Family, governor honor Minnesota pilot

Marine Capt. Kelly Hinz was a "great, exceptional person," his brother Kurt told reporters Thursday evening before the visitation services at the St. Paul Seminary Chapel in St. Paul.

"He should be remembered as a father, husband, son, brother, friend and soldier," he said. "He did what he loved."

Kelly Hinz sent an e-mail to his brother Ben, also a Marine pilot, on the day he crashed.

"He wanted to make sure that Ben got flowers for Mom and his wife, Molly, who was about to celebrate her first Mother's Day," Kurt Hinz said. "That was Kelly. And that was how he should be remembered."

The family requested privacy for the funeral today.

The military continues to investigate the crash, said Ryan Welken, a friend of the family. "At this time they have not made any official releases but in due time, they will," he said.

Memorials can be sent to a fund for Hinz's daughter at the Abby Hinz College Education Fund, P.O. Box 45161, San Diego, CA 92145.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty and his wife also spoke briefly to reporters before joining the family at Thursday's visitation services.

"We would not have the country we have without people like Kelly Hinz," said Pawlenty, who also commended the Hinz family. "They have a strong family and they are tremendous Americans and tremendous Minnesotans."