Leo was a natural people person. I always enjoyed chatting him during my time as a newspaper reporter covering the Phoenix Police Department. I am embarrassed that I am writing this note so many years after Leo's passing. I can only hope that God spared him from the cruelty of Alzheimer's Disease.

I thought of Leo recently and how much I enjoyed his company while doing some family-related geneology research. It turns out my late Mom's family, the O'Shaughnessys, and the O'Hynes family, were allies in County Galway, Ireland. I would have loved to have spoken with Leo about this topic, but I had no clue at the time. That's probably why Leo and I got along quite well. We were both Irish types with similar personality traits. At that time, I also was not aware of the heavy amount of Irish immigration to Canada during the Great Hunger.  

So for now, I will just say a little prayer for Leo's memory and thank God for the pleasure of having known him. 



I am so sorry for your loss.  I just found out about his passing and we are deeply saddened.  Our parents George Houghton and Georgina Hynes Houghton, spoke of him often and the memories we have of him are wonderful.  His sence of humor will live on in our memories.

Dear Barbara, Julie & Jeff,
  We were so sorry to hear of your loss.  Although it has been many years since we were neighbors, we still remember the Hynes family with fondness. God bless you and be with you.  The Fitzgerald Family - Darlene, Karey, Lori, and Susan.

Will always remember all the great times we shared together,camping, dancing and the wonderful motorcycle trips.will miss you, love you.  Rest in peace

Leo was fun to work with. He made big problems small quickly. My deepest sympathy to the Hynes family.

Leo was my first Sgt. when I started as a dispatcher in radio many years ago. He was always respectful and kind to everyone, even the mostly grouchy dispatchers! I remember my first "hot" calls and how nervous I was - Sgt. Hynes always stood behind me keeping things calm with his gentle guidance and great smile. He was one of a kind; I worked for many Sgts. over the years but no one ever matched his kindness, willingness to teach without criticism and integrity.

I cannot begin to describe the number of times Leo saved my backside when he was working the Front Desk. When I was a young supervisor I continually called him to answer questions I had no clue about. Leo never made me feel bad about the question I was asking regardless of how silly it was. The Hynes family can be proud of a man who did so much for young supervisors and never complained or asked for anything in return!

Leo touched so many people with his smile and positive attitude.  He helped more people than anyone will ever know,  God Bless, T. J. Martin

Leo was my first sergeant when I got out of the academy in 1976 and he could not have set a better example of professionalism and integrity. From day one he took a personal interest in my development and the success I enjoyed during my police career. No matter how far apart we worked in various assignments, Leo always looked me up about a year before a promotional exam and made sure I had everything needed for preparation.  Leo truly was a good and giving man and I will always remember him with great fondness and respect.

I cannot begin to describe the number of times Leo saved my backside when he was working the Front Desk.  When I was a young supervisor I continually called him to answer questions I had no clue about.  Leo never made me feel bad about the question I was asking regardless of how silly it was.  The Hynes family can be proud of a man who did so much for young supervisors and never complained or asked for anything in return!

I will always remember those motorcycle rides we took to Washington and Oregon back in the '80's. They were some great times. Great scenery and great companions.

Greeted everyone with a smile and the greeting that things could not be any better. A great guy that will be missed.

Leo was an outstanding man. I worked for him while on the Police Department, and his integrity was the best I have seen on the department. He will be sorely missed.

I met Leo in 1967 when he came on the Phoenix Police Department. What a character! He had an accent for sure and a big smile to go with it. He was a large part of our squad! Then members on the squad began transferring to other details. I think Leo went to Community Relations and worked with the the Boys Club. I knew he'd gotten promoted to Sergeant but I kinda lost track of Leo. It wasn't until late in our careers that I had a chance to work with him again. He was the Front Desk Sergeant and I was working in Police Personnel. That's when we got "Call Back" up and running. What a great experience it was! He really hadn't changed from our very early days on the Department. That big smile was still there and so was his Canadian accent. He was a very humble man who loved his family most of all! 

Good bye my friend. I'm sorry I never got to ride with you. 
Mike Stone

Leo was a genuinely good man is all parts of his life. He loved his family and friends and served the citizens of Phoenix with honor for 32 years.
Leo, you will be missed, but you set a great example for the rest of us to follow. My God bless your soul and bring comfort to your family.
Ben Click

My best times spent with Leo were on the running trails and the mountains, here in Phoenix or up at his cabin in Mormon Lake.   When I would show up to run and saw both Leo and Jeff there I knew I would be in trouble.   We would take off for a "short" run  with Leo in the lead.   Everytime we would turn a corner Leo would say that the end was right around the corner.   Some 10 miles later we would finish the "short" run.  One thing I learned from Leo is that no matter how many twists and turns on the trails, we always finished the run laughing from all the jokes and stories told by Leo and Jeff.     Those were some of the best runs of my life.  Leo has always inspired me.  I  know he has reached his destination and his resting place but I know he is looking down and smiling at all of us telling us that the "end is right around the corner".   I hope we all learn to live our life as full as Leo has lived his.  He will be dearly missed and has a special place in my heart.   My thoughts and prayers are will you all.    Love You!

OBITUARY

Leo George Hynes

December 4, 1938 – October 24, 2011

Shadow Mountain Mortuary

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