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BORN
1941
DIED
2025
Robert Hinds Obituary
Buckland, MA - Robert "Bob" Hinds, devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and coach passed away suddenly at his home on March 6 at the age of 83. He was born in New York City on September 5, 1941 to Alfred Boyd and Elizabeth Whaler Hinds.
Bob was recently asked what he considered his proudest accomplishments. Here are his four answers:
Number 1: "Marrying Patsy-Jill." Close friends set them up on a blind date before Bob left for Vietnam in 1967. A proud veteran, he was a Navy Officer who supported River Patrol Boats and Navy SEALs combat operations. While in Hong Kong on R&R, Bob bought a diamond ring "just in case." When Pat asked "What if I'd said no?" he responded, "Well, it was a good financial investment." They married a year later. In 1970, Bob and Pat moved to Hartford, CT where, with no prior knowledge of fish, but at the encouragement of his dynamic and beloved older brother Boyd, he opened a fish market. Through the long hours he and Boyd plotted Bob and Pat's next big adventure: moving to western Massachusetts to become an owner of G.W. Mount, a manufacturing tool company in Greenfield, MA. That is when his second proudest accomplishment came along.
Number 2: "Raising two exceptional children." (His words, not ours.) The epitome of providing a stable and ever encouraging presence for his children, Bob tirelessly helped with homework, foul shots or playing catch any time of day. He was at every practice and game, started a youth soccer league when there was none, and joined Tae Kwon Do as a father-son-daughter activity. Bob sold the manufacturing tool company and tried two other occupations. Luckily those did not work out, allowing him to find his true passion and purpose, which was his next proud accomplishment.
Number 3: "Working with kids of all ages and participating in their development whether in the classroom, athletic field or personally." In his fifties Bob returned to school to get his teachers certification and Master's Degree. That started nearly forty years at Mohawk Trail Regional School District. Known as "Coach," Bob started as JV boys' basketball coach in 1988 before becoming a beloved Special Education teacher. He coached Middle School girls' basketball, and Varsity and Middle School baseball. His commitment extended to the off-season when he opened the gym or weight room for practice, and mentored students long after the final whistle.
Bob was a gifted athlete himself, playing college baseball and receiving an offer to play professional baseball in the Chicago White Sox farm system. Ever a practical person, he turned it down because there was no signing bonus and went to find a 9-5 job.
As a class advisor and later a substitute teacher in retirement, Bob remained a consistent presence with the students he adored. That sense of service was at the heart of this fourth proud accomplishment.
Number four: "Donating 11 gallons of blood, working on 12." Bob's 94 units of blood donated to the Red Cross potentially saved up to 282 lives. Humble service was central to being Bob. He volunteered every other week at the Ashfield Food Pantry and at several annual community events. Bob's legacy is one of dedication and his impact will be felt for generations to come.
Bob is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patsy-Jill Hinds, his loving children, Hillery Hinds Maxymillian and Adam Hinds (wife Alicia Christoff), his cherished grandchildren, Piper and Teagan Maxymillian and Rafael and Paloma Hinds, 2 nephews and a niece, and 8 great- nephews and nieces.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 15 at 11 am at the Trinity Church, 17 Severance Street, Shelburne Falls, MA, followed by a gathering at Shelburne Falls Pub & Brew at the Sweetheart. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mohawk Athletic Association (PO Box 111, Shelburne Falls, MA).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Hinds
Deb, Pat, Kelly, Megan and Connor.
March 16, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Michael and Eileen (McCusker) Rauch
March 15, 2025
Our children benefitted from Bob´s coaching and presence. Thank you!
Jim Bonham
March 13, 2025
Bob and I coached together in Little League, our sons are buddies, and we played on a co-ed, multi age basketball team that won a MAA fund raising tournament back in the early days of the MAA. The saying goes that respect is earned and Bob fulfilled that adage without even trying. A good man of and for the community. RIP, Bob.
Philip Pless
March 13, 2025
Mohawk Sports will never be the same without Bob's presence.
How you can show support
Shannon Wissman
March 12, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. He is leaving quite the legacy, as a father, as a mentor, as a family friend, as a teacher and as a staple of the community. He touched so many people's lives in such a positive and caring way. I am blessed to have known him.
Laurie and Barry
March 12, 2025
Bob has been a constant in our neighborhood for decades. He has done so much for so many. We will miss seeing him out and about. Sending love to Pat, Adam and Hillery and the extended family.
Laurie Benoit & Barry Del Castilho
Neal Maxymillian
March 12, 2025
Bob was a wonderful man who cared deeply about his family, students, athletes and community. I hope your your hearts will be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Michael Humphreys
March 12, 2025
So sorry to learn of his abrupt death. He and Patsy were stalwarts in the Hinds-Humphreys clan and it was always a treat to get his opinions on current events. Sorry that Sheila and I won´t be able to attend his memorial.
Philip K. Lussier
March 12, 2025
If there ever was an individual who exemplified devotion to teaching and coaching it was Bob. Grateful I had a chance to be a colleague.
Jessica
March 12, 2025
Bob Hinds was an amazing man. I had the privilege to learn from him and teach beside him, to be able to work with him was an honor. Rest in peace, Bob, and thank you for everything you've done for us.
Paul-Thierry de la Blotier
March 11, 2025
Bob Hinds, Brother Naval Officer ROV, Friend, Confident, Coach and Mentor to our son Mohawk Class of 2015. Five years colligeate baseball and LLD due in a large part to Bob's influence. Fair Winds and Following Seas. A USMC Officer will attempt to stand you post. Captain Thumper 3rd Force Recon Company ROV December 1967 - March 1971.
Cathy Powell
March 11, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers with the family. Another long time member of the community who will be missed by many. Thank you Bob for all the memories and all you did for the community.
Kim Sweet
March 11, 2025
He profoundly impacted generations of students and athletes, leaving a legacy of patience, dedication, and unwavering support for our success. His guidance and kindness touched countless students, and his absence will leave a void that will be deeply felt. My condolences to all his family and friends.
Joni S
March 11, 2025
A true gem....always a smile, a nod in the right direction, calm soul...Will miss our chats at the entry gates to games~~Sincere condolences to The Hinds Families~~another big void left in our tiny community
Sandra Gaffey
March 11, 2025
No matter when/where, Bob always said Hello when we passed in the hallways of Mohawk Trail. He will be surely missed.
Michael and Julie Warrington
March 11, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Joey X. Kotright
March 11, 2025
Bob...I worked with him at Mohawk as he ever so patiently and methodically taught some of Mohawks hardest kids in the MSC program. With calmness and respect he believed in them as he did all young people...it made a huge difference in their lives and mines. Always a coach, mentor and "second father" to so many. He is already missed.
David Kearney
March 11, 2025
A good kind and gentle soul.
John Cormican
March 11, 2025
Bob was a great teacher to me at Mohawk. He was also a good friend and advocate for me. He will definitely be missed.
james roman
March 11, 2025
Whenever I met or ran into Bob, you could always count on one thing a big smile on his face. He will be sorely missed by all.My condolences to his family and many friends
Kerri De Leo
March 11, 2025
So sorry to hear this, Bob will be missed. My sincere condolences to all his loved ones.
Ruth Kennedy Poindexter
March 11, 2025
What a wonderful legacy Bob left to his community. Blessings and love to all of you as you face this time of grief.
Hunter Shultz
March 11, 2025
I only knew Mr.Hinds for a bit but in the short time we knew each other he never failed to put a smile on my face. While he was a substitute for the P.E. class I was in he taught me how to short a basketball with perfect technique. I´ll never forget what he did for me and my peers. Thank you Mr.Hinds
Mark Pichette
March 11, 2025
I never saw Bob without a smile on that kind face of his. You always knew he thought before he spoke. One in a million.
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