Breton Hinkle

Breton Worth Hinkle was born September 25, 1977 in East Grand Rapids, MI to Ray and Susan (Parkins) Hinkle. Bret graduated from East Grand Rapids High School in 1995 where he was an involved student and athlete, participating in wrestling, lacrosse, and quiz bowl teams. Bret studied Latin for three years and before his junior year took a month long trip to Italy with his Latin Club. Bret was a member of the National Honors Society and graduated with honors when he was 17. After graduation Bret was selected for the Naval Academy with the recommendation of his United States Senator, Vern Ehlers.

Instead of going to the Naval Academy Bret attended Michigan State University, where he started studying biology. Throughout college Bret kept his desire to serve his country, and the summer after his freshman year United States Senator Spencer Abraham wrote a letter supporting Bret’s admittance into the Marines. While in the Marines Bret continued working on his BA in criminal justice, and graduated from MSU in 2000. After six years of service in the marines, Bret was honorably discharged as a Corporal.

In college Bret met Jennifer Erin Bourque through some mutual friends from his dorm at MSU. Jennifer asked Bret on their first date. Throughout their five years of dating, Bret and Jen developed a very deep love for one another. Bret eventually asked Jen’s father for her hand in marriage, and on Christmas Eve of 2001, Bret proposed to Jen. Bret and Jen were married on September 20, 2003 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.

There were many interests and characteristics that made Bret the unique person that his family and friends knew and loved. Growing up he loved Star Wars and constructing model airplanes and cars. From a young age, he was fascinated with nature. He was especially fond of fishing, a hobby that was established by his grandfather. He enjoyed fishing and camping trips with his buddies in the UP. He was also artistic and meticulous, which he inherited from his mother.

Bret established a strong work ethic relatively young in his life while working with his father for the family business. Bret always had an eye for the finished product, which ultimately led him to become the operations manager. He continued his work with his father throughout the years, the construction business proving to be a good fit for Bret’s detail-oriented personality.

Bret was a diligent hard working man. He was politically minded and took pride in serving his country. He had a quiet and soft side to him that not everyone was able to see. Bret valued his family and friends very deeply. He was good with children, and loved to laugh. He spent his life making precious memories that will be forever be cherished by all those he leaves behind. Bret’s life ended much too soon and he will be forever missed in the hearts of all the friends and family he has left behind.

Breton Worth Hinkle, of Grandville and formerly of East Grand Rapids, MI, died on Saturday February 14, 2009. Bret’s family includes his wife of five years, Jennifer (Bourque) Hinkle of Grandville; parents Ray and Susan Hinkle of East Grand Rapids; sister Gretchen Hinkle of East Grand Rapids, MI; grandparents Ivan Worth Parkins of Mt Pleasant, MI., Charles and Betty Jo Hinkle of Swartz Creek; in-laws Richard and Kathy Bourque of Holland, MI.; sister-in-law Kelly Bourque of Holland, Kevin Bourque of Chicago, Brian Bourque of Holland; many Aunts, uncles, and cousins. Visit with Bret’s family and friends from 7-9 Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at Our Lady of The Lake Catholic Church 480 North 152 Ave. Holland, MI 49424 and also for an hour prior to the service on Thursday at the Church. Funeral Services will be 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2009 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church with the Rev. Phillip Nguyen officiating. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory or photo or make a memorial contribution to The United State Marine Corps Memorial Fund.

Arrangements by the Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home Inc. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to sign Bret’s online registry, share a photo, or read his life story.