Lewis Hindley Obituary

Lewis Norton Hindley, III (Norton), age 70, exceptional husband, father, grandfather-'Papa', son, brother, uncle, friend, mentor, entrepreneur, teacher, author, and evangelist unexpectedly passed into eternal life on July 13, 2016, in Durango, CO. He was born on July 16, 1945, in San Francisco, CA to Lewis Norton Hindley, Jr. and Edith Doughty Hindley. He was the eldest of three boys raised by their parents in Long Beach and Lakewood, CA. He graduated from Lakewood High School in 1963 and in 1967 he graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor's degree in Economics and Political Science. Years later, he also engaged in a Masters of Biblical Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary, just short of completing. He never met a stranger; had impeccable integrity; led an intentional, committed life; wore his heart and faith on his sleeve with no preconceived judgment; and demonstrated his exuberance for life by serving others.

He, like his brothers and sons, was active in Scouting, achieving his Eagle rank and Wood Badge. It was through these experiences that prepared him for leadership and influenced his lifelong love of the outdoors and high adventure. He lead many young men in BSA's High Adventure program; specifically, canoeing the Boundary Waters in the Great Northwoods of the Northern Tier, Minnesota; rock climbing at Enchanted Rock, Texas; backpacking in the Weminuche Wilderness in Colorado; and canoeing the lower canyons of the Rio Grande. He was later approached by Youth Pastors asking him to provide these same adventures to their students. Thus began the outdoor ministry of Homeward Bound with its roots at The Woodlands United Methodist Church, TX.

In 1975 he married the love of his life, Deborah (Deb) Berry and together they raised their two sons in The Woodlands, TX. He is predeceased by his father, Lewis N. Hindley, Jr. He is survived by his mother, Edith Hindley of Colorado Springs, CO; his wife of 41 years, Deb Hindley of Durango, CO; his sons, Bradford Evan Hindley of The Woodlands, TX and Travis Norton Hindley (Breanne) of Austin, TX and their children - his adored grandchildren, Mila Beth and Max Ian. He is also survived by brothers, Kirk R. Hindley (Linda) of Arvada, CO and Forrest G. Hindley (Debby) of Monument, CO, as well as numerous family members and friends. One of the most devoted titles he proudly carried with unabashed exuberance, in addition to "Papa", was that of Uncle and Great-Uncle to: Richard Berry, III (Jacki); Kimberly Grant (Joe); Gregory Berry; Eric Berry (Tiffany); Katy McCormic (Ed); Scott Hindley (Matt Sparks); Kevin Hindley; Ryan Hindley; Shannon Barbaro (Sam); Taryn Turner (Mike); Zachary Berry; Dylan and Brooke Berry; Bobby and Maggie McCormic; and Ava Barbaro.

Norton started his career at IBM and then followed in his grandfather's and father's footsteps as an agent at New York Life Insurance Company. Though successful, he quickly recognized that his true gift was that of teaching, leading and mentoring so he went into management; first with NYL in California then with Connecticut Mutual in New Jersey. On a path up the corporate ladder, he was moved to Houston in 1980 and settled in a new planned community called The Woodlands where he and his family made their home for 32 years. During that time he was introduced to Triathlons through his son, Travis. For years he competed throughout Texas as a member of Tri4Him. As well, he loved cycling in the San Juan Mountains, even competing in the Durango Iron Horse Classic. For more than 30 years, he consulted to the dental industry as an Accredited Senior Appraiser and consultant in practice "transitions" (The Hindley Group, L.L.C.). Through his teaching Business at the University of Texas - Dental Branch, he was asked to write a text book and published three editions of such, entitled, "Getting Down to Business".

Norton took a "professional hiatus" from 1995-2003, during which time he and his wife directed Homeward Bound, a parachurch organization. Norton engaged his God-given love of youth and the outdoors to minister to junior and senior high students. He came to believe that the "post-modern generation" was that which he was called to serve including the many college students who were trained and mentored to work alongside him in this ministry. In providing them the opportunity to experience an "on the edge" venue created and glorified by God and free from the noise of the world, it enabled the Homeward Bound Staff to instill in youth a yearning to discover the unconditional love that only God provides and to claim their faith as their own.

Norton and Deb had been coming to Durango for many years even before the ministry of Homeward Bound used it as a venue. They settled here permanently in 2011 as a place where Norton could wind down his business and take advantage of the surroundings he so loved. They became involved in their beloved church, First United Methodist-Durango where Norton, again, felt called to lead. He taught the ALPHA course, served college students through the Rooted Ministry, led Small Groups, and brought forth a new mission called Lighting for Literacy through which he led teams to assemble and install solar lights in hogans on the Navajo Nation. This church mission has been far-reaching, even into Haiti and Africa. Norton was looking forward to his retirement and pursuing this new passion God had laid on his heart. In his own words, "After having been exposed to www.lightingforliteracy.org in early 2014, the draw of the Navajo Nation has been on my heart. To reconcile and love a people that has been 'segregated' for 140 years may be my last life chapter."

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church-Durango on Saturday, August 20, at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to FUMC Durango, 2917 Aspen Drive, Durango, CO 81301 (with "Norton–Lighting" in memo line).