ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in the rememberance and celebration of Stephen Hinrichs.

 

   "Inasmuch as I have no affiliation with any church or organized religion, no funeral ceremony should follow my death. I direct that my remains be cremated and the ashes committed to the waters of Penobscot Bay.

   If it pleases my family and friends to gather for some sort of memorial, I have no objections. I ask them only to remember that I have had a full and rewarding life and that any gathering should celebrate the love they have given me and the good fortune I have enjoyed.

  However, given that family and friends are scattered over the globe, it follows that no single gathering will be possible. Therefore, a website has been eslablished to enable those who wish to exchange remberances and sentiments."

                     Steve 

Dear Friends and Family,

   We know how much Steve meant to each one of you. We encourage you to raise a glass, recall good times and if some of you live close to one another to gather together and celebrate. We look forward to your stories and communications and accounts of your celebrations.

  Please feel free to leave a tribute below, or on the Stories tab leave a remembered moment, quote or poem where you can also include a photo or a song to accompany your story. On the Gallery tab at the bottom of the page you have the ability to leave a photograph.

  It would be lovely for us if at the bottom of your tribute or story you mention how you know Steve (AIC, Harley, John Burroughs, Rochester, Samoset, Vinalhaven, NYSAIS, etc.).  

Thank you and love to all,  Stephen's Family

address: Grace Hinrichs and Family, 45 Village Way #39, Rockport, Maine 04856


On the weekend of September 10-11, 2011 the whole Hinrichs family gathered in Rockport, Maine, to share memories of Steve and honor his wish to have his ashes scattered in the waters of Penobscot Bay where he loved to sail.

If you click on the "Stories" tab you will find a description of those wonderful days along with some poems and photos. Also, there are more photos in the Gallery tab.

When Stephen's ashes were scattered, daisies were also scattered into the waters of the Penobscot Bay. On some of those daisies notes were attached that were written to include everyone who ever sent words of tribute or love about Stephen whether in letters, email, verbally or in thought, you were all included in the day. 

Thank you all, the Hinrichs family
 

 

September 27, 2010
September 27, 2010
Steve was a wonderful person. I knew him first as a student at the John Burroughs School in the early fifties. Later, he became my boss at Alamoosook Island Camp, where he was kind enough to hire me for two years, in 1958 and 1959. My experiences at AIC have stayed with me the rest of my life.
Kitty Greve Darst
September 27, 2010
September 27, 2010
Steve was my golf coach and history teacher at John Burroughs. I wasn't a very good golfer and remember his support in my first match after my first drive at least stayed in the fairway: "Hit 'em like that and you'll do fine." It meant a lot then and now. What a good and gentle leader he has been for so many. Thank you, Steve.
September 27, 2010
September 27, 2010
Like a father, like a brother, always a beloved friend. My fortunate connection with Steve began as an AIC counselor and was rounded with an active correspondence and summer visits for the last several years. Like so many of his friends, I will treasure his calm good sense, always spiced with humor and a twinkle in the eye.
September 27, 2010
September 27, 2010
We knew Stephen as a neighbor and friend at Samoset Village. His wisdom and good common sense were always respected at get-togethers on the porch or at Village meetings. He had a fine command of the English language and used that strength for many years to write a wonderful column monthly in the Samoset Village Newsletter. He will be missed.
September 26, 2010
September 26, 2010
Mr. Hinrichs (he was NEVER Stephen to me) was my favorite teacher at Burroughs and is the reason that I will be celebrating my 49th year on the slopes this winter. What a sweet guy he was. And, I also am glad to reconnect with Victoria in Santa Fe after so many years. My best wishes to the family. J. David Levy, JBS '63
September 26, 2010
September 26, 2010
From Carl and Susan Chase in a note to Grace and the family: " In talking about him last night and today, we both realize and agree that he was quite possibly the one person whose influence had the greatest impact on the course of our adult lives....He is- and has been-with us every day of our lives as we've raised our kids (and grandkids), done our work, and had our adventures in this world."
September 24, 2010
September 24, 2010
I knew Mr. Hinrichs as a student at Harley, class of 1969. We may have been the most difficult group of kids he ever had to deal with. Partly the times we lived in, I suspect. He was firm and fair, with a sense of humor. My love and respect has only grown over the years - he is still the Headmaster!
September 24, 2010
September 24, 2010
We are blessed to have known Steve as a friend,neighbor,
and golfing companion while living at Samoset Village We will long remember the fun and conversations over golf,the Samoset operations,politics,travel,good food and wine.
May the sun,moon and stars shine brighter on Penobscot Bay as Steve embarks to meet his Pilot in Heaven.
Bruce & Marie Libby
September 24, 2010
September 24, 2010
Mi sarebbe piaciuto conoscerti insieme alla tua cara moglie Grace. Speriamo di incontrarci in un'altra dimensione. Ciao, Franca
September 24, 2010
September 24, 2010
From Lila Magie, Midcoast Forum member and good friend: "What a prince he was--so bright and thoughtful. I loved his questions at the Forum meetings for they were truly thought out and not just coming from his own agenda or to hear his own voice! We will miss him but I am glad it was not a long hard fight. Somehow you could imagine that Steve had a plan--and he carried it to the end."
September 23, 2010
September 23, 2010
WE ALL SEND OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS YOUR WAY. SOUNDS LIKE HE WAS A WONDERFUL MAN. WE ARE SURE HE WILL BE MISSED. TAKE CARE.

DR. LAURA A. REIDY & STAFF
September 23, 2010
September 23, 2010
A lovely and accomplished man...A life well lived.
September 22, 2010
September 22, 2010
Steve, wow how do I sum up all those feelings? For me Steve is strong, loyal, determined, fun loving, honest, fearless, kind and gentle. He is a true educator in all meanings of the word. Steve is a role model for the way a man should live his life. But most of all Steve is my friend. I am so blessed to be able to say that. Thank you Steve for all the things you taught me. I will hold you close.
September 22, 2010
September 22, 2010
Steve is a major influence in my life. His smile is the first thing I think of when his name is mentioned. I don't know that he needed prayers to speed him on his way, he seemed always to be steering his own ship quite well. I just ask God to hold him in Love.
September 22, 2010
September 22, 2010
AIC camper for 3 years.
My experience at AIC formed my life. Steve taught by example. From him I learned to respect, love and get along with nature.  His lessons were: you can live outdoors and be comfortable; always step up when there is work to be done - after all, what else is there to do out here?; never complain; be prudent but brave; always remember what happened to Figgie Newton.
September 22, 2010
September 22, 2010
He was the only man in the world could take a biscuit apart...and put it back together again!
September 21, 2010
September 21, 2010
What creativity we could all have with the send off. Still remember the music barge arriving at the AIC reunion. Some could come in another "What's that?" the three canoes we lashed together for ocean trips. Some could make 4th of July candle boats to send off with the ashes. Those far away could make and mail their candle boats to the celebration. Ah the fun begins.
September 21, 2010
September 21, 2010
Steve revealed the stature and character of true manhood for us all, while trusting the innate strength and creativity in each one of us. In so doing, he drew the truth of us forth. I pray I can begin to return the gift by providing the same for the generation soon be taking the helm. My God, they need it. Bless you Steve!

Ellen (Melon) Roos
September 21, 2010
September 21, 2010
Steve, I wish you fairways & greens. And I wish you God's speed.
Page 3 of 3

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Recent Tributes
March 7
March 7
Happy Birthday Anniversary of 106.
OK Dad, The country and the world is being challenged again to choose to be human beings or not. Us humans have the attributes of kindness, clarity, joy, dignity, peace and self awareness. All each of us need do is choose those attributes. It can be done, just have to do it. I for one am very consciously choosing those each day and it makes for a very beautiful life. So thank you for giving me this foundation to choose a life for myself that benefits myself and those around me. 
Hope you, mom and now Grace are happily merged into the infinite beauty that created this planet and all the universes. Let us all keep enjoying what is the forever and always truly enjoyable. Love, Ibi
September 19, 2023
September 19, 2023
Time passes and the living are striving to do our best. Thanks to the legacies of those like you Dad who have passed on. Today I'm being reminded by you to celebrate and take on the civic responsibilities you so avidly engaged in. You would love the interaction and wisdom of the natural world that has become more prevalent in our world these days from the indigenous cultures that have not lost those understandings. One book you would enjoy is "Braiding Sweetgrass". With appreciation for all you have taught us. Here's to you on the 13th anniversary of you passing. With love.
March 7, 2023
March 7, 2023
Happy Birthday, Stephen! The country is still battling for its democracy!
Recent stories

Sometime at Eve

September 19, 2017

This is a poem that was read at my grandfather's funeral and both of my parents funerals. My Mom taught typing at Harley while Steve was headmaster there and I substituted for her there when she took a trip with my Dad. I graduated from Harley in '58 and my Mom graduated from Harley in '33. Our family loved sailing, and my Mom raced her sailboat on Lake Ontario. When someone who enjoys sailing passes away, this poem always reminds me of the person. Barb (Poole) von Schilcher

              Sometime at Eve 

Sometime at Eve when the tide is low

I shall slip my moorings and sail away

With no response to a friendly hail

In the silent hush of the twilight pale

When the night stoops down to embrace the day

And the voices call in the water's flow

Sometime at Eve When the water is low

I shall slip my moorings and sail away.

Through purple shadows

That darkly trail o'er the ebbing tide

And the Unknown Sea,

And a ripple of waters' to tell the tale

Of a lonely voyager sailing away

To mystic isles

Where at anchor lay

The craft of those who had sailed before

O'er the Unknown Sea

To the Unknown Shore

A few who watched me sail away

Will miss my craft from the busy bay

Some friendly barques were anchored near

Some loving souls my heart held dear

In silent sorrow will drop a tear

But I shall have peacefully furled my sail

In mooring sheltered from the storm and gale

And greeted friends who had sailed before

O'er the Unknown Sea

To the Unknown Shore

- by Elizabeth Clark Hardy

sprinkling daisies/ daisy chain of love

September 21, 2013

An email thread on the 19th between family members:

1)Remembering Dad today. His laugh, his dance steps, his love of life, his love of each of us, his passion for teaching and his passion for kids thriving.
Continuing to sprinkle some daisies today by any bits of kindness that show themselves to me today. As simple as a smile with a friend or stranger.
Thank- you Dad.
Love to you all, Ibi

2) Dad 's energy shining down on us all
love to everyone , Victoria  (photo)

3) energy flowing to England ,thoughts with all,  Love/Hugs Kate (on a trip to England and France)

4)Thank you for starting this daisy chain of love.
 Remembering Dad,   Mary and Christian

5)Thinking of all of you on this day. Hugs and blessings.
Love, Rebecca

6)Catching up with this "daisy chain of love" as Mary put it so well. As for the Day of Remembrance itself, for me, and no doubt for a lot of you as well, every day is a day of remembrance. He's always with us.  And as for dates, the ones I like best to remember are his birthday... the day we first met...,  the day we were married,... the day I saw the ad (for that matter!),…. the day we all celebrated his life with that wonderful schooner ride out into the bay on a spanking wind, --things he would have preferred to remember too.

7) So true Grace, I see this day as one of many, on this one he gave me an experience of calm and clarity, so fully engaged in his life, how he would pass and how it was all good. The comng day and the going day and all that lies between.

An earlier vignette

May 14, 2013

I was a counselor at AIC in 1961 (Dick Thompson n.b., you were there that  year), and while the experience shaped me profoundly, setting me on a course that led to progressive education (Nat French's North Shore Country Day), thence Quaker education, thence alternative Quaker schools and Quakerism itself, I want to add a second-hand recollection, from Bob Smith, who was Head of School at Sidwell Friends for several years while I was there. Like Steve, Bob served in the army during WWII, and with Steve at the Battle of the Bulge. Not a experience either of them talked about much. Bob only said that Steve, as his  platoon leader, was an island (there's the image) of calm and reassurance in the midst of terrifying chaos. I can believe it (see an extraordinary made-for-TV series called Band of Brothers to see more -- one episode takes place there), and I wonder about the impact of that experience on Steve. It must have strengthened him, but was there more? Others may have some answer for that...

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