John M. Hines Jr.

John Michael Hines, Jr., passed from this life on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, two days shy of his 63rd birthday at Cape Cod Hospital, following a valiant two and a half year battle against cancer. Although recently living in South Harwich, John lived for years in Framingham and was raised in Waltham and Wayland. John is survived by his 87 year old mother, Carol (George) Hines, and his eight younger brothers and sisters and their spouses: Peter Hines of Waltham, Lois Hines of Simsbury, CT, Laura and Greg Lawrence of Alexandria, VA, Mary-Ellen and Jeff Santos of Apex, NC, Julie Hines of Marlborough, Carol and Bill Wacaser of Crystal Lake, IL, Paula Hines of South Harwich and Russell and Alicia Hines of Alexandria, VA; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. John was a wonderful uncle to his 20 nieces and nephews, loved to know everything they were up to or learning and didnt miss an opportunity to take them bird watching: Amanda Myers, Samantha Munsterman, Tyler and Jack Hines; Andrew, Matthew and William Shaw; Heather, Haley and Hunter Lawrence; Delaney, Peyton and Aubrey Robinson; Molly, Erin and Charlie Wacaser; Emory Hines; and Patrick, Michael and Danielle Hines. Thankfully, John also got to meet his joyful grand-niece Evelyn Munsterman. John was preceded in death by his father, John M. Hines, Sr., his paternal grandparents, Francis R. and Jeannette B. Hines, and his maternal grandparents Mildred T. and Edward F. George and many wonderful aunts and uncles. John was born in Waltham, moved to Wayland his freshman year and graduated from Wayland High School. John graduated summa cum laude from Cornell University with a B.S. in biological science, but in his career transitioned to computer science and was employed for many years by Cullinet and then Computer Associates. Johns passions were ornithology and the pursuit of continued learning. He volunteered for decades for the National Audubon Society, and could be seen around Wayland and neighboring towns participating in the annual Christmas Bird Count and taking local residents bird watching. He also volunteered as needed for the Wayland Conservation Commission and in 2014 was a recipient of the Ken Moon Award for his efforts in finding evidence to document bobolinks and other field nesting birds. John was the primary resource for scouting birds in the area, and his extensive knowledge in other areas also enabled him to educate about how activities on many of the conservation areas are or would be detrimental to either the wetlands or the intended use of the conservation lands. In addition to his support of local agencies, John also was engaged by U.S. Federal Fish and Wildlife. John had many other interests, from the scientific to music to sporting events. When he was interested in something, he sought a deep understanding of it. John was so interested in watching and tracking amateur and professional ice skating that he could have been a judge. John enjoyed sharing his passions with family and friends, but especially with his nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 11:00 am at Good Shepherd Parish at ST. ANN CHURCH, 124 Cochituate Road (Rte. 27), Wayland. Private family interment will be held in North Cemetery, Wayland. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, the National Audubon Society or to the charity of ones choice. Arrangements entrusted to the care of the John C. Bryant Funeral Home of Wayland. For condolences please visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com. His favorite quote was Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. [Albert Einstein]