Barry Lynn Hinkle

Barry Lynn Hinkle, 72, of Meridian, Idaho, died of stage four liver cancer at his home on Saturday, July 13, 2024. 

Barry was born in Denver, Colorado, in 1952 to LeRoy and Nita (Roice). His youth and early adult life were filled with a combination of enjoying the outdoors and seeking adventure. He was an avid kayaker, skier, trap shooter, hunter, and fisherman. He was known to reminisce about days spent with his friends kayaking down snow-covered mountainsides into frigid rivers below. 

After spending several years learning the art of masonry and honing his technique, Barry moved to the Treasure Valley to put his business sense and masonry skills to use. He owned and operated Les Bois Masonry for 35 years, where he helped craft many beautiful, well-known buildings across the valley. He took great pride in his work and showed exemplary skill in his craftsmanship.    

Barry met Janet, the love of his life, in the early 1980s. They were married in 1988 and spent nearly forty years building a wonderful life together. In addition to being a husband, being a father and grandfather brought great joy and purpose to Barry’s life. 

Barry shared his love of racing, fishing, and taking pride in your work, with his son Ben. The two spent countless hours working on race cars, traveling to races, watching and participating in races at Meridian Speedway, and becoming fixtures in the area’s racing community. Every person at the track knew Barry. They knew they could look to him for a laugh or a helping hand whenever one was needed. He was a respected and loved friend to all. 

Though Barry loved being a husband, father, and business owner, his best and favorite role was that as a grandfather. His granddaughter, Jessica, spent a great deal of her time at her Nana and Papa Hinkle’s house growing up, creating an especially close connection between her and Barry. In more recent years, Barry was blessed to see the birth of his grandson, Parker, who was truly the brightest joy in his life. Parker loved his papa deeply, often running into his arms and giving him the biggest and best of bear hugs. 

Everyone who knew Barry knew how much he loved racing, salmon fishing, and spending time with his friends. His genuine, kind nature enabled him to connect with others in an impactful way. He fostered many long-term friendships and will be greatly missed by those who counted him as their friend.  

Barry was preceded in death by stepson, John Barnes; brother, Greg Hinkle; mother, Nita Roice; stepmother, Eve Hinkle; and father, LeRoy Hinkle. He is survived by wife, Janet Hinkle; son, Benjamin and his wife, Danica Hinkle; stepdaughter, Janenne Ellis and her husband, Steve Ellis; niece, Kessa and her husband, Mykel Blumenshine; grandchildren: Jessica Knight, Parker Hinkle, Alessia Barnes, and Benjamin Ellis.

A funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Meridian Cemetery. A memorial service to celebrate Barry’s life will be held in September.