Rick A. Hinshaw passed away June 14, 2021 at his home in Woodland, Washington, following a short, fierce battle with cancer.
Rick was born on Aug. 19, 1950, to Kenneth W. Hinshaw and Mary H. (Dodd) Hinshaw-Otterson- DeLashmutt in Vancouver, Washington. He was the oldest in a very active household of five sons. They were always teasing and pulling fun and sometimes dangerous pranks on each other where Rick would be the leader.
Rick left the family home directly after his graduation ceremony from Battle Ground High School in 1968. His car was idling in the parking lot with his clothes packed inside. He worked in the car sales industry where he always dressed well and drove flashy cars. At one time, he owned his own used car lot in the Eugene-Springfield, Oregon, area. His business was The Working Man’s Friend, where customers were urged to “come on down. Bring your wife and we can both dicker.”
Always on the move, Rick ended his working years in Seaside, Oregon, where he worked as a painting and rental maintenance contractor. He retired in 2012 but could still be seen working part-time at various motels in the coastal area.
In 2015 through the wonder of the internet, Rick was reunited with Marian (Sarvela) Bower who he had met as a bantam bowler at Tiger Bowl in Battle Ground, Washington. Within 30 days, the decision was made: His Seaside home was sold and he and his four cats moved to Woodland, Washington, to live with Marian. They enjoyed bowling together again at Tiger Bowl and many hours of laughter while they could.
Rick was preceded in death by his father Kenneth, infant sister Susan and brother Jay.
Rick is survived by his mother Mary DeLashmutt; brothers Scott, Kenny and Duane; and his last love Marian Bower.
The family is holding a final send-off for Rick from the old swimming/fishing hole he enjoyed as a boy. It will be at Daybreak Park on the East Fork of Lewis River on Sunday Aug. 22, 2021, at 3 p.m. There are new paved paths leading downstream from the boat launch area for easier access.
Rick was known for laughter in his life and his willingness to rescue every stray cat he saw.
