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Molokai High School Punahou School

Norman Hindley Obituary

HINDLEY, NORMAN DAVID 70, respected Punahou Academy English teacher, died unexpectedly at his home in Kaneohe, Hawaii, on July 16, 2014. Born in Pawtucket, RI on April 14, 1944, he was a son of the late Norman and Jean (McKee) Hindley. A graduate of RI College, Norman moved to Molokai, Hawaii, in 1971 and taught at Molokai High School, except for one year at North Country School, New York, until 1984 when he moved to Oahu to teach at Punahou School. He was a teacher for 38 years, 25 at Punahou School. An accomplished poet, Norman's first book, Winter Eel, was published in 1984. He loved great food, cooking, music, fishing, and wine, and above all, was devoted to his work on a final book of poetry, Desires End, consisting of several volumes. He is survived by his son, Christopher-Carmine Hindley, daughter-in-law Akiko, of Tokyo, Japan; cherished grandchildren Ariana, Alexis, Aisha and Anakin; a brother, Douglas A. Hindley, of Lincoln, RI; and nephews Jason D. Hindley, of Cranston, RI and Brendan Y. Hindley, of North Kingstown, RI. A private ceremony was held on August 4, 2014 in Honolulu, Hi.

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Published by The Providence Journal on Aug. 8, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Norman Hindley

18 Entries

Chelsea Tanimura

April 2, 2025

I recently found a note Mr. Hindley sent me during high school congratulating me on making it to the semis for the "National Merit Shootout," as he put it. It was very touching to me, coming across this note all these years later, that Mr. Hindley took the time to make this thoughtful gesture. I looked him up to thank him and found his obituary. I am very sad that he has passed. I hope his loved ones are comforted in knowing that he left such a great legacy as a teacher and as a human being.

Darren Leiman

September 24, 2022

Mr. Hindley,

Thank you for teaching me how:

To live.
To think.
To grow.

I'll forever remember you for introducing me to Ralph Waldo Emerson and his classics such as "Imitation is Suicide" to teach us to live up to our own unique potentials.

For us to have a growth mindset and when asked if we could do something to say "I don't know, I've never tried." For us to not count ourselves out of new opportunities and to expand our thinking and lives.

Your warmth and teachings will forever be remembered in my heart. I'll do my best to pay it forward.

Your Student,
Darren Leiman, Punahou Academy, Class of 2011

Carl Friedl

January 25, 2021

Mr. Hindley was one of my favorite teachers. He once circled a curry stain on a paper I wrote and identified it...classic Mr. HIndley. His enthusiasm and authenticity was much appreciated as was his never ending support for. Mahalo and Aloha.

Linda Henigin

January 15, 2021

Mr. Hindley (as he will always be to me) was my most influential teacher. Words cannot express how much I miss him. My deepest condolences to Christopher, Akiko, and their children.

John Rudolph

September 4, 2015

A colleague who inspired me when I taught at Iolani, and who helped me to teach good writing rather than "literature" (Norman's favorite word ... Hah!).

Linda Henigin

July 28, 2015

My deepest condolences to Chris and the rest of the Hindley family. I only learned of Norm's death last week. I had corresponded with him via email about a year ago, and he said he wasn't seeing people any more. I watched my own father go through that valley, so I understand. I loved Norm Hindley. So, so many people loved him and were touched by him, and yet he made you feel like you were the one who mattered. We all mattered to him. But most especially his beloved son. 'Til we meet again, Mr. H. After all, the mail is always late. Have a drink with my dad up there.

Kelly Habecker

December 17, 2014

Norman,
Thank you for having more faith in me than I ever thought to have in myself. I hope to live up to the person and student you made me see I could be.
hugs and love,
Kells
Punahou Academy, Class of 2008

Molokai High and Intermediate School

Suzanne Bishaw

September 10, 2014

Thank Mr. Hindley for your gifted teaching style. You captured our attention and expanded our mind!
Mahalo Ke Akua for blessing us with this incredible man!

Delta Ellison

September 2, 2014

Words best understood, only in a haiku. For you Mr Hindley.

Most influential
expanded my horizons
seize my potential

see the depth of art
feel the power of our words
your passing speechless

c/o 1983 Molokai High

Moomomi, Molokai, Hawaii. Mr. Hindley loved to fish here. This is a picture of Molokai High's Class of '76 - Reunion in August 2011.

Fay Akindes

September 2, 2014

Remembering "Hindley," our English teacher at Molokai High School... He organized a field trip to the beach so we could "write poetry," he told the principal, but we didn't. We were "living" poetry... He spent a class period deconstructing Don McLean's "American Pie" w/ our history teacher. They were both so excited to decode the lyrics, to make meaning of rock & roll... We also listened to Richard Burton reciting Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"... Subsequently he would stop his lectures and ask: "Have we listened to 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner'?... He introduced us to Shakespeare and The Heart of Darkness ("the rivets! the rivets!") and invited us to engage with literature by marking up our books... And if we didn't know what a word meant, "look it up!" ... It's been nearly 40 years since high school and it surprises me that I can vividly remember what he taught us. Sign of a gifted teacher!... After Molokai he taught at Pres. Obama's alma mater, Punahou Academy, a rich private school in Honolulu... Mr. Hindley, Norman Hindley: He left an enduring imprint on all of his students. We were lucky.

Stephanie Lauifi

September 2, 2014

Mr.Hindley, My favorite teacher.

Aloha, Stephanie Kalama Lauifi
Molokai High School, Class of 83

Al Ferreira

August 19, 2014

Norm was a friend. I have fond memories of racing him with his hot road up in Diamond Hill. I tried to see him when we were on the island but he was off to the mainland.

August 19, 2014

Norman was a classmate, nice, quiet. I wish I had gotten to know him better. I did not know he liked poetry. My condolences to his family.

June 11, 1966-Norman in our wedding party

Mike & Mary Ellen Nasif

August 19, 2014

Very saddened to learn of Norman's sudden death. Mike and Norman along with Doug grew up like brothers. Norman was Best Man in our wedding. Mike will treasurer his book. Over the years you loose touch but the growing up memories will be forever. Not only were the boys a large part of our life but his dad, and Mike welcomed us like family. Unique he sure was!! Ahead of his time with knowledge and dry jokes. One of the fishing team going to abbot run wee hrs. All his buddies have wonderful memories...some they would never share. Peace our wonderful friend Norman. So sorry we did not have time to say goodbye...but that was not your style. Much love, prayers and sincere deepest sympathy to your brother and immediate family. Love, Mike and Mary Ellen Nasif...we will look you up when we cross the rainbow bridge...sure to find you writing a book on Heaven....Prayers.

Alfred Marzocchi, Jr.

August 10, 2014

Norm was one of the good guys at Cumberland High. I wish I had stayed more in touch with him over the years.

Al Hudson

August 9, 2014

Norm Hindley was a close friend of mine in high school. I am glad to hear that he touched so many lives. RIP My friend.

Gayle Giroux Thorley

August 9, 2014

Mr Hindley was the most influential teacher of my young life. He encouraged my interest in Art and Literature, and introduced us to new ideas. I will always be grateful for his generosity. My deep condolences to his family and friends.

Cyndy (Cyndra)

August 8, 2014

I have never forgotten Mr. Hindley - my 8th grade English teacher in Swansea, MA. He was a wonderful teacher - so enthusiastic, honest and real. His poetry was beautiful - I still remember passages of his poems that have stayed with me for all these years. I was devastated when I learned the next fall that he had moved to teach in Hawaii! I remember when Christopher-Carmine was born. My deepest sympathy to his friends and family. Such a unique and talented man.

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