William E. Hinkley ’65 died on November 13, 2024, in St. Louis, Missouri.
(The following was provided by Bopp Chapel in November 13, 2024:)
William E. Hinkley ’65
Dr. William Elliot Hinkley passed with family by his side on November 13, 2024, in St. Louis, MO.
Born on September 29, 1943, in Lancaster, New Hampshire, Dr. Hinkley was raised in Groveton New Hampshire. His father, Robert Hinkley, M.D., was the town’s only doctor. His mother, Katherine, was a housewife. He attended Groveton High, where his passions were basketball and playing the trumpet.
His academic dedication and excellence took him to Bowdoin College in Maine, where he graduated cum laude with a B.A., to Dartmouth Medical School for his B.M.S., and finally to Harvard Medical School, where he earned his M.D. He and his Bowdoin roommate remained in contact throughout his life, sharing a tradition of birthday phone calls, even up until his very last birthday in September.
Dr. Hinkley’s early medical career was defined by rigorous training at the Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, where he served in multiple capacities from intern in medicine to chief resident. His professional life was marked by significant achievements, including assistant in medicine and director of cardiology at Christian Hospital NE-NW. His leadership extended to high administrative roles, including chief of the medical staff and serving on the board of directors for Christian Health Systems and BJC Health System. He founded, directed, and led multiple entities, including St. Louis Cardiology Consultants, Ltd., Diagnostic Cardiology Services, Ltd., and Accubill Systems, Ltd. His professional accolades include certifications from the National Board of Medical Examiners, the American Board of Internal Medicine, and recognition as a Fellow by both the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association’s Council on Clinical Cardiology. Dr. Hinkley regarded his greatest career achievements not as titles or administrative roles or certifications, but in the time spent with patients and families, providing highly personalized care and emotional support.
Dr. Hinkley cherished weekends mowing the lawn on his farm and watching his horses compete in shows throughout the region and beyond.
He will be remembered for his intellectual rigor, sharp wit and sense of humor, and unrelenting drive. He was preceded in death by his sister, Danny Lunn. He leaves behind a daughter, Katherine Drew Hinkley, cherished friends and family whom he cared for deeply.