Obituary of Alan Clare Hinkley

Hinkley, Alan C.
Sanford, MI

Alan Hinkley, passed away on September 30, 2023 with his two children by his side, at the age of 74 years old.  He was a beloved father, brother, grandfather, uncle, family member and friend.  

He was born to the late Alvin & Betty Hinkley of Lake City, Michigan and was also predeceased in death by his younger brother Dennis George Hinkley.

Al is survived by his two children, Eric Hinkley (Krystal), Brandi Hinkley (Joe), his brother Ron Hinkley (Gail), grandchildren Alexander Hinkley, Miakoda Hinkley, and Savannah Hinkley, his former spouse Pam Hinkley, his best friend Larry “Harry Potter” Sian, nephew Waylon Hinkley (Erica), niece Chantell Beltz (Mike), niece Amanda Annear (Keith), along with other nieces, nephews, cousins, and family members and friends.  

The man wore many hats.  While an adventurous adrenaline junkie back in the day, he became more relaxed and reserved in his later years.  He was always smiling, incredibly light hearted, humble, didn’t complain much or care for negative company.  His mission was to keep his family and the ones he loved “safe and free of worry.”  Any opportunity to soft heartedly haggle someone or play tricks on them, he would rise to the occasion.  His strength, dedication, compassion, and perseverance are some of his most honorable attributes and will be carried on by his family and friends.  No matter what obstacles were put in his path, he always managed to overcome them and continued to courageously fight every single day.

He was a simple man, who found joy amongst many things.  He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, short road trips and sight-seeing, spoiling the neighborhood four-legged fur babies, especially his “grand-cat” little Andi, shooting pool, and driving his truck.  Drawn to the outdoors, he loved shooting guns, fishing, hunting, bird watching, and was an all-around “nature” person.  For rest and relaxation, he enjoyed watching football both college and pro, baseball, M.A.S.H., Red Green and having dinner with his best friend Harry.  

Al proudly served in the United States military with the U.S. Army in the 101st Airborne during the Vietnam War.  We are all proud and thankful for his service to our country. After serving our country, he began his career with General Motors and eventually retired from there many years later. He was a member of the VFW, UAW, Eagles, and Department of Veterans Affairs.

Al’s children are honoring his wishes to the best of their ability, therefore, a funeral service or a church service will not be held.  However, a gathering/celebration of life will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at Falconview Estates Club House, on Falconview Pkwy at Fox Chase Circle, from 4pm-8pm in an “open house style.”  This will allow for family and friends to come together and pay their respects and share stories.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Kidney Foundation, your local VFW, American Legion, Eagles chapter, or Wounded Warrior Project.

A special thank you to the staff at MyMichigan Medical Center in the ICU and Comfort care floors for making our father as comfortable as he could be in his last days. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements have been made with the Cremation Society of Mid-Michigan.