The Loss of a Great Instructor/Coach

Team 1254, Team Entropy from the Van Buren Technology Center suffered the tragic loss of Mrs. Carolyn Hinckley. Mrs. Hinckley was the programming instructor for the Technology Center, and programming coach for the team.

She lost her 15 year battle with cancer in the early hours of this morning. Mrs. Hinckley has been a beacon of hope for so many people. She was one of the founding instructors for our team. She has been with us every year pushing us past boundaries, making sure that we follow her lead and Never Give Up. She will be missed by all the people whose lives she has touched.

Carolyn gave a great deal. She worked diligently and successfully in inspiring young people to pursue science and engineering through her selfless work with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology) in the West Michigan region.

Beyond her tremendous dedication to the local community, her volunteer work clearly demonstrated her passion for helping others and her commitment to making an impact on the world around her.

Carolyn was one of the kindest people you could ever have the chance of knowing.

She is survived her loving husband and two children.

“Never Give Up”

It is a very sad day when FIRST loses such a great volunteer. My empathy goes out to her family, friends, Team Entropy, and everyone she touched. Team 811 sends its regards.

Condolences from myself and 2175 go out to her family, students and team.

I recall helping her a number of times last season here on Chief Delphi, and she was extremely kind, patient and gracious in her posts.

On behalf on team 1519, I would like to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are not only with her family but with team 1254.

I recently lost my grandmother to cancer, an 18 month battle that began last year during GSR. She loved FIRST, although Mrs. Hinckley loved it more judging by your post.

stay strong,
Brendan

I don’t think I ever got to meet Carolyn, but I recall several conversations with her here on ChiefDelphi. Condolences to her family and the team.

On behalf of Team RUSH and myself, my condolences and prayers go to your team and her family.

I offer my condolences to Carolyn’s family, and the team. I lost one of my grandmothers to cancer, and I know how hard it is to deal with overnight deaths.

You, your team, and her family have my condolences.
Requiescat in pace Mrs. Hinckley, you will be in my prayers tonight.