Michael Howard Hinton

Michael Howard Hinton, 65, of Lancaster, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at home with his family. Born September 14, 1960, in Inverness, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada, Mike grew up in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Josephine (Raiford) Hinton. One of four siblings, he carried that role with quiet strength, protectiveness, and a steady perspective that would define his life. A graduate of Fleetwood High School, Mike spent a formative year in Beijing, China, before beginning college. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Massachusetts Boston, after which he worked in a Harvard Medical School laboratory and later served as an EMT in Atlanta, Georgia. Drawn back to China, he became the first American-born graduate of the five-year program at the Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, completing his studies entirely in Chinese and earning his OMD degree in 1996. During this time, he interned at Hu Guo Si Hospital and the Sino-Japanese Friendship Hospital in Beijing. While studying in Beijing, Mike met his future wife, Xiong Min—whom he affectionately called Rima—during a chance meeting in a bar. Returning to the United States, he founded Han Shi Acupuncture in 1998 and treated patients in the Reading office. He was especially dedicated to helping fertility patients and veterans through the Veterans Administration Community Care program. Often described as a gentle giant, Mike was known for his integrity, compassion, and thoughtful care of every patient who came to him. Exceptionally intelligent and deeply reflective, Mike was a careful listener who chose his words with intention. He was widely regarded as a calm, rational presence, valued for his honesty, insight, and emotional steadiness. Though reserved by nature, he was quietly adventurous, capable, and brave, someone who observed carefully, acted decisively when needed, and showed up without fanfare. Those who knew him appreciated his dry humor, calm confidence, and steady presence. Mike had played guitar since the age of sixteen and loved classic rock, blues, and jazz. He found joy in sharing music with friends and in introducing Rima to the musicians and musical styles that meant so much to him. A lifelong learner and voracious reader, he loved diving deeply into current events and researching family history. He lived an active and deeply engaged life. An avid jogger and fitness enthusiast, he enjoyed sailing, hiking, and spending time outdoors with his family and Coco, his beloved red Siberian Husky. He wrestled in high school and continued throughout his life to study and practice MMA, jiu jitsu, and judo. Gifted with his hands, he was highly skilled in carpentry and bricklaying. His respect for the natural world was reflected in his generous support of local and national conservation organizations. Above all, Mike was a devoted family man and father, never missing one of his daughter Danielle’s basketball games or other activities. He shared close and enduring bonds with extended family and made others feel immediately comfortable and at ease. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Xiong Min (Rima); his daughter, Danielle (Dani) Hinton; his sisters, Carmelita (Carma) Hinton (Richard Gordon), Alyssa Hinton, and Catherine (Cathy) Hinton (James Sultan); his nieces and nephews; and a large extended family. Mike’s passing leaves an absence that cannot be filled, but his influence endures in the many lives he touched. He will be remembered for his integrity, loyalty, quiet courage, and the way he made people feel—seen, steadied, and understood. A celebration of life will be held at Lancaster Friends Meeting, 110 Tulane Terrace, Lancaster, PA 17603, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Music for Everyone, 42 N. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603, or musicforeveryone.org.