Obituary

F. Neil Hinck, 79, founder and retired president of the Blazer Horse Association, passed away Saturday afternoon, Feb. 14, 2009, at his home in Adrian, Ore.

Neil was born Jan. 27, 1930, at Circle, Mont., the second child and oldest son of Marion L. "Dime" Hinck and Zella Perkins Hinck. He grew up at Star Valley, Wyo., where the family engaged in farming and ranching. From the day Neil got his first horse in 1937, he knew that his life would be deeply woven into the history of horses, and he aspired to establish his own breed of usable ranch-style horse, with a sound conformation, good mind, and a gentle, willing disposition.

In 1950, Neil enlisted in the National Guard and served on the front lines of the Korean War. He was a decorated combat vet who survived some of the worst battles of the conflict. Returning to Star Valley after the war, he married his sweetheart, Norma Louise Wheeler, on Oct. 17, 1952, and a few years later brought his small family to Star, Idaho.

In 1959, Neil's lifelong dream of innovative horsemanship was realized with the birth of Little Blaze, who would become the foundation stallion of the Blazer Horse. Neil has been active in the world of horses as a breeder, trainer, teacher and scholar his entire life. He had a worldwide reputation for his gentle touch with horses and his unique training methods. He is one of only a few, ever to train an adult zebra to be ridden.

Neil founded the Blazer Horse Association in 1967 and served as its president until 2005. After his retirement, he served as emeritus director and an adviser until the time of his death. In 2005, Neil and Norma sold their ranch at Star and relocated to Adrian, where he continued training horses as his health allowed.

Survivors include Norma, his lifelong sweetheart and wife of 57 years; a son, Troy (Terri) Hinck, Cascade; daughters, Linda (Dave) Crawford, Emmett, Debra (Lonnie) Mashburn, Adrian, Brenda (Larry) Harper-Church, Meridian, Tammy (Chris) Warr, Nampa, Teresa (Mike) Jardine, Nampa and Sherry (Doug) Brotherson, Emmett; as well as 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers Harry Hinck, Brigham City, UT, Loo Hinck, Layton, UT, Arno Hinck, Hyrum, UT and Roy Hinck, Cheyenne, WY. Neil was preceded in death by his son Rusty Lee Hinck, and son-in-law Larry Nelson.

Neil's life and career will be honored at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Star LDS Church. A memorial gathering of friends and family will take place from 1-2 p.m. at the church, prior to the funeral service. Burial to follow at the Star Cemetery. Cremation is under the direction of Bowman Funeral Chapel, and a portion of Neil's ashes will be scattered over the grave of his trusted mount and lifelong friend, Little Blaze.