Alexander T. Hindmarsh

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Alexander T. Hindmarsh Jr. announce his passing into the Kingdom of Heaven on February 27th, 2022, where undoubtedly he’ll spend his time enjoying life everlasting with the same appreciationhe had for the 93 years of life shared with all of us here on earth.Alex, Alexander, Al, or Heiny, depending on how you knew him, leaves behind a thoughtful legacy filled with laughter, wit, and a moral compass that insisted the right thing must always be done, even when no one was looking.Growing up in Cranston, RI, he fondly recalled his days of summer farming, surviving and supporting the war effort with his mother, Lura Hindmarsh (Gray), his father Alexander T. Hindmarsh Sr., sister Lura Blodgett (Hindmarsh), and brothers George and Bob, who both eventually ventured off to fight in WWII. All family members are pre-deceased. Also pre-deceased are the future spouses of Lura and George, husband Jim Blodgett and wife Janet (Lidsey) respectively.It was from these youthful days that Alex learned to swing an ax, which he swears helped develop his iron-like handshake grip. This went on full display whenever someone asked to be tested. He always boasted, “I never lost it.” Truth be told, he didn’t, either.Alex attended the prestigious Mount Hermon School (Class of ’46) which he spoke about fondly. They admired him for his ability to operate farm equipment. Apparently, that’s not a normal skill set for students attending private schools.Upon commencement, Alexearned admission to Brown University (Class of ’50) where he majored in Geology and was always on the prowl to share any and all knowledge retained from those academic years. Nary a walk in the woods or country drive was had where stones were not identified, and their ancient stories told.After graduation, Alex enrolled as a supply officer in the United States Navy with the Fleet Aircraft Squadron and was stationed in Norfolk, VA. Discharged honorably in 1954. Alex forayed into the private sector with a short stint as a purchasing agent for The Worthington Company in Holyoke, MA, before beginning a long career with the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1960.Alex retired from Mass Mutual in 1997, having served his clients faithfully for 36 strong years. The crowning accomplishment from his near four-decade tenure was the 24 collective years spent as a member of Mass Mutual’s prestigious Million Dollar Round Table.The annual event was always black tie, and Alex enjoyed dressing up for this occasion.Never one to sit still, he enrolled at STCC the second retirement papers were signed, and fell in love with the Landscape Architect and Design program, maintaining a 4.0 GPA while earning an associate’s degree.Alex truly loved West Springfield and dedicated a portion of his life to its betterment. The door was always open to anyone seeking a mentor’s sage and sound advice. Civic accomplishments includebeing a member of Mittineague Congregational Church since 1955, where he once served as both a member and chairman of their finance committee,serving 4 years on the Town of West Springfield Finance Committee where he sat as chairmanfor two, spending several years on the finance committee of the Springfield Country Club where he was also a near lifelong member, furthering the John Ashley Fund as a trusted advisor, as well as a board member of the Eastern States Exposition and United Bank.A passionate fly fisherman later in life... a stringent keeper of Christmas present secrets... a reader of books aplenty... and a lover of golf who never gloated about his three holes-in-one, until someone bragged about their first, Alexander lived a full and complete life.Bermuda, Sedona, Sanibel Island, and the Miramichi River were some of his favorite destinations in thisworld. No doubt he’s since visited their sunsets to offer up a last goodbye.Kindly note that Alex would much prefer his birthday be remembered over his passing. No, seriously, he would, which is why there will be memorial birthday anniversary parties happening well into the foreseeable future, every December 15th like clockwork. There’s simply no way around doing so. Pre-deceased by his first wife, Barbara (Anderson) and son Robert, Alex is survived by his sonDouglas Hindmarsh and wife Betsy (Saacke) of Millis, MA, his two grandchildren Alex Hindmarsh of Millis, and Julia Klener (Hindmarsh) with husband Rob of NY, NY, as well as sister-in-law Thera Hindmarsh (Foster) from Putney, VT, along with numerous nieces and nephews.Alexander also leaves behind his beloved wife of 36 years, Priscilla (Kilburn), and two stepsons Christopher and Erick Kastel both of West Springfield, all of whom already miss that wry smile which said everything without saying anything at all. To Taylor, Stevie, and Ben, always remember the Hindmarsh’s heart holds a special place for you.And what is often not expressed, and most assuredly should be, is how much Alex loved his friends. The moments within every card game, golf outing, conversation, visit and vacation, were all deeply cherished. So, to those out there who had the fortune of calling this man “friend,” with a special nod to Uncle Frank, understand how blessed he felt knowing every one of you.The table at which Alex now sits is filled with company from both family that came before, along with others who patiently waited for their first experience with that iron-like handshake grip. Undoubtedly, all welcome this latest arrival to his rightful seat, for Alexander Tulloch Hindmarsh Jr. has finally returned back home. Visiting hours for Alex will be at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home Thursday, March 24, 2022 starting at 11:30am and concluding with a funeral home service at 1:00pm followed by burial in the Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. In lieu of flowers, Alex humbly requested contributions be made to:Springfield Technical Community College for the Landscape Design and Architecture Department, 1 Armory Square, Springfield, MA, 01105 or The Shriner’s Hospital, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104