconventional as well, teaching science by having us tap maple trees, and practice problem solving by building wilderness survival shelters. An unforgettable man who left so many of us with cherished memories.

Norm Stout

July 7, 2010

Mr. Hinman's impact on peoples live's was far greater reaching than he probably ever thought possible. That impact is still being extended through stories passed on between old aquaintances and through virtues impressed upon people through whom he had contact with over the years. I, for one, remember a general awareness of the values he impressed upon me through his deeds and words, although I cannot be specific. I met Mr. Hinman when I was 9 years old in 1972. He drove a little red Datsun pickup. He introduced himself as our new neighbor on Sherbourne Hill Road in Northwood New Hampshire. He lived down the road about a half a mile. I would go to his house daily and we would play basketball in his barn. Downstairs were the sheep. Occassionally, he would take one to market in Durham and would invite me along. We would stop for ice cream. Mr. Hinman was also my 4th grade teacher that year at Northwood Elementary. I believe it was his first year teaching. As a class, we did many new and exciting activities, including the keeping of a journal that I have to this day. Mr. Hinman instructed us on gathering sap to boil for Maple Syrup. We tapped all the trees below the school and wandered through the woods daily to collect. Mr. Hinman took me ice skating on a little pond near the intersection of Bow Lake Road and Route 4. We would play hockey for hours many times a week. Mr. Hinman was the soccer coach and was always fair in his treatment of the players. I feel I can speak for my fourth grade classmates in saying Mr. Hinman was an exceptionally well liked teacher. We have all spoken highly of Mr. Hinman on the Northwood Elementary School Facebook group page under a picture of his class. I for one, along with many others I am sure, am greatly saddened by his passing. His memory however, will live on.

getting ready to shear 2008

Jack and Nancy Zeller

July 4, 2010

David sheared our flock for 10 years with a few early years with Gwen. We have two enormous Romeldales weighing about 300#s each and each year from the time David arrived for shearing he'd eyeball those two and conjure ways to escape before he had to wrestle them. It was always a great laugh. He'd always save them for the last. I always take pictures and one year when it was time to shear the two Romeldales he looked me square in the eye and said "don't you dare take a picture of this" (with a smile) because he actually finished shearing one of them on it's feet and that was just not acceptable to him!
His wit and wry sense of humor kept the barn humming.
He stopped by the house in late May to say hello and make sure I knew who had a left a flower on my windshield at the grocery store.
David Hinman was a one of a kind man and we'll forever miss him. Our deepest sympathies to your entire family.
Long Ridge Farm

June 30, 2010

I am very sorry to hear about David. I only saw Shmoo once after graduating in '63 but will always remember his exceptional skills as a hockey player. He made us all look good in games and sometimes not so good in practices. My best to all the Hinmans. Steve Wales '63

Mary Will Sussman

June 30, 2010

Gwen and Family,
Brandon and I are so sorry to hear of your lose. Yet he died during an activity that he loved.
Again all our thoughts are with you,
Mary and Brandon Sussman
Webster Ridge Farm

Jim Mason

June 29, 2010

For David a fellow shearer. The work and toil that goes into the day, he as earned a place in eternity. Our paths crossed many times, sharing stories from time to time. how often we laughed at the hard times. God Bless

Cindy & Paul Paulsen

June 29, 2010

Dave was one in a million. It's hard to believe he won't come to shear any more. We looked forward to his quircky sense of humor- he never failed to make us laugh. Dave- you will be sorely missed. Our heartfelt condolences to his entire family.

David never liked posing for pictures, but a couple of years ago, he entertained us and our camera.

June 29, 2010

Shearing has always been a highlight on our farm. We will miss David and his wit, wisdom, humor, and thoughtfulness. Gwen, we feel as though we know your entire family as David always talked so much about all of you. We extend deepest sympathies to you and your family.
The Goodling Family at VT Grand View Farm

Bill Baxter

June 27, 2010

I will always remember Shmoo as quarterback and me as his center at Proctor when he called Quaterback sneak four plays in a row because I was called for some infraction three of the times. We did make the first down eventually but mostly because of Shmoo's effort. Dying while helping someonelse sounds just like him. God Bless you all.
Bill Baxter, Proudly '64

June 26, 2010

Jim and I will miss David. I have had the fun of knowing David for 20 years of shearing my rather small Dorset flock. Of course he did not want to know their names but I made sure he did! Our sympathy to his family and friends and our hope that we will all remember our 'David stories' for a very long time to come. I will miss giving his blankets as wedding gifts for family and friends.

Jim Mithoefer & Deb Daniels
Manchester, Vt.

June 26, 2010

It was a wonderful and fitting memorial service for David. You meet some people and they are unforgetable. David was one.Every year it was fun when he came to shear. Even the neighbors stopped by to watch and listen to his stories. We always wondered what it was like being a student and we were glad to hear from his students and fellow teachers. What great memories for all of us. Our profound sympathy to all of you.

Luise and Elise Durr, Mt. Holly, Vt.

June 25, 2010

I knew David in the 80's as a frequent shearer with Bruce Clement. He was a light, and a rogue. Sorry he is no longer with us. Lee Anne Parker

Rick & Sarah Scully

June 25, 2010

Our deepest sympathies to those who knew him best and especially to his wonderful daughter, Gwen. Rest in peace, David.

David Pope

June 25, 2010

Condolences and love to all, David Pope"63

June 25, 2010

David frequently mailed wool blankets and samples to his customers and friends. He always had an entertaining coment or story for us. He spoke fondly of his children and was a kind and generous man. He was one of favorite customers. He will be missed by all of us, at the Walpole Post Office. Andrea Booth

Scott and Janet Swift

June 25, 2010

We called him "Mr. Hinman, Sir". We haven't seen David in a few years now, but he sheared alpacas for us in Vermont, and before that he sheared alpacas and sheep for many years for Scotty's parents. (He even sheared the dogs, but we were sworn to secrecy). His shy smile, quick wit and wonderful stories were always such a joy. Even after we moved to West Virginia David stayed in touch and from time to time there would be a card or a letter with words of encouragement and a picture of him to make us smile. David loved his sheep and it is appropriate that now he has gone to be one of God's own lambs. But far too soon. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and all who loved him. He will be sorely missed by many.

Christine Grant

June 25, 2010

I haven't seen David in recent years and unlike many did not know him primarily through his shearing. I remember him as an interesting and very complex person. Although we have grown out of touch, he was dear to our family and someone always in our hearts and warmly thought of. That is true of his family as well. Our family's thoughts and prayers go out to them.

Ellen and Frank Read

June 24, 2010

A high point of our sheep-keeping year was when we saw Dave coming up the driveway. He always had a humorous story and an eagerness to share it. He so truly loved what he did that we never thought of him as "working." We loved telling each other about our capable daughters and what they were up to. The shearing always seemed incidental to the visit. He was referred to in the household as "the peripatetic Hinman'' as you never knew when/where he might turn up.
Our lives are richer for knowing him. Happy trails, David.

Sherry Baer

June 24, 2010

I am so sad! I can't even imagine him not here, not shearing sheep. I met David about 15 years ago at Jane Porter's where he has been shearing her sheep every Spring. After her big Hamps, he would come down to my little farm to do my Romneys and crosses. It would be cold but the funny stories David would tell warmed us all. He will be sorely missed.

Kelly Ward

June 24, 2010

I met David because of his interest in Bluefaced Leicester sheep.It was hard to tell where he would pop up, take a few BFLs in his truck and back to his farm. I last saw him at Rhinebeck 2007. His warm personality, cheery banter and generous friendship endeared him to many. His kindness will always be remembered.

Judy Helie

June 24, 2010

David sheared my sheep and alpacas in the past & he had a shearing experience with my LLama that we won't forget.. He never did get totally sheared. David was a talented man and he will be remembered.. My condolences to the family.

Judy Helie ( Hillsboro, NH )

June 24, 2010

David sheared for us on Broadbrook Mountain Farm for over 25 years.
We always enjoyed his stories, humor, friendship and looked forward to seeing him every March. How we will miss him among us. A Shearing photo book of his 2010 visit will be on display with our sheep at the VT Hist Expo this weekend (which I was preparing when I heard the news.)
Rebecca Beguin, shepherd for BMF, Royalton VT

June 24, 2010

Lisa Smith

June 24, 2010

My thoughts are with you all.....

NEWTON FARM

June 24, 2010

NEWTON FARM

June 24, 2010

Marina Coneeny

June 24, 2010

I met David 3 years ago when buying wool to make a coat. Since then, my mother and 14 people among her knitting friends have made coats of many colors from David's wool.
He was a kind and patient man,accommodating requests for more yarn, changes, yarn samples, and in the process had so many tales to tell.
I know there was always more shearing to be done... He will be missed by sheep folk and knitters alike, and his coats will live on. I will think of him when I wear mine, and yes, when I work with the wool from his sheep still in my stash.
Marina Coneeny
Walpole, NH

Newton Farm

June 24, 2010

We have lost a dear friend and our beloved shearer. My husband and I wish to send our deepest sympathies to his family. David and I spoke of heaven one time. I told him in my mind heaven's pastures are filled with sheep and he said he'd be standing right in the middle of that pasture. We will miss you.

Erica Zimmerman

June 23, 2010

I only got to know David a few years ago, when we started our flock, but he has been an important part of this time. His shearing at our farm gave him time to share knowledge, good-natured teasing, networking, advice, and encouragement. Several of his stories (of his father, school, teaching, etc) are well-lodged in my memory and I'll hold them fondly.
On behalf of VSGA and my flock, I share deep condolences with David's family. I will treasure the fun and learning that David gave me, as well as the good care he provided for me and my flock, as he did for many throughout Vermont.
In sadness,
Erica Zimmerman
East Montpelier, VT

Ssue Miller

June 23, 2010

My most sincere sympathy to the Hinman family. Really, there are no words to express my shock, my sadness...and all the memories, dating back to 1968 when David lived with us. Love to you...

Cathy Miller

June 23, 2010

I have many memories from childhood up of David and the ties to our family. I always looked forward to when he would come to shear and we would catch up on the news of his family. He sent me a letter when I was college that was so sweet and supportive as I was very, very homesick and I have cherished that since.

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