Ralph Irving Tinker (1939-2015)

3 mins read

AUBURN – Ralph Irving Tinker, 76, of Washington Plantation, died peacefully on Oct. 4, 2015, with his family and his beloved dog by his side at the Hospice House in Auburn.

Ralph Irving Tinker
Ralph Irving Tinker

He was born on June 10, 1939 on Vinalhaven. On Oct. 12, 1974, he married Deborah Pease. They made their home in Washington Plantation where they raised their two children. Ralph was a hard worker, starting at a very young age. He was a self-taught jack of all trades.

Most recently he worked as a heavy equipment operator, and retired from EL Vining & Son, Inc. Ralph was skilled at woodworking. He was known for his patience and attention to detail for each project he completed. Many referred to him as the “Dog Whisperer.”

He had unbreakable bonds with his two very special pets, Shadow and Captain, whom he trained to do many amazing tricks. He was a proud member of the Western Mountain RV’ers, which is affiliated with the Good Sam Club. Over the years he and Deb did lots of traveling with their camper, and met many great friends along the way.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 41 years, Deborah of Washington Plt.; his daughter Linda and her husband David “Joe” Lidstone, of New Sharon and his son David and his wife Cortany Tinker of Wilton; grandchildren Dylan, Brielle, and Avery; father-in-law Lee Pease Sr.; many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, and his “adopted kids” Adam and Melissa Speich.

He was predeceased by his half-sister Lorraine O’Dell, his mother-in-law Phyllis Pease, and his beloved dog Shadow.

Ralph’s family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for the exceptional care given during his final months of life.

Condolences and tributes may be shared with his family on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.

Public graveside memorial services will be held 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18 at Lakeview Cemetery in Wilton, followed by a celebration of his life at his son David’s home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who desire consider memorial gifts in Ralph’s memory to Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, 15 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240 or www.ahch.org.

Cremation and memorial services are being cared for by the Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

6 Comments

  1. So sorry to hear of your loss Debbie, I didn’t know he was sick. Family, friends and memories will help you heal your heart. Take Care.

  2. I so sorry your lost. The two dogs was great dogs. Also he was also. I really sorry your lost to all the family

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.