STEVEN HINKLE
1955-2019
Steven Robert (Steve) Hinkle lost his battle with Crohn’s Disease with Ulcerative Colitis on October 15, 2019 at OHSU in Portland, Oregon. Steven was born to Joseph and Norene Hinkle January 18, 1955 in Columbus, Ohio. Steven’s family moved to Southern California when he was a toddler. His boyhood was spent in West Covina, California. In 1973 Steven moved to Fort Jones, California with his father. He graduated from Fort Jones High School in 1974.
In 1980 he moved back to West Covina. He worked as a delivery driver for Stater Brothers Inc. He delivered milk products all around S. California. His routes included: from downtown Los Angeles, Lake Arrowhead, and Palm Springs. In 1988 he returned to Fort Jones, CA to work for the U.S. Forest Service.
In 1984 Steve offered a pretty lady a ride on a motorcycle. This would be the love of his life, Sandy Hinkle.
Steve’s 32 year career with the U.S. Forest Service started in June 1974. In his career, he worked for the Klamath National Forest, Six Rivers National Forest, the Stanislaus National Forest, and was a hot shot based out of Redmond Oregon. Steven was a true asset to the Forest Service. His eagerness to serve "the greater good" can be met by few. He spent most of his career in Fire as an Engine Captain, but he wore many hats. He was also a Firefighter, Rappeller, Falling Boss, CAT Boss, Incedient Commander and jobs in between. He fought fires across the United States, from Hawaii to Florida. He took a lot of pride in protecting people, property, and wildlife from fire. He was passionate about the outdoors, and loved his job with the USFS. It allowed him to spend much of his time in nature. He retired in February 2012.
In his spare time, Steve found gratification, and bliss in working on and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Steve had a contagious sense of humor. He found joy in making the people around him laugh. He loved animals, and treasured his family pets dearly. He inspired a sense of adventure and curiosity for the outdoors in his two children.
Steve leaves behind his wife Sandy Hinkle, his two daughters Melissa Hinkle, and Shasta Hinkle.
Steve’s family has decided to have his memorial service in the Spring of 2020 so that family members that live out of the area may attend.
Please email steve.hinkles. services@gmail.com to be notified when the memorial will be. Please let the family know if you have pictures or stories that you would like to share.