The Kingston College Old Boys' Association USA, Inc.

Fortis Forever, Neil Orville Hinds

Neil Orville Hinds attended Kingston College between September 1983 and June 1988. He was both a gifted scholar and an athlete and represented K.C. with distinction at the annual Boys' Championships and the Penn Relays. After graduating from K.C., he continued his academic career at Excelsior Community College.

Ten years ago he emigrated to the US, eventually settling into a career in banking. It was in pursuit of higher achievements in this industry that saw him as a participant in a one-day banking seminar at the World Trade Center (WTC) on the fateful day, 11th September 2001. The day will forever be etched in the annals of American history, and the destruction of the WTC towers, by unknown foes, as the most disastrous episode ever visited on mainland America.

The strikes by American commercial jets, commandeered by terrorists, left the two tallest structures in Gotham City virtual towering infernos that made the yesteryear movie of a similar name seemed pale in comparison. As the towers started to wilt under unimaginable heat stresses and unforecasted structural loadings that clearly exceeded the ultimate design capacities, Neil and thousands of daily trekkers to these Manhattan landmarks wisely elected to run for their lives.

Prior to this devastating attack, Neil had run numerous races, finishing usually in the top three with poise and grace befitting a true champion. On 11th September 2001 he ran the final, but most important race of his life. He did not make it out alive, his body no match for the heavy falling debris of steel and concrete.

Many understandably have continued to lament the fact that he did not outrun the destruction and grieve at the misfortune that had beset one so young. But for us from the Kingston College Family, Neil ran the best race of his life, winning way ahead of so many others and ending in the bosom of the Creator.

Run Neil run, with swiftness of feet and purple-hearted Spirit
Run Neil run, we are right behind you, so blaze the trail for us to follow
Run Neil run, don't look back, God has beckoned, so eternally you shall liveth
Run Neil run, we are not as quick but will certainly catch up to you tomorrow

Dear God protect him in your garden of eternal rest
His motto is Fortis Cadere Cedere Non Potest

With Sincerest Condolences to the Hinds Family

Winston L. Stewart, P.E.
President - KCOBA USA, Inc.

25th September