Remembering Dr. Bob Hines
When Dr. Bob Hines stepped in front of his class, everyone listened. He just had this way about him. He knew how to read his students. He knew hogs. And he knew how to connect the two in a special way that few can do.
From commentaries on “foo foo dust” to old livestock judging contest stories, my time spent with Doc Hines while I was a student at Kansas State University went by too fast and are some of my favorite memories.
But I consider myself blessed that I had those years. I graduated in 2000, and he retired in 2000. A pivotal moment in both of our lives.
Even after I moved back to Illinois to start my career working for the National Swine Registry (NSR), I was fortunate to still find ways to interact in a new capacity.
I remember going to Doc to ask him questions as I helped create the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA) and found myself up against some tough challenges and situations.
In addition, his granddaughters, Cailyn and Payton, were some of the early members of the National Junior Swine Association, the organization that I helped direct during my time at NSR. So, of course, Grandpa found a way to get to as many shows as he could to cheer them on.
He was always a strong and supportive encourager. His smile and nod brightened my day every time. It made me proud to be able to provide opportunities that a great man like Doc Hines would encourage his grandchildren to attend.
Perhaps one of the best parts of knowing him was knowing his amazing wife, Treva. As the only girl on my livestock judging team at K-State, Treva took a special interest in visiting with me when we would go out to the farm to judge a class or two. I was over six hours from home and rarely got back to see my family, so my time with Bob and Treva were always treasured.
A quick snapshot of my teacher, mentor and friend, Dr. Bob Hines, at the 2019 K-State Livestock Judging Reunion.
I am grateful that I was able to travel back to Manhattan in the spring of 2019 to judge the Little American Royal livestock show and attend the livestock judging reunion with some members from our 1999 K-State Livestock Judging Team. It was a weekend full of laughter, a few tears and lots of reminiscing. I got to spend some time with Bob and Treva at the reunion. Both were adorned in purple and full of big smiles, lots of questions about our family and a few stories about their grandkids.
When I walked away that night, I wondered how many more opportunities I’d have for moments like those with two people who were so instrumental in helping me become the person I am today. Regretfully that was our last big conversation together, but it is one I will cherish.
My teacher, mentor and friend, Dr. Robert H. “Bob” Hines passed away on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, at Promedica Coldwater Regional Hospital. He was preceded in death by his sweet wife Treva of 63 years and his son Jeffrey.
Doc Hines inspired, molded and shaped more young lives than anyone can count. He encouraged, challenged and found a way to get the best out of his students. There’s no doubt that he made many contributions to swine nutrition, but more importantly, he made even more contributions to building people.
Memorials may be directed to either: Purdue Livestock Judging Team, Purdue University, Attn: Matt Claeys, 3048 Creighton Hall, 270 S Russell St, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2041; or K-State Livestock Judging Team, Kansas State University, Bob Hines Memorial, Department of Animal Science, Attn: Dave Nichols, Weber 227, Manhattan, KS 66506
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