Kenneth J. Hinman

1936 - 2021

BORN

1936

DIED

2021

Kenneth Hinman Obituary

Kenneth J Hinman

February 7, 1936 –
October 20, 2021

Ken was a Humboldt County native who taught elementary school for 32 years. He was a natural born and beloved teacher whose students fondly referred to him as "Mr. H". He found a way to weave his love of music into his curriculum and could often be found playing John Denver tunes on his guitar for his students. He especially enjoyed his colleague Lannie Nelsen and the collaboration they shared between their classrooms. Prior to his teaching career he spent four years in the United States Airforce as a court stenographer. He was stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
One of Ken's favorite hobbies was gardening and his is specialty was growing flowers and vegetables. After he retired from teaching, Ken helped to manage Pierson's Garden Shop for 20 years. His depth of knowledge and love for gardening helped him to win many gardening awards from the city of Eureka throughout his years. Another favorite hobby was music. His love of music included both Classical and Rock genres. Ken went to see music as much as he could and was able to see both Neil Diamond and Elton John live in concert.
Ken was fond of good food and was referred to as a "foodie". He enjoyed visiting the San Francisco Farmer's Market at the Ferry Building. His all-time favorite food was Italian, and he was often found covering everything with parmesan cheese.
Ken's favorite place to travel was the Caribbean and he loved to feel the wind on his cute bald head. His sense of adventure made him an exciting and very fun travel partner. He was a bit of a daredevil and was always up for a zip line adventure, a rollercoaster ride, or a parasailing adventure.
Ken was a runner and loved to participate in organized runs. He participated in all the local events he could, including the annual Foggy Bottoms and Clam Beach runs. He also enjoyed several Bay to Breaker runs. Ken met his longtime partner Steve in July of 1993 while on a Clam Beach run.
Ken leaves behind the fondest of memories for his beloved dogs. Most recently Maddie, a rescue dog and cute little bundle of joy, stole Ken's heart. Codie, a "cotton-ball with an attitude" was another favorite who was very active and loved to play, and finally, Rhandi who was Ken's princess.
Ken is survived by his partner of 31 years, Steve Frizzell. He also leaves behind his daughter Tami, son Todd and wife Ireta; three grandchildren, Mitch, Brendon and Shalisa, and one great-grandchild, Oliver. Ken also leaves behind his sister Lucille Huddleson from Fortuna and his brother Norman Hinman of Yuba City. Ken remained good friends with his ex-wife Jean Hinman until her death in 2009.
Ken was a kind and gentle man with an incredible sense of humor. He will be missed dearly by all who loved him.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Ken's name to Miranda's Rescue.

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

Published by Times-Standard on Dec. 26, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Hinman

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2 Entries

Jim Zanotti

January 2, 2022

I was a student teacher for Ken at Lincoln School in the 1970-1971 school year. His style of firmness, fairness, and fun (plus a few well-placed projectiles) made each day an adventure in learning. I learned many things from Ken that helped make my 41 years in the business so successful. He taught me who the real hierarchy in a school was: the secretary, the custodian, and the cook, and finally the administrator. He reminded me to do something to shake someone up each day. But my favorite memory, however, was the day he gave me a bright red patterned shirt and asked me to wear it on Friday with jeans. We matched that day, and that was that for some great grins. To this day, children of my former students still sing some of those great, if not a bit irreverent, camp songs. I was very fortunate to be one of his "students" and will never forget that short but meaningful experience. Thank you Ken Hinman. RIP...........

Doug Jackson

December 27, 2021

Ken was the anomaly at Marshall Elementary School. All of the other teachers with the exception of Mrs. Look were gray-haired strict disciplinarians. Ken was also strict, but if you were talking to someone he would nail you with a chalkboard eraser marking you for all to see at the next recess. He and our student teacher Mr. Brown would play folk songs on their guitars. Fifth grade was an amazing experience for anyone who had Ken as a teacher. I felt very fortunate to state that to Ken directly when he ran the garden shop at Piersons. Thank you and bless you Ken for your having positively influenced so many lives over your years as an incredible teacher.

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