In Memory of Harold “Huck” Hindsley
Harold E. “Huck” Hindsley (Image courtesy of Scott Hindsley) Harold E. “Huck” Hindsley, ’50 ENG, passed away on Jan. 17, 2022, his 93rd birthday. A resident of Winnetka, Ill., Hindsley loyally served his Alma Mater in leadership roles with the Athletic Association and the University of Illinois Foundation. He also served as president of the Illinois Alumni Association from 1971 to 1973.
Born in Bloomington, Ind., Hindsley and his family moved to Urbana when his father, Mark, became director of U of I bands. Huck attended Urbana High School before enrolling in the University to major in mechanical engineering and joining the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
Hindsley married Jeanne (Bresee) Hindsley, ’51 LAS, and joined his father-in-law’s Champaign-based firm, Bresee Enterprises, after serving in the Army. Huck and Jeanne relocated to Winnetka when he joined Northern Trust Company as a commercial banker in 1966; Hindsley retired from the company in 1991 as a senior vice president.
Hindsley’s association with Illinois was long and varied. He was a member of the University’s Concert Band, as well as the Marching Illini. He chaired the fund raising steering committee for the Alice Campbell Alumni Center, where he and his family established the Hindsley Great Room. He also was active in his community.
“Huck, through his upbeat and welcoming personality always made new and old friends alike feel they were special and could make a difference,” said Sid Micek, president emeritus and senior advisor of the University of Illinois Foundation. “I got to know Huck well as we interacted at U of I events, occasionally played golf together and worked to promote and gain support for the University. In particular, I will always be grateful for Huck’s leadership and his family’s support in helping build the Alice Campbell Alumni Center. Huck’s was a life well lived.”
Hindsley’s extended family includes numerous Illini, including sister the late Marilyn (Hindsley) Haynie, FAA ’51; brother Robert, ’61 FAA, MS ’62 FAA; and son Scott,’78 FAA, MARCH ’80.
