Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
William Hinkle Obituary
Oxnard, CA
Bill passed away on November 15, 2015 following complications from brain surgery at 79 years young.
Bill was born August 11, 1936 and moved to Ventura County in 1968. He liked to say that he "Had one hell of a run!" He was blessed with the three best sisters in the world, married the love of his life in Mary Lynn Hinkle, and had two fantastic sons and five awesome grandchildren. He surfed big waves, sailed boats all over the world, rescued many people as a Los Angeles Beach Lifeguard, was a paratrooper in the Army 82nd Airborne Division with 70 jumps and had over 150 jury trials as an attorney.
He competed in the Olympic Trials as a paddler, raced dories from the mainland to Catalina, ran several marathons, won many triathlons, and was a black belt in karate. His true passion was surfing where he successfully competed in his 70's and was an all-around waterman. When he wasn't surfing he would spend time on his sailboat the "Minnie Maru."
He is survived by his sisters, Myrna Martin (school teacher in Oregon), Trish White (pharmacist in Reno), and Trilla Bahrke (Superior Court Commissioner in Tahoe City). His son, Paul Hinkle (Senior Deputy Kern County Sheriff's Department) and his wife Diane (school teacher) and their children Victoria (18) and Blake (15). Youngest son, Chris (attorney) and wife Stacy (office manager) and their children Ryan (20), Steven (18) and Mikey (14).
In lieu of flowers, Bill would ask you to please not vote for Hillary!
His Celebration of Life party will be held December 12 in Camarillo.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Hinkle
Roger Jewett
November 25, 2023
Bill was the definitive waterman. It was a pleasure to have known him.
Roger Jewett
November 22, 2022
Bill was one of a kind. A few years before he died, we shared a voyage to Hawaii on the Island Princess cruise ship. Bill brought his longboard along. We rented a car in Honolulu and drove up to the North Shore where he rode
some waves. He also told wonderful stories about when, as a young man, he pioneered big wave riding there.
Bill at Sunset Beach
Roger Jewett
December 11, 2015
Enjoyed many days surfing with Bill at C Street. Also in 2010 I connected with Bill on a Princess Cruise to Hawaii where we rented a van and drove up to the North Shore. Bill had brought his longboard on the ship and he rode a few nice waves. He was a special guy!
howard gold
December 1, 2015
my condolences to the family
Mike Schwieger
November 29, 2015
Bill was our lifeguard in 1960 at Dockweiller Beach when I was 14. We surfed C St many times in the past ten years and he was still pretty good. What a nice man. Is there a paddle out planned? What are the details on the celebration? Mike Schwieger
[email protected]
Charles Voigtsberger
November 28, 2015
Paul and Chris probably don't remember the camping trip to Mexico the first year the road opened all the way to Loreto but we remember the fun time. Condolences to the Hinkle family.
Kiyo and Chuck
Gay Conroy
November 28, 2015
I was saddened to read of Bills passing. Bill was my greatest cheerleader while I was in law school and without his encouragement I might never have had a legal career. Best wishes to the family.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in William Hinkle's name
Memorial Events
for William Hinkle
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor William Hinkle's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
