NH House Speaker Hinch Dies a Week After Being Sworn In: Update

This story was originally published by InDepth NH.

By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org

CONCORD, NH — The state’s new House Speaker, Richard W. Hinch (R-Merrimack), has died.

The 71-year-old was sworn in to a job he called the honor of his life on Dec. 2.

Hinch was attending a virtual meeting with legislators on Tuesday, but had reportedly been feeling ill after spending most of the cold day Dec. 2 outdoors for Organization Day. He normally would have chaired the meeting had he not been feeling sick.

“My heart goes out to his wife Pat and his family and we are saddened by his passing,” said House Democratic Leader Renny Cushing (D-Hampton).

Cushing learned of Hinch’s death late Wednesday afternoon from Deputy House Speaker Sherm Packard.

Gov. Chris Sununu has directed all flags on public buildings and grounds to half-staff.

"Profoundly sad to learn of the passing of Speaker Dick Hinch," he said. "Speaker Hinch was a fierce defender of the New Hampshire Advantage, a close friend, and a respected public servant. His loss will be greatly felt by the people of this state, and I ask Granite Staters to join me in praying for his family during this incredibly difficult time."

Senate President Chuck Morse (R-Salem) said, Morse said after being sworn in last week, they were looking forward to serving together, "because we had so many plans."

In a statement, Morse said, "I considered Speaker Dick Hinch to be one of my very best friends. The news that he has passed away so unexpectedly is heart breaking. Dick was truly a kind and humble man. He always dedicated himself to what he liked to say, 'to the better of,' that meant his family, his friends, his hometown of Merrimack and the state of New Hampshire."

Going forward without Hinch, "will be very difficult but I have confidence that, in our sorrow, the members of the house and the senate will all rally and live up to his memory. Dick’s wife Pat and family will have all my love and support in the days and weeks to come."

Morse added, "New Hampshire has lost one of its best and most dedicated public servants.”

On Twitter, Ray Buckley, the chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, stated, "Deepest of condolences to the family and loved ones of newly elected NH House Speaker Dick Hinch on his sudden passing today."

Senate Minority Leader Donna Soucy (D-Manchester) said her thoughts and prayers were with his family and loved ones during this heartbreaking time.

"Today the New Hampshire Legislature lost one of our own," she said. "May we as his colleagues stand together and continue the important work of the people of New Hampshire. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife and family."

Packard told people at the meeting Tuesday, which was covered by InDepthNH.org, that Hinch had cold-like symptoms that were not COVID-19-related.

Organization Day was held outdoors at the University of New Hampshire in the cold due to concerns about COVID-19.

Born in Marblehead, Massachusetts, on May 1, 1949, he was first elected as a Republican to the House in 2008, and worked through the ranks to become Minority Leader on Dec. 5, 2018.

When the Republicans took control of the House during the November general election, he was elected to another term and a Nov. 20 caucus of Republicans chose him to be their leader for the next two years. At a caucus event that day, four members contracted COVID-19.

Speaker Hinch, best known as “Dick” was appointed by Speaker Shawn Jasper to serve as House Majority Whip in 2015. He was considered very dedicated to local public service.

Hinch served on the Merrimack Board of Selectmen as its chair from 2003-06; Merrimack Budget Committee as its Vice-Chair from 2001-03 and Merrimack Public Library Development Committee Chair from, 2008 to 2018.

He was the owner and principal broker at Hinch-Crowley Realty Associates, LLC and served in the United States Navy from 1968 to 72.

In civic organizations, he was also very active including with the Rotary Club of Merrimack, Merrimack Lions Club, Merrimack Chamber of Commerce as its Director from 2010-2018, and as a New Hampshire Real Estate Commissioner from 2017 to the present.

This story was originally published by InDepth NH.