Ben W. Hinkle stepped into eternity on December 8, 2015 at the age of 91. He was born on September 20, 1924 in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. He moved to Bellingham in 1935 with his father Clyde and his brother Robert.
Ben attended Bellingham High School, but did not finish due to joining the US Navy at the start of WW II. He served the entire war in the South Pacific, where he was a well-known Navy boxer. Upon his return from the war, he married his girlfriend, Sylvia Wood. Ben became one of the early members of the Bellingham Fire Department, retiring as Captain. He also volunteered for the Agate Bay Fire District. Ben took his oath of office in the military seriously and spent most of his life as a champion of the principles of liberty in the USA. His loyalty to his country and family were unsurpassed.
He is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Sylvia and two sons; Greg (Gail) of Thompson Falls, MT and Chuck (Heidi) of Philipsburg, MT. He has six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Rome Community Bible Church.
Services will be held at the Rome Community Bible Church, 2720 Mt. Baker Hwy, Bellingham, WA, 98226 on Tuesday Dec 15, 2015 at 11:30AM.