Richard Hinde

Richard Hinde died on Sept. 12, 2024 in Haxtun at the age of 90.

Dick, as he was known by his family and many friends, was born Sept. 6, 1934 in Haxtun. He is the son of Harold and Katherine (Wilhelmi) Hinde and had six siblings, all of whom have preceded him in death.

He and his family lived on several different farms southwest of Haxtun during his childhood. He attended Daily, Fleming and Haxtun schools, graduating from Haxtun High School in 1953. Shortly after graduating, he married his high school sweetheart, Pearl Hofmeister, on Oct. 25, 1953. Their first home was a small house on the Ortner farm east of Holyoke where Dick helped with the farming. In 1955 they moved to Haxtun and Dick took a job at the Haxtun Lumber Yard.

Their first child, David, was born in 1955, followed by Judy (Holt) in 1958. By May of 1959 they had moved to Pearl's childhood farmstead north of Haxtun when her parents retired and moved into Haxtun. Daughter Lori (Allphin) was born on Sept. 6, 1960 (Dick's birthday), to finish off the family.

Dick started farming and continued to do so until 1992. They raised milk cows, chickens and pigs, not only to put food on the table but to sell eggs and cream for money to live on. Dick always enjoyed growing a large garden, supplying the family with fresh vegetables with plenty left over to can for the winter months.

In 1959, Glenn Brundige asked Dick to be his substitute rural mail carrier. At the time, this was a job that helped supplement their income, but turned out to be a second full-time job for Dick when Glenn retired in 1978. Dick always went the extra mile to deliver the mail to his neighbors and friends. Then he would come home and do the farming. Dick retired from the Post Office in 1995.

Dick always had time to attend all of his children's school activities–they were his pride and joy. He was an avid Bulldog fan, always following the teams even after the kids graduated. He was awarded a Super Booster jacket in 2006. Later being with his grandchildren and great-grandchild became his most enjoyable pastime.

The last few years on the farm, the couple decorated the farmstead with hundreds of Christmas lights on the buildings and machinery. They won several prizes for their displays. After they moved to a new house in Haxtun in 2010, they continued to delight their neighbors with their Christmas decorations.

Dick is survived by his wife Pearl, Haxtun; son David Hinde (Nancy), Fort Collins; daughters Judy Holt (Steve), Windsor, and Lori Allphin, Haxtun; grandchildren John Hinde (Sammy), Thornton, Matthew Allphin, Haxtun, Travis Holt, Milliken, Jeff Pfaff, Severance, and Becky Pfaff (Chris), Surprise, Ariz.; and great-grandson Cody Allphin, Chappell, Neb.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Wayne, Bill and Jim; sisters Elsie, Elaine and Zola; and grandson Nicholas Holt.

Funeral services were held at the Haxtun Community Center on Sept. 16 with Pastor Ken Frantz officiating. Burial followed at the Haxtun Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Haxtun Methodist Church.