David Alan Hinshaw

David (Dave) Alan Hinshaw passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of adventure, invention, faith, and laughter. Born in Whittier, California, to Forrest Vernon and Bess Mozell Dwire Hinshaw, Dave lived a life full of curiosity, resourcefulness, and good-natured mischief.

As a boy, he spent summers baling hay on his uncle’s farm in Iowa (for a penny a bale), and by elementary school, he was performing Indian dances at the Hollywood Bowl and winning yo-yo contests. In high school, he surfed the California coast, ran track, and lost a few front teeth playing football—ironically, in a game against the high school his future wife Cathy attended—a story he never let go to waste when it came to getting a good laugh.

A talented draftsman, Dave designed parts used in everything from lotion pumps to a braking system for a manned rocket sled. He studied Industrial Arts at Cal State Long Beach but discovered his real gift was connecting with people—whether through teaching, storytelling, or selling a used car (he sold one to the first person who walked onto the lot).

He met Cathy Creter—his future wife and lifelong partner—when they parked next to each other at college. They married in December 1966 and lived briefly in Utah, where they joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. One year later, they were sealed in the Los Angeles Temple—a commitment of faith they carried with them throughout their life together.

After returning to California, they settled in Norco and bought a home on a small farm where they raised four children surrounded by chickens, horses, pigs, a crazy old turkey, and a cow named Ribeye. Dave served with the Norco Mounted Police and loved to participate in the town horse parade. During this time, he founded Dave’s Bike Shop and Bandito Racing Products, and operated two BMX racetracks with Cathy. All the kids raced, and the family business became a centerpiece of their active, close-knit life.

Dave worked for Valvoline Oil for 32 years as a sales representative, overseeing the California and Hawaii regions. His role allowed him to travel extensively and spend meaningful time in Hawaii—an experience he treasured. A California surfer at heart, Dave never lost his love for the ocean, and the beach remained one of his favorite places throughout his life.

In the early 1990s, the family relocated to Park City, Utah. In retirement, Dave discovered a new passion: snowboarding. He went on to teach the sport for nearly two decades, including training Secret Service agents during the 2002 Winter Olympics. He kept riding well into his late 70s—sometimes 50 days a season.

Dave served faithfully in bishoprics, on stake missions, and later as a Family History missionary in Park City. He was known for his inventive mind, calm strength, and dry, often surprising humor—including the occasional party trick of popping out his front teeth just for a laugh.

Dave is survived by his wife, Cathy; children, Christie (Richard) Evans, Melissa (Barry) Stockton, and Casey Hinshaw; and grandchildren, Jaren, Nathaniel, Cameron, Victoria, and Hawkens. He was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and Bess Hinshaw; his brother, Forrest Hinshaw; his eldest son, Michael Hinshaw; and his granddaughter, Aislinn Hinshaw.

A private graveside service will be held for immediate family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 12th, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Spring House Village Clubhouse at 6091 Sparrow View Drive, South Jordan, UT 84009

In true Dave fashion, the gathering will be filled with love, laughter, and his favorite foods—tacos and enchiladas. All are welcome to come and celebrate the wonderful life Dave lived and the joy he brought to those around him.

Flowers may be sent to Dave and Cathy’s home:

6077 W Stone Mount Way 

South Jordan, UT 84009