Jean Hinse 1922 - 2025

On Nov 27th 2025, it would have been my grandfather's 103rd birthday.  He came close, leaving us peacefully on October 11th, 2025.  At his service on October 25th in Victoriaville, Quebec, I was honoured to share some remarks.  I share below an excerpt from the eulogy with you on my blog. I do so because I think the way he lived his life, his influence on people around him, and his community focus is much needed today in our world.

I hope you enjoy it, that it resonates with you, and that you share the spirit of it.
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The jukebox is warming up with the song  'Band on the Run' from McCartney and Wings. My brother Steve just flicked on the switch to the large fluorescent light above the Bumper Pool table. The basement is sombre and cool. We are positioning the ten white and red pool table balls on the little black spots which my grandfather marked on the table with a velvet marker. 1-2-3 Go... let the game begin.

Next to us, grand papa Jean is at work. He is wearing dark pants with stains of dry paint all over them, a white short sleeve shirt which hangs over his pants, and a Sico painting cap. A powerful and noisy exhaust fan is squeezed on the inside frame of the basement window, with additional loud sounds coming from the air compressor which brings to life his painting air sprayer held firmly in his right hand. Around him are half a dozen five gallon containers of paint and other 'chemical' products which only he is allowed to open. The most precious container is the one filled with the 'potion for a long life'. Yes, the one full of turpentine!

Once he completes his painting or staining work, he puts both hands in that potion, rubs his hands and arms with it, and even splashes a little around his face to make sure he is clean. 

It is a simple scene from years ago for a grandfather and his grandsons, it is a scene where happiness reigned.

On the main floor of the bungalow, grandmother Madeleine and great-aunt Annette are in the kitchen making numerous sandwiches for my grandfather's work colleagues. There are three options: ham; chicken; or egg salad.... white bread with or without the crust. I'm not certain what he charged for these sandwiches, but it was certainly a deal! Jean was one of the most popular in the manufacturing plant. 

The house is not big so we are all together, close. The ones on the main level can hear the paint shop, the jukebox, and the balls falling in the holes of the bumper pool table. Steve and I always enjoyed the scent of the cooking when we would eventually make our way upstairs after epic competitions. 

This memory of being next to him for hundreds of hours in his 'paint shop' is anchored deep in me, and solidifies the importance of family life.

Grandpapa Jean was with us, he was present. He brought with him happiness, love, a conviction to doing good work, humour, good stories, and must not forget... all-dressed pizza with bacon on top!

Jean Hinse was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. Yes, five generations! What a legacy he left behind.

I could probably take several hours to tell you tales about his life and talk about the qualities of my grandfather. He would not like that much attention, but if told these would include words on his passion for golf; his work ethic; his painting skills; his excellence as a grandfather; his love for Madeleine; his strict and stubborn moments; the pride he had for his children; his serious side; the numerous trips and visits to his children's houses and cottages; his help for all renovation and painting projects of any and all family members; and many more.

But his grand magic and unique gift was larger, it was grounded in his community and his entourage. He was gifted with an incredible ability to engage with people around him. He liked to make others happy, show them respect, and make them feel important. He was completely curious and interested in knowing their story; their interests; about their work; their pleasures; opinions on different topics... Even if he did not know them!

This talent required a superior ability to listen and pay attention, fuelled by an exceptional emotional quotient. He was constantly observing and linked to his entourage, environment. And I mean, any environment: at work; at the grocery store; at the restaurant; at a celebration; during a walk; at the golf course; while on vacation; at church; in Florida; in Ontario; in English; in French; in any language.... you get the idea. Anytime and anywhere!
Just ask anyone who was present after Jean Hinse had come through and they will confirm it... When Jean approached, you had to be ready to engage!

This love for people and the community which surrounds us seems to be less present in 2025. We seem to be more self focused.  

 Jean Hinse showed us with his simple and generous actions that it is possible to live in peace while respecting one another. It is good to be engaged and respectfully participate with others in the community. He lived by this principle without really making a special effort, for him, it was natural.
  
So next time you see a neighbour or have the chance to say 'hi' or 'have a good day' to a stranger, don't be shy!