Robert H. "Bob" Hinton, former Jefferson County commissioner and Port Townsend police chief, died July 6, 2016 in Port Townsend, Washington. He was 76.

According to his family, Hinton died peacefully at his home.

Born in Port Townsend and raised in the Port Ludlow area, he graduated from Chimacum High School in 1957. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1960 to 1964.

Returning to his home county, Hinton joined the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office in 1966, and joined the Port Townsend Police Department in 1969. He rose to the rank of police chief, retiring in 1991.

In 1992, Hinton won a three-person race to become District 1 Jefferson County commissioner, as a Democrat. He changed party affiliation to Republican for his term; he narrowly lost his re-election bid in 1996.

He also worked as a custom homebuilder.

Family members describe him as full of life, fun, loving and generous.

Survivors include his wife, Anna Hinton; daughter Colleen Myers; granddaughter Alycia Myers; and his four adopted step-children, Zachary, Allison, Dallas and Olivia Tiji.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Ida Hinton, and his sisters, Maxine and Karen.

The family welcomes people to attend a celebration of Bob Hinton's life at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 16 at Elks Lodge 317, 555 Otto St., Port Townsend. Those attending are asked to bring a dish to share for a potluck set to take place following the service.

A memorial tribute is to appear in the Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader's July 13 edition.