Gilman Hinkley

LEWISTON – Gilman Hinkley, 91, passed away March 13, 2025. He was born to Clinton and Evelyn Hinkley, Jan. 16, 1934, and lived his entire life in Richmond, graduating from Richmond High School, class of 1953.

Gil married Maxine Waltz, April 14, 1956, and they lived in Richmond where they raised their family, daughter Karen and son Gilman Jr. They continued to live in the same big house on South Pleasant Street until just a few months ago when they moved to Lewiston closer to Gil Jr. and a smaller home.

After high school, Gil joined the Army serving in the Korean conflict. After his years of service, Gil worked at the Maine Dept of Transportation, Sign Division, from which he retired after 30 years. Gil then joined the Richmond School Department as a bus driver, a job he loved for 25 years. Gil drove many miles delivering the kids to and from school. His day did not end once all the kids were delivered home, his favorite trips were the school sports team trips with Maxine along for the ride. Gil also drove the Richmond students on some of their memorable field trips as far away as Prince Edward Island and Washington, D.C. It is reported that a picture of Gil and his school bus still hangs in a bakery in PEI. Many former students still confirm Gil as the best bus driver ever!

Gil loved sports, all types. Rumor has it he was a great athlete himself while at RHS. He played softball for the Richmond Men’s League and it is storied of the big hits, going so far to hit the Grange Hall roof and many hits bouncing off the Alexander Road surrounding the field. His favorite sports were those his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren played. He followed them all over the country for bowling, softball, baseball, basketball, hockey and lacrosse. Gil was a fan of the New York Giants and when he wasn’t wearing a Richmond Bobcat hat, he was wearing his N.Y. Giants hat.

Gil and Maxine spent many years camping, most trips to Littlefield Beaches, Bryant Pond, where their campsite was always guaranteed to have the campfire burning no matter what the weather. Gil was always starting up the softball games and ready for water games with all the kids whether family or stranger.

Gil was predeceased by his daughter, Karen Mercier, his parents, and his in-laws, Ervine and Myrna Waltz, his brothers, Charles Hinkley, and Sherwood Hinkley and his sisters Marilyn Pinkham, Betty Roy, and Cleo Staples and a sister-in-law, Rosalie Waltz.

Gil is survived by his wife, Maxine, his son Gilman Jr. and wife, Joline. Gil Jr. Family, son Christopher and wife Jenn and their children Isy, Maddie and Everett. Son Joey and wife Samantha, and their children, Willy and Allie. Son-In-Law, Peter Mercier and Karen’s family: Son, Joshua and wife, Becky. Daughter Audra and husband, Randall Bailey and a special great- granddaughter.

Gil is survived by his stepgranddaughters, Kim Henderson and family, Katherine Hinkley and family and Jessica Sappington and family.

Gilman is also survived by sisters, Emeline Fickett, Marita Miller and Deloris Emmons. In-laws, Clayton Waltz, Leslie and Kris Waltz, and Roberta and Gary Nash and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation and Services will be at Kincer Funeral Home, Monday March 24, visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with services following.

Take a moment and raise a cup of coffee in memory of Gil.

Arrangements are under the care of Kincer Funeral Home, 130 Pleasant St., Richmond, ME 04357.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Richmond Recreation Program in memory of Gilman Hinkley. Mail checks to Richmond Recreation Program c/o Richmond Town Office, Gardiner Street, Richmond, Maine 04357, noting in memory of

G Hinkley.