Henry D. Tinker

A graveside service will be held at Pleasant View Cemetery in Cushing
on May 6, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. 

ROCKLAND Ò Henry D. Tinker, 88, died Friday, January 2, 2004 at the home of his very special friends, Roberta and Clifford Tibbetts in North Waldoboro where he was celebrating the holidays.

Born July 1, 1915 on Swans Island, he was the son of Raymond and Nettie McKay Tinker.  He attended Rockland High School through the middle 1930s.  In his youth, Henry worked on the first State road on Swans Island. 

His many accomplishments through life were far-reaching.  He left Swans Island to make his way in the big city of New York where he gained employment on ÎmillionaireÌsÌ three and four masted yachts as the special Îtop sailÌ man. 

Returning to Rockland, Henry became a well-known carpenter.  He built many beautiful homes in the Owls Head area and worked on homes and projects in Rockland. 

In the mid 1950s, he was involved in the building and operation of a lobster float that made its way to the ÎThanksgiving Day ParadeÓ in New York City.  He helped assemble the float there and rode it through the streets of New York.

HenryÌs fascination with music followed him throughout his life.  He played the saxophone, violin and his pride and joy, the four string banjo.  Since a teenager, he played the banjo at many area dances and celebrations.  As a member of the ÎSwingtimers BandÓ, he  played his banjo at many nursing homes and functions in Knox and Waldo counties.

He attended West Rockport Baptist Church many years.

He was predeceased by his wife, Doris Davis Tinker in 1996, three brothers, Harvey, Colon, James; and two sisters, Ella Davis and Zulma Higgins.  Besides his dear friends, Roberta & Clifford Tibbetts, Henry is survived by one son, Henry, Jr. and his wife Ann of Medford, Massachusetts; and a special nephew, Bill Wilson and his wife Sandy of Woolwich  as well as several other nieces and nephews.

An hour of visiting will be held at 10:00 in the morning, Saturday, January 10, 2004 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, with a funeral service following at 11:00 a.m.  The Reverend Harold Carpenter will officiate.  Interment will be in Pleasant Point Cemetery, Cushing, in the spring.