Alan R. Hinds

Alan Russell Hinds, 79, of Oak Park, died on Oct. 10, 2022. Born In Newport, Rhode Island on October 23, 1942, Alan graduated from Rogers High School. Alan earned a B.S. in Chemistry from Brown University and a M.Sc. in Chemical Physics from the University of Chicago. He worked as a Computer Scientist for Argonne National Laboratory, as a Research Programmer for the UIC Computer Center and School of Public Health, and as a Computer Programmer for several Chicago area companies. Alan held himself to a very high standard in his work.

Alan loved going to theater, music, and dance performances across the Chicago area. When he saw a performance that moved him, he would return to see it many times. He was particularly drawn to small theaters that did not have many audience seats or elaborate sets. Some of his fondest memories were of plays at Steppenwolf, Jazz Fest and Blues Fest in Grant Park, Revelations by Alvin Ailey, the August Wilson Century Cycle, The Faith Healer performed by Brad Armacost, Second City shows from the 1970s/80s, Stumpy’s Gang at the Annoyance Theater, and the singing of soprano Elizabeth Norman. In 2014, Alan engaged Elizabeth Norman to sing a benefit concert to support renovations at Unity Temple. 

Alan always supported progressive causes. He owned and hand-operated a printing press in the 1970s, churning out thousands of leaflets for a range of anti-war and civil rights organizations. Alan’s charitable giving included numerous social justice causes, Chicago-area theaters, and public radio, which he enjoyed listening to all day long for many years. 

In 2007, Alan was hit by a taxi when visiting his son in Brooklyn, NY.  He sustained several serious injuries, including a spinal cord injury, and he worked incredibly hard over the next 15 years, with the help of physical therapists, to be able to walk again and do the things he enjoyed.  Alan loved pizza, especially from Gino’s East, and a good day included a cup of coffee and a chocolate donut from Kay’s Bakery.

Alan was pre-deceased by his wife, Lois Nyberg Hinds.  Alan is survived by his children, David (Lucie), Heather, and Steven, and by his granddaughter Clara who has always known him as “Poppy”.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in support of Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation (www.sralab.org/give-now) or to Doctors Without Borders, are appreciated. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alan R. Hinds, please visit our floral store.