Thomas William Hinter of Grand Forks, B.C. passed away peacefully with his family by his side on December 29, 2010. Tom’s passing at the age of 70 released him from the health challenges of diabetes and cancer that he had endured for his last few years.
Tom was born in Princeton B.C., in 1940, the first son following four sisters, to Joy and Fred Hinter. He was pre-deceased by his sisters, Carey Hinter and Maureen Vollmin and his parents, Fred and Joy Hinter. He is survived by Rose, his loving wife of 50 years, his daughters Fara (Cliff) Enquist, Leah (Don) Keller and Sandy Hinter. Tom also leaves nine grandsons and five great-grandchildren. Tom is survived by his sisters: Bev (Fred) Hunt, Joy (Thornton) Jenkins, Midge (Barry) Brandow and Jan (Dennis) Stewart; and by his brothers, Ken (Vera) Hinter and Ross (Debra) Hinter.
Tom was an active member of the Grand Forks community for 31 years. Shortly after moving to Grand Forks Tom and Rose bought and ran the OK Bakery where they ‘had the best buns in town’. Tom and Rose started and operated the original Select Office Products store, Antiques and Novelties and Tom also published the Grand Forks Informer.
Tom may best be remembered as a passionate and vocal city councilor. He believed in transparency in city politics and was driven to keep the public informed on current issues.
When he was not serving the city as councilor, Tom acted as the town crier by publishing the Grand Forks Informer newspaper for 12 years until its last issue on August 29, 2005. Tom used The Informer to express his opinion as a long standing active community member, get information out to the public, make appeals to his readers and be the voice of those who needed him.
Tom started most days enjoying coffee with friends. He believed that “keeping good company was important because whom you walk with makes a huge difference in where you go.”
Tom will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by many.
A public memorial service for Tom will be held at 2 p.m., on Monday, January 10, 2011, at the First Baptist Church located at 2495 76th Avenue in Grand Forks. A separate private service will be held for family.
In lieu of flowers, your donation to the Boundary Community Hospice Association (250-442-2162) is appreciated. Grand Forks Funeral Home was in care of cremation.