Alumni
Eldridge (Ed) Hines
Eldridge Dee Hines moved to his permanent home in heaven on Friday, October 28, 2005. He passed gently in his home in Tempe , surrounded by love. Ed (or Eddie) was born in Carlsbad , New Mexico on October 4, 1940. He graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1958, where he was very active in school activities, including being a cheerleader. He was often seen and admired around town in his restored Model A Ford. Ed was very active in Boy Scouts and Explorer Scouts, where he was noted for helping younger scouts with their merit badges and serving as a counselor at Philmont Scout Ranch.
Ed graduated from New Mexico State University with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. He earned his way through college by traveling around the world in the employment of NMSU's Physical Science Laboratories, working on the satellite-tracking program for America 's fledgling space program. He met Dorothy Pobar on a blind date at NMSU, and as he often told the story, she quickly became his very best friend and ultimately his beloved wife. They were married March 9, 1968 and later moved to the Phoenix area in July of 1968. Ed is survived by Dorothy, his mother Irene, his younger sister Benjalyn, four brothers-in-law (Bob, George, John, Ted), a sister-in-law (Catherine) six nieces and nephews, and two grand nieces. His father, Dee, and his older sister, Thresa, preceded Ed in death.
Ed focused his career in the electronics industry, specializing in the field of semiconductor package design. As Ed pursued his passion at Motorola, General Semiconductor and VLSI, he was held in the highest regard by his peers and superiors and was noted for his joyful dedication to his work. All who came in contact with Ed were blessed by his gentle nature, his sparkling blue eyes, his mischievous smile and his wonderful ability to focus on the person he was interacting with as though they were the only person in the world.
Outside of his work life, Ed loved to dance, collect Coca Cola memorabilia, restore classic cars, participate in the Dobson Ranch Toastmasters, eat popcorn on date night at the movies, seek the world's best chocolate chip cookie recipe and solve difficult problems with his ever-creative engineering mind. He was deeply involved in the life of Bethany Community Church , where he taught fourth grade Sunday school, participated in small groups and served on the Elder Board. His intelligence and curiosity spanned a wide variety of topics, and his playful nature, diversity of hobbies, wonderfully resonant voice, and teaching abilities made him a favorite of a wide variety of friends and acquaintances.
Ed's excellent character traits remained intact throughout his 7+-year battle with Alzheimer's disease. Throughout his last years, Ed was cared for in his home by a loving and competent team of professionals. It was noted that his gentle, patient, and kind personality, which shined undimmed by his disease, continually motivated his outstanding care team.
The family wishes to thank each person on his care team, the Alzheimer's Association, and Hospice of the Valley.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his name to the Alzheimer's Association ( 1028 E. McDowell Rd. , Phoenix , Az. 85006) and Hospice of the Valley ( 1510 E. Flower St. , Phoenix , Az. 85014).
A visitation will be held from 6-8 pm Monday, November 7, at Resthaven Park Mortuary at 4310 East Southern Avenue, Phoenix . Memorial services are planned for 10:30 am Tuesday, November 8, at Bethany Community Church , 6240 S. Price Rd. Tempe , Az.