ROXBURY - Gary Allen Hinkley passed peacefully on Sunday, May 15, 2022.

Born on Sept. 27, 1937, to Harold and Ethel Hinkley in Meeker Hollow, Gary was a lifelong resident of Roxbury. His love for the town was equal to his pride and love for his family.

Gary married the love of his life, Bonnie Lefferts Price, on Easter Sunday April 21, 1957. Their love story began as young teens and flourished throughout their 65 years of marriage. Their connection was unmistakable each time they took to the dance floor. Gary and Bonnie were known for traveling up and down the east coast each year spending time with cherished friends in Florida and Maine. Most of these trips found the car loaded with Gary's mountain bike, skis, and paddleboard.

Gary, along with his brother Sanford, founded Plattekill Mountain in 1959. He brought his vision to life creating a family-oriented ski center featuring some of the greatest terrain in the northeast. Gary's passion for skiing allowed generations of families to learn and love the sport. He was famous for encouraging everyone to ski the Catskills and was well-known throughout the East Coast Ski Industry. In his later years Gary set out annual challenges for top-to-bottom ski runs; memorably achieving 1,200 runs during the 2018 - 2019 ski season. His family and friends will continue this tradition in his honor.

Gary had a long career of building. His craftsmanship can be found throughout the Catskills and in Downeast Maine. His projects include countless custom residential and commercial structures, a collection of homes for his family and closest friends, and the original Roxbury Motel. The motel allowed him to share his love of Roxbury with everyone who came through its doors. His dedication to craft and hardworking ethic allowed to him become a mentor to all those with whom he worked.

Gary's greatest accomplishment and pride was his family. He didn't limit his love only to those sharing his surname and was deeply humbled when others referred to him as a father-figure or called him Papa. To have known Gary is to have known unconditional love.

Gary was predeceased by his parents; six brothers; and five sisters.

Gary is survived by his wife, Bonnie; brother, Glenford; three sons, Allen Hinkley (Jo Hinkley), Kenneth Hinkley, and John Bolger (Lorrayne Bolger.) He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Nicole Hinkley Cahill [Lt. Colonel Matthew J. Cahill], Michelle Elise Burtt [Brett Burtt], Kendall Hinkley, Garrett Hinkley, Julian Osgood, Allyce Bolger, Karly Bolger, and John Bolger; and three great-grandchildren, Beckett Cahill, Parker Cahill, and Connor Burtt.

Calling hours will be hosted at the Miller Funeral Home in Roxbury from 3 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 18.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m., at the Jay Gould Memorial Church in Roxbury on Thursday, May 19, burial to follow at Roxbury Cemetery. Family will gather at the Kirkside Barns following the service to celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to the Jay Gould Memorial Church or the Roxbury Volunteer Fire Department.