John Hinkle

John David Hinkle was born in Davenport, Iowa on 12-10-33 and died in Santa Barbara, California on 11-4-2012 under Hospice Care. John was a graduate of Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa in 1954 and also went to Iowa University. He remained active in the life of the university in many ways and lived his life honoring their colors of Blue and Gold. He was royal and loyal blue, and a golden friend! He received an honorable discharge from the Army in 1956 being stationed in Hawaii for two years. After his military service he went to San Francisco, and lived in the '''other California''? for awhile and eventually came to Southern California. He worked for Carter'?s clothing for 35 years and had many honors for '''Outstanding Salesperson.''? No matter where he lived, or what he sold, he charmed people from coast to coast. He was a member of the Community of Christ, and during the years of 1983-1993 he took the good news of the gospel to the streets of Freeman Avenue in Lennox, CA. The children of that neighborhood, now grown and accomplished members of society, could fill a book with all the stories of John in their lives...he made a difference. When asked what was the greatest joy of his very full life; he said the kids and families of Freeman Avenue. A small group came to Santa Barbara the night before he died and honored him with tearful stories, hugs and laughter, prayers and thanksgiving for a life well lived for their benefit. John knew no stranger, and he would host the most wonderful parties of such diversity from the hills of Hollywood, in the historic family home in Davenport, to summers in Hancock Park and the garden charm of Los Olas in Florida. He loved his cats, his time in Florida to be with Eric, the neighborhood dogs, good music, and he loved to walk in Beverly Hills or with the '''Wall Walkers''? in Florida. He was an outstanding '''greeter''? for an assortment of cruise lines in Florida in his retirement, and people commented how great the adventure was before they even got on board. He never married, but left a love filled legacy that gave him family where ever he was. He is survived by a sister Jeanne Fitzpatrick in Indiana, his brother and sister-in-law Warren and Helen Hinkle in Iowa, an abundance of nieces and nephews and many communities of great friends that will miss him dearly.Celebrations for his life will be held in Davenport, Iowa on December 8th at the Weert'?s Funeral Home, Community of Christ Church at 6610 Shoup Ave, Canoga Park, CA on December 15th at 2pm, and also in Ft. Lauderdale on December 15th.For those that wish to remember and honor this wonderful man; his request was for these gifts:'? Graceland University, Lamoni, Iowa 50140 Attention Kelly Everett (Alma Mater)'? Community of Christ- Senior Ministries c/o Denise Leichter, 17125 Hart Street, Lake Balboa, CA 91406'? Charity of Your Choice for Health & Research (Heart, Diabetes, Alzheimer'?s, Cancer)'? '''Be authentic, make a difference, and remember me in every party you have''_I leave in peace.''? If you knew John, you loved John. He spent his '''dash''? well on this earth and will be rewarded for his faith, giftedness, grace, goodness and generosity for all of God'?s creation. You are a mensch in any faith tradition. We'?ll see you again with wholeness of body, mind and spirit as a greeter at the pearly gates!John David Hinkle12-10-33 to 11-4-2012 JOIN US FOR A '''CELEBRATION OF LIFE''?''_INCREDIBLE MAN AND SPECIAL FRIEND!Saturday, December 15th 2pm with light refreshments to followCommunity of Christ Church at 6610 Shoup Avenue, Canoga ParkFor more details; please contact Denise Leichter at (310) 403-9973 Deniseleichter@cofchristla.orgThere is an on line Obituary and Guestbook at www.mem.com for family and friends to share from coast to coast. If you have any pictures that can be shared for the service; please send to Denise at the address below, or bring to the service. If you are unable to attend, and want to include a testimonial; send it to me and it will be shared at the service.There will also be a Celebration on December 8th in Davenport, Iowa and on December 15th in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.