Obituary of Rufus HINCHEE

Rufus Charles Hinchee Jr., passed away at hone August 16, 2006 due to complications of Diabetes. He was born on March 16, 1934 in Bluefield, W.V. to Rufus and Verna Hinchee, now deceased.He had no religious affiliation but had a strong sense of spirituality and a belief in a Higher Power which he referred to as God. Rufe never met a stranger.Rufe attended school in Bluefield and upon graduation enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1953 and was enlisted until 1957 and remained in the Air Reserve until 1961. He married his high school sweetheart Gerry and had two daughters; Cheryl and Sandy. While in the serve he made his way to Alaska, where he met and married Sandra Dobson and had two children; Pamela and Rufus Charles Hinchee III. After that, he married Beverly. He met and married his wife of 27 years Barbara J. who passed away 2 years ago here in Lake Havasu City.He was a member of the Eagles, the Elks and the American Legion; he was a prior member of the London Bridge Golf Club and a lifetime member of the American Cooking Club.He was a member of the National Electrical Contractors Association from 1968 - 1995. While a member he served on the Board of Directors for 12 years and was the President of the Board for 5 years.He was a member of the Alaska Electrical Labor Management and Negotiation Committee for 9 years. He served as Chairman for 5 of those years.Rufus gained his Pilots License in 1957 and enjoyed flying his own plane and exploring the vast wilderness of Alaska. His then wife, Gerry was his first passenger.He owned his own business in Alaska; Sunrise Electric from 1969 - 1984 and participated in the building of the Alaska Pipeline and many other projects throughout the State of Alaska.Rufe was an excellent cook and loved to entertain and socialize. He enjoyed the outdoors and nature which included hunting, fishing and golf. His passion for golf is what brought him to Lake Havasu in 1984. He had a great love of books, knowledge and reading.Rufe is survived by his 4 children, Cheryl Holden of Baltimore, MD, Sandy Friberg of Round Hill, VA, Pamela Hinchee of Anchorage, AK and his son, Rufus Charles Hinchee III of Wasilla, AK; brother, Jerry Hinchee of Staunton, VA; sister, Frances "Fritz" Bundy of Tazewell, VA; nine grandchildren and his best friend, Cali.A quote that Rufe loved was "life is like drawing, without an eraser".A celebration of life will be held at the Eagles Lodge, 1561 Marlboro Dr., Lake Havasu City on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 1:00 pm.Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.comArrangements entrusted to Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory