Obituary of Reed R. Tinkler

Reed R. Tinkler, 79, passed away on Friday, May 1, 2015 at Faxton-St. Luke’s Hospital after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Indian Castle, town of Danube, a son of the late Reed and Madeline (Leonard) Tinkler. He grew up on the family farm and went to a one-room school house until 8th grade. He attended St. Johnsville High School where he loved playing basketball. While in high school, he was selected and participated in Boy’s State at Syracuse University in the summer. After graduation in 1954, he furthered his education at SUNY Oswego, majoring in industrial arts and graduated in 1958. During his years at Oswego, he was a member of Sigma Gamma fraternity and met Rosemarie Limmer. In 1960, Reed married his sweetheart and best friend, Rosemarie, and they have spent the past 55 years together. Reed began his career in 1958 as an industrial arts teacher at New Hartford High School and also taught Driver‘s Ed. While teaching he completed his Master’s degree in Education for Counseling at Syracuse University in 1968. He spent over 20 years as a guidance counselor at Ralph Perry Junior High School. In addition, he was director of the Adult Education Program at New Hartford Central School District for many years. Because of his leadership, service, achievement, excellence and passion for working with students, he was awarded NYS Guidance Counselor of the Year in 1991. He retired in 1993. First and foremost was Reed’s love and devotion to his family. He was also a dedicated member of Clinton United Methodist Church. He served as a lay leader, trustee, and active member in the men’s club in which he was in charge of the annual pancake breakfast for many years. In his early years, he coached Little League baseball and youth basketball. His woodworking skills and expertise came through in his many projects throughout his life. Reed especially enjoyed golfing and was a member of the Westmoreland Golf Club. He was an avid Yankee and Syracuse fan. He spent many of his years of retirement traveling to Europe, the Western states, and Florida with his wife. He is survived by his wife, Rosemarie; his daughter, Debbie (Randy) White of Owego; his three sons, Doug (Mary) Tinkler of New Hartford, Steve (Janet) Tinkler of Clifton Park and Gary (Katie) Tinkler of Clinton; seven grandchildren, Cait (Jeff) Maendel, Ryan and Maddy White, Lauren Tinkler, Owen, Eliot and Emily Tinkler; his brother and sister-in-law, Dan and Pat Tinkler of Little Falls; sister-in-law, Sandy Tinkler; several nieces and nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Bob Tinkler. All are invited to call Monday, May 4, 2015, from 4-7pm at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Inc., 35 College St., Clinton. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2015, at 11am at Clinton United Methodist Church, 105 Utica Rd., Clinton. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Please consider donations in Reed’s memory to Clinton United Methodist Church or the National Foundation for Cancer Research.