Donald Don A. Hinckley

Donald Alan Hinckley, 51, of Austin passed away January 20, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. He was born December 26, 1960 in Glen Cove, New York to Harold P. and Bonnie Lou Beam Hinckley. He grew up in the Catskill Mountains, Sullivan County NY and has lived in Colorado and Texas.

Don graduated from the University of Alabama in 1982 with a Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering and a member Chi Epsilon fraternity. In 1987, he graduated from the University of New York at Buffalo with his Masters of Business Administration. He became a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter, CPCU, in 1993 and became an Accredited Advisor in Insurance from the Insurance Institute of America in 1995. In 2003 he became an Associate in Risk Management. Don was a recognized leader in the transportation insurance industry as an underwriting/marketing executive. Starting out as a claims adjustor and manager, Don had an ambitious and accomplished career. Besides having significant management roles for Transport Insurance Company, TIG Insurance, USF&G Insurance Company, and most recently All-Star Financial Group, Don also founded and operated his own insurance companies. Don's personality and professionalism were evident in both Big Moose Underwriting Managers and Paragon Insurance. He had a deep interest and knowledge of the trucking industry and shared his passion for constant improvement and learning. Don served as a mentor, teacher, and friend to those who were interested in learning the business and always had time for anyone who called on him. Many have attested that Don took the time to help them start their careers.

Don will be remembered as a remarkably positive and fun person. Many will recall that their life became “fun” once they met Don. He enjoyed skiing, cycling, sports of all kinds and being with family and friends. He gave generously of his time, affection, talents, energy, humor, vision, and thoughtfulness to family, friends and causes.

He encouraged everyone to do their best, but have fun. He truly loved living and enjoying life. His first love was his children and his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his son, Drew Alan Hinckley; his daughter, Hannah Eileen Hinckley both of Austin; two brothers, Harold (Chip) Hinckley, Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia and Ron Hinckley of Charlotte, North Carolina; his sister, Pat Sammann of Seven Lakes, North Carolina; nieces, Rachel, Sara and Nikki Hinckley; nephews, Brent Sammann and Sam Hinckley; Aunt Carole and Uncle Dick Boven of Kalamazoo Michigan; Aunt Pat and Uncle Bob Barada of Chillicothe Ohio; numerous, loving cousins and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at two o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 28th of January 2012, at Highland Park Baptist Church, 5206 Balcones Drive, Austin, Texas with Rev. Cheryl Kimble officiating.

In lieu of flowers and the customary remembrances, please contact the family through caring bridge.org (DONH) about a memorial contribution to DenverDon.org, This is a new organization that will work to make ski slopes safer.