William HINES

William Eugene Hines (“Bill”), 81, died on Monday, March 14, 2005 at his home in Lake Havasu City. Bill was that rare commodity, a Leap Year baby. He was born on February 29, 1924 in Leavenworth, Kansas, but grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah. When he graduated from East High School in 1942, all his friends were enlisting in the military to fight in World War II. Tall and thin Bill tried to join the US Navy but was turned down because he was underweight. A doctor told him to eat four pounds of bananas and drink a gallon of milk. He did and barely met the weight requirement. In four years of service, he was lucky enough never to be shipped overseas. He used to joke that he had fought in the battle of San Diego. He was trained to teach aircraft recognition. After the war, he was offered a job with the FBI, but he heard airplane engines overhead and chose to become a small plane pilot and salesman.In 1969, Bill was hired by McCulloch Aircraft as Western Regional Sales Manager for the J-2 Gyroplane in Lake Havasu City. It was the best job he ever loved. He flew that plane to air shows all over the US and Canada in the early 1970’s. He said it was the most difficult plane he ever learned to fly. The J-2 never quite made it into every garage, but Bill never lost his faith in its potential. In 1974, McCulloch Aircraft was sold and newly divorced, Bill moved to the San Jose, California area, where he later became a partner in an early cell phone brokerage. When he retired and moved back to Lake Havasu City in 1993, he was disappointed that no one here seemed to remember or care about the J-2 as part of the city’s history and legacy. He was proud to be a member of the Quiet Birdmen, a pilots’ organization.Bill Hines was a good guy. Whatever he told you, you could take it to the bank. He loved cats. His favorite cat, Hobie, almost 18 years old, had to be put to sleep just 10 days before Bill died of a massive stroke.He left two sons, Corey of Queen Creek and Brett of Mesa; two brothers, Don of Salt Lake City and Frank of McAllen, Texas; his companion of 20 years, Helen Mosbrook; and many friends. He was much loved and is sorely missed.There will be no services.Arrangements were entrusted to Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.