Jerry F. Hinz

After a long fight with prostate cancer, Jerome (Jerry) F. Hinz sixty eight of Everson WA, died peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones on August 1st, 2012.

Jerry was born July 29th, 1944 in Seattle, to Jerome P. Hinz and his wife Dorothy Greene Hinz. He moved with his mother to East Wenatchee while in his early teens and later to Marblemount. He graduated from Concrete High School where he participated in sports. He lead his basketball team to state and set a track record. He received a scholarship to play basketball for Skagit Valley College, where he furthered his education.

Jerry worked at Intalco Aluminum for thirty eight years. He worked as a operator on the potlines and served as a shop steward. As president of the Teamsters Union, Jerry was a representative of Bellingham Metal Trades.

Outside of work, Jerry loved sports, he played softball and basketball on city leagues for many years. After moving to Everson, he concentrated on the little league and 4-H programs that his children where involved in.

Jerry was a family man married for forty years, and spent most of his time with his family on their small farm in Everson. His friends and his children’s friends were always welcome. To many, he was known as “Jerry the Gentle Giant.” Jerry was always willing to help others, whether it was taking them in or putting them to work; building fences, cutting thistles, decorating with bailing twine, cleaning stalls or the dreaded picking up rocks.

Jerry loved playing Santa Clause for his friends and family and especially for the Operation Santa Clause Program. He even went to Germany to be a Santa for the families of the Armed Forces. Some of his fondest memories were helping others and those wonderful looks on children’s faces when he made his grand entry into a room.

During his retirement years he loved attending high school football games and wrestling matches where his son coaches. A majority of his time was spent with his grandchildren. He also loved caring for his dogs, his cattle and other livestock. Jerry was known for his “short cuts” around Whatcom County where he made unlikely and lasting friends at every stop.

Jerry is survived by his wife Donna Lou Hinz; Children Greg (Lisa) Hinz of North Bend, WA, Chris (Ron) Reese of Reno, NV, Carrie (Michael) Martin of Bend, OR, Tara (Jim Strachila) Nicholson of Acme, and Tom (Kelly) Hinz of Everson; Grandchildren; Michael Redle, Jake Gimenez, Justin Hinz, Jessica Ratterman , Melanie Lankhaar, Ryder Nicholson, Mercedes Hinz, and Mariah Hinz; His sister Rosalie (Mark) Torset and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his mother, father and brother Stephen Sepos.

The family would like to thank everyone who helped in Jerry’s care during his battle with cancer. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

Jerry’s Family will be holding a Celebration of Life at 6900 Goodwin Road, Everson, WA, Sunday August 12th, 2012 from 1:00 to 6:00 pm. The family will be sharing food, music, and favorite memories of his life. Please bring your favorite dish and celebrate the life of Jerry Hinz.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, please make a donation at the Industrial Credit Union, where an account has been set up under Donna Lou Hinz. All benefits will assist with medical bills and funeral expenses.