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Chris Mahaffey
13 years ago

Dave Hinton was one of the first hoteliers I met when I started my association management career in the late 70s. He was fairly new to Chicago and I was as green as they came. I will never forget when he walked into my office on a cold call - it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, except I had no idea how intertwined our careers would become over the 30 years. Dave quickly became a mentor and gave me tremendous encouragement when I started interviewing for a new job in 1979, but I could tell he wasn't so sure I was ready for an opening for an executive director ... of the Chicago Society of Association Executives in 1980. I landed that spot and for the next 20 years he became one of my best volunteers, board members, and advisors. In the mid 80s Dave was insistent that Chicago had its own "Springtime in the Park." As CSAE Past President Tom Sharpe has written elsewhere in this space, there were a lot of doubters, myself included. But when we stole the idea of a holiday season event from the California SAE (thanks to Marta Hayden's suggestion), the pieces started falling into place, and Holiday Showcase was born. (Dave chose the name and also secured Lou Holtz as our first luncheon guest star.) I told Dave I'd jump in the Chicago River if we got over 1,000 executives to attend ... and I was saved from that fate by the absence of only 50 people. Today, over 1,500 execs attend, and booths have grown from 175 to maxing out the Hyatt's Riverside Exhibit Hall. Due to all of this I dubbed Dave "Father Showcase." I mean, really, he LOOKED like Santa! And goodness knows his genius brought a lot of business "presents" and holiday cheer to our community. After two years Dave and Bill started their "Encore" party after the show - and I think 2010 will be the 20th anniversary of the party. I only wish my good friend would be with us to celebrate. Even after his retirement, Dave remained a good friend ... he'd "hold court" at the Encore party, regaling us with great stories ... we chatted periodically ...and he even attended my Mom's memorial service to my surprise. Now that's a friend. I've said too much, but Dave was such a tremendous influence in my career, I felt compelled to get this "on the record." Thanks, Dave. I will never forget you. Chris Mahaffey

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Joani Beckwith
13 years ago

David, Kevin, Sean, Keri & Mark - some of my happiest days were spent planning trips for your Dad. I had so much fun trying to get all of you together in one place. The connection with h+g and Opryland Hotel (& Opryland Travel) was unique. A dinner shared with Dave and the late Mike Diamond at Opryland's Old Hickory still gives me chills knowing I was so blessed to be in the presence of greatness. Not only in our industry but in LIFE. You know they will probably be the Hospitality greeters with St. Peter. Love and prayers for all of you. Joani Beckwith

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Elizabeth Kretchmer
13 years ago

Dear Hinton Family, I was so saddened to learn of Dave's passing. Please know that my heart goes out to all of you during this very difficult time. I'm thinking of you all. Very truly yours ~ Elizabeth Kretchmer

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Tom Caradonio
13 years ago

The first time I met Dave was in 1979 and he was representing us as we opened the then AMFAC Hotel and Resort at DFW airport in Texas. He was an awesome salesperson and a great friend and mentor through the years. I was delighted to have been priveledged to work, know, laugh, and story tell with Dave. There is a big unfilled hole in the Hospitality world with his passing. Salud my friend. Tom

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Anonymous
13 years ago

i didn't know him as mr. chicago or father showcase until now. i simply knew him as "dave"... and not david... or mr. hinton but it didn’t matter what i called him (even though he insisted on dave) because each of these titles referred to an unforgettable man that touched the lives of many. when i started my position at h+g two years ago as the receptionist i was told a number of things when answering the phones but one stuck with me more than the rest: don't ask who's calling...! i thought it was odd at first since my previous positions taught me otherwise. it wasn't until i received that first phone call from dave that this idea made sense me and my training was put to the test... i passed, he could even tell that i was smiling. of course he reiterated everything that i should do when answering the phones but he also explained that every call was an important one no matter who was calling... so i listened. it was always a pleasure talking to dave because he wanted to know what was new, what was going on, with me and with h+g. he made me feel important even as the new receptionist. i will miss hearing your voice dave and providing you with the latest updates.

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Laura Stoll
13 years ago

I didn't have the opportunity to meet Dave, but I do interface with members of his team. Based on the integrity and reputation of these folks it is clear that Dave has created an incredible legacy - and that's not easy to do. My heart goes out to the h+g family.

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Vivian Shaw
13 years ago

Dave's personality filled the room and his humor made you laugh out loud. Dave was an icon in our industry, he had a true passion for life and a deep love for his family and for his friends who were like family. He gave more than most and his unwavering ethics and values were admired by all. We will miss him very much.

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David gave us the gift of himself and shared his industry family with so many of us. A man is known by his name, his reputation is his badge. David was all of that and more, he stood for honor, respect, trust, knowledge, he will continue to be a teacher to us all long after today. We will miss him, but I know his voice will continue to be heard. My heart is heavy, but his footprint on our lives is great. May I say thank you to his family for the gift of sharing him with us all.

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Edina Lessack, CMP
13 years ago

I did not know Dave that well because by the time I began to work with H&G, he had already retired. However, at almost every event or meeting, his name invariably came up and the respect and admiration for him was evident in whoever was speaking. He was a "giant" in this industry and he was too young to leave us. I wish Kevin, his family and Bill strength going forward. May his memory be a blessing for us. Edina Lessack, CMP

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Maggie Maczulski
13 years ago

... As well as a most wonderful individual. My professional friendship with Dave spanned many years throughout numerous meetings and events. I have to believe that I first met him at the Shoreham Hotel. But he was Mr. Chicago for so long, those memories overshadow all earlier. With such a successful career, he was admired and respected as a true leader in the hospitality community. His warm greetings and radiant smile always lit up the room. And he was a kind and generous person, too. He was a one of a kind and will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences to his personal family and his h+g family. What a wonderful legacy to carry on.

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I have known Mr. Hinton for 20+ years, pretty much as long as I can remember. Our families were neighbors on Malden, in LaGrange. Every Thanksgiving morning, after church, we would head down to the Hinton's for a celebration of friends and family. It was so nice to reconnect with everyone for even just that few minutes. You walked in the door and were immedietly greeted like a member of the family. I always looked forward to bumping into him around town. He always had a smile on his face and made you feel like the most important person in the world at that moment. He touched so many lives and left such a lasting impression that we are all better people because of him. He will be missed.

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Where do I simply begin...Dave has been more than a mentor to me but the man I idolized & inspired to be like for many years. It all began many years ago while he was putting together the CARDS event in Chicago and had ask ME...yes ME to be on the committee...I truly thought I won the lottery that day. Well needless to say our friendship blossomed through the years and he was like family...always giving me the best advice (well a few NOT so much) and when he asked me to join his company in 1996 Oct. 1st I feel as though I did win the lottery that day. Each day working with him and the team truly has been nothing but a learning experience. I will cherish those memories always. I shall also never forget when my brother, father and mother passed away he was with my family and he had touched them as well with his charismatic ways...we have all lost a TRUE LEGEND and as we called him an "Uncle Buck" that will never be forgotten. May God Bless you and keep you and don't forget about us down here...we could all use a little help once in awhile as only you could say. We love you...and yes, I booked a meeting today in your honor! Kathleen Kozminske a/k/a Katrin

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Steve Bova
13 years ago

Early in my career, I was introduced to Dave by Chris Mahaffey who referred to Dave as "Father Showcase." It proved that a good idea does not necessarily need a lot of research and committee discussion to launch and be successful . Today, as Executive Director of Financial & insurance Conference Planners (FICP). I am appreciative of the commitment Dave and his company have made to the hospitality industry and the support Hinton & Grusich provides to all of our industry organizations. That's industry leadership!

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karen dee gravlin
13 years ago

Over the course of the last two years Dave had become a great mentor and friend. I spoke with Dave often and he never missed an opportunity to tell me how proud he was of me or how much he supported me. The last time I saw Dave was on February 25th. I remember it very clearly because the sun was shining in my office, he was in a great mood, he was smiling and we had a great talk. Like most talks with Dave he said something like, "I hear great things from Kevin...just want you to know how proud I am..." In death there is much regret over missed opportunities to tell people how much they mean to us. Fortunately for me my final memory of Dave is a happy one and I don't have any regrets. I am so privileged to have known him and I am honored to be part of hinton+gruscih and his legacy. Although I am not a spiritual person there was a moment at the end of the funeral after between 'Somewhere over the Rainbow' and the conclusion of the service that the sun shined bright into the church...and for me that was it, that was the moment that I finally said goodbye to Dave. Today there is a photo of him on my desk...it should have been here all along, Dave will be missed but never forgotten.

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Dan Myers
13 years ago

When I moved from Washington to Chicago in 1989, my old boss whom I succeeded, Jack Capps, told me that one of the first people I should meet was Dave Hinton. As it turned out, I got to know his partner, Bill Grusich, better than Dave, but I always treasured my convesations Dave. As I grew older, more wrinkled and grayer, I also found that a beard can hide a lot. One thing that Dave and I shared was a belief that one should never have a clean line shaved along the bottom of the beard on your neck. The rugged, rough and tumble look for us. Dave will be missed by all his friends and colleagues in the meetings industry because of his gentle nature, his warm friendship, and his concern for other people. He was a giant. Dan Myers

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Tom Sharpe
14 years ago

As a long time member of CSAE and later AFOC, I frequently interacted with Dave and Bill professionally and socially. More than twenty years ago Dave suggested the idea of turning CSAE’s modest Holiday Party into a mega-event. The concept was to include world class speakers, entertainers, educational opportunities and mix in hundreds of exhibits targeted exclusively to the association community. Kick the whole thing off with a reception at around 11:00 a.m. followed by a banquet, and there you’d have it. I said to anyone who would listen that “it’ll never fly.” How in the world do you combine all of those diverse elements into a single, cohesive event and get about two thousand people to participate? I wasn’t the only person who thought Dave lost some of his marbles. Fortunately, innovation and creativity trumped “conventional wisdom” and Holiday Showcase became the most successful enterprise I’ve ever witnessed in all my years of association management. Former CSAE/AFOC President Chris Mahaffey dubbed Dave “Father Showcase” for his enduring commitment to the association and all it stood for, including its incredibly successful annual event conceived of by Dave. Thanks largely to the genius of Father Showcase, the organization grew and prospered in ways totally unprecedented in its ninety-four year history. Dave Hinton was a World Class guy who left his mark on anyone who had the good fortune to interact with him professionally or socially. He will be remembered. He will be missed. Tom Sharpe

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Tracy Furner Stein
14 years ago

I got my start in the hotel representation business because Dave Hinton and Bill Grusich took a chance on me. I will always cherish my time at H+G and my relationship with Dave. Dave was so generous in teaching me what had made him successful and I learned so much in my three years under his leadership. He had more charisma in his pinky finger than most people have in their whole being. He was a magnet for people...all kinds of people and an outing with Dave was sure to be an entertaining and memorable one. He was immensely proud of his family...always. And that extended to his H+G family, too. Kevin, I wish you and your siblings peace and comfort in the days ahead. You have all done him so proud. Bill, I thank you for being a teacher to me and I am sorry for your loss. You and Dave were a dynamic duo. I am terribly sorry to have missed the wake and funeral due to the recent birth of my second child, but I know that Dave would understand. I toast to him this evening and will remember him always.

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Sue Tinnish
14 years ago

I never met Dave Hinton but have tremendous respect for the legacy he left with Hinton-Grusich and through the countless people that he mentored. My sincere sympathy for his family. And I know that there will be a gap at Hinton+Grusich. My thoughts are with Kevin and everyone at H-G. Sue Tinnish SEAL Inc. MPI-CAC Past President

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Megan Miller
14 years ago

I had the pleasure of working at h+g and working for Dave and look back on that time with so much fondness. Dave truly welcomed you to the company and to his family. Dave (and Co.) promoted me to sales and I learned so much during my 4+ years there. He was a wonderful mentor and along with Bill created a great environment to learn and have fun!! My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. Megan Miller

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I remember meeting Dave during my tenure at PCMA more than 15 years ago. Knowing his name from reading industry news, and listening to stories of his leadership and accomplishments from my superiors, I was quite nervous prior to meeting this "larger than life" presence in our industry. I enjoyed getting to know Dave since those years, and was able to confirm that he was indeed larger than life and passionate about this industry, with the added traits of being genuine, warm and kind. Dave continued to be supportive of me in each role in my career path. I will always appreciate that he took time to listen, provide input and guidance in whatever professional endeavor that I threw at him. Thank you for your contributions and influence on so many of our businesses and lives, Dave. I am grateful to have the chance to have known you. I'm thankful, too, for friendships forged with Kevin, Bill, Karen, Koz and the entire h+g team. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the Hinton family. Gretchen

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First and foremost, though words don't do justice to the thoughts and feelings in my heart for your loss .... my prayers to out to Bill, Kevin, the H&G family and all of David's family & friends. As to memories ... there are so many to recall ... from my humble beginnings in this industry 25 plus years ago .. to all the assistance, insight and contributions Dave gave to me and others, as do Bill & Kevin and the team continue to do. God Bless you All!!

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Rebecca Dinstuhl
14 years ago

Upon learning of Dave's passing, the wonderful memories of his vibrant personality and larger than life laugh began to flood my mind. He guided me, a "green" rookie sales manager, through the maze of working with the giants in the industry and made me feel a vital part. Dave, my memories of the great times together will be with me forever! Thank you! Bill, Kevin and H+G Crew, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this challenging time. His spirit will live on through your continuing efforts for many years to come.

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David Sachs
14 years ago

Truly a kind and generous man – Dave will be missed.

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Anonymous
14 years ago

I came to the USA 22 years ago and had the privilege of knowing Dave for 20 of those. Immediately after meeting this incredible man, I figured out what all the 'fuss' was about: His charisma, sparkle, outgoing & outspoken personality and his passion for his family and his company (and industry as a whole) was something that clearly defined OUR Dave. Whether you met him just 30 minutes ago at a cocktail-reception (where he surely met someone who had business for h+g) or had known him for decades...Dave touched you and he would leave an unforgettable impression on us all. Dave Hinton became my professional father-figure and an industry mentor. I credit him (along with Bill Grusich) for my professional career. His powerful presence, his enthusiasm for working hard and living well, his passion for impacting our industry will forever be ingrained in my memory. He pushed me...he encouraged me...he challenged me...he complimented me...he made me better. (and him liking the music of ABBA certainly helped...) I am forever grateful & so privileged to have known this wonderful man for over 20 years. Working side by side with Dave has been a terrific honor and I will cherish this for the rest of my life. Dave, you're leaving a huge void for me and I THANK YOU for having touched my life and heart in countless profound ways. You, Dear Dave, I will dearly miss! André Valk

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Hayat Pronovost
14 years ago

If Michael Jackson was the "King" of Pop, than Dave Hinton was the "King" of the Hospitality Business. Dave was one in a million, liked by all and truly a geniune person both professionally and personally. Having worked for H&G for 6.5 years, I grew to know Dave and he helped me grow as a sales professional. He helped launch my sales career and provided guidance and exposure and for that I will be forever grateful. He also served as a father figure to me, having lost my own dad years ago. Of course, he was the father that everyone wished for, fun loving, easy to talk to, brutally honest with his feedback; but at the end of the day...always had your back. As I reflect back to my memories of Dave, I will always remember him as in industry icon, someone I was priveledged to know and someone who inspired me. His legacy will continue through his accomplishements, the succesful company he built and ultimately through his wonderful children. I will miss him dearly! Hayat Pronovost Chicago, IL

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Kevin Hinton
14 years ago

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Tom Hinton
14 years ago

Although I had met my dear older cousin Dave at many family events, my most memorable recollection of Dave occurred shortly after he got out of the U.S. Navy. Dave came to Washington, D.C. where our family lived, looking for a job. It was a beautiful spring day and my big brother, Mike, took Dave site-seeing in his new convertible Chevy Impala . I tagged along. We were stopped at a red light at Connecticut Avenue and Calvert Street when an old woman carry a bag of groceries was slowly crossing Connecticut Avenue as the light changed from red to green. She looked up as she passed in front of our car and said, I'm hurrying, I'm hurrying!" With that, Dave got out of the car, took her groceries, and escorted safely across the busy street. They walked together about a block to her apartment building talking about springtime in D.C. and he wished her a good day. Ironically, she lived across the street from the (Omni) Shoreham Hotel, which is where Dave got his first hotel sales job a few weeks later. I've always remembered that act of chivalry and kindness, and reminded Dave of it from time to time. Dave told me that woman reminded him of his late mother, Alice, and that's why he got out of the car and helped her across the street. He also told me he noticed the big tan building -- the Shoreham Hotel and thought to himself, "That would be a nice place to work." How serendipitous Dave began his long and successful career at the very spot. Dave was "old school." He built a great company, Hinton + Grusich, on relationships. He also had a heart of gold and gave freely of his time to anyone who wanted to jump-start their career in the hospitality industry. But, his greatest legacy is his family -- all successful and filled with the same values and thoughtfulness of Dave and Barbara. I will miss you, cousin, and always remember you. God bless. Cousin Tom Hinton San Diego, CA

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dave and bill
14 years ago

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Vivian Shaw
13 years ago

This pic is from an h+g annual meeting a few years back. Dave and Bill shared what it was like in the early days when h+g was just getting started. They talked about the challenges and successes of starting a new business and how hard they worked to be the best. Dave's stories were priceless and everybody laughed for an hour. Personally, my admiration and respect for Dave, Bill and Kevin grew that day. ~ Vivian

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estefani aguirre
14 years ago

i will miss those calls, that humor and his excellent taste in desserts.. pecan pie! :) thanks for everything dave.

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courtney cannon
14 years ago

fire side chats - that's all I have to say... thank you for founding such an awesome company to be a part of we will truly miss you dave!

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hintonandgrusich
14 years ago

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