Wayne Hathaway Tinker, affectionately known as 'Tinker' or 'Tink', born on January 29, 1931 passed away peacefully at his home of 60 years in Ridgefield, CT, surrounded by his loving wife and children, on February 15, 2025.
Raised in Wilton, CT, he graduated from Staples High School in 1949 and attended a few semesters at UConn’s agricultural program, before enlisting in the Army where he served in the Korean War as a medic. He spent many of his formative years on a family dairy farm in Canaan, CT, where he credited the lifestyle and lessons learned from his extended family with shaping him into the confident, hardworking, honest man he became.
The quintessential working man’s hardworking man, Tinker retired in July 2024 after a respectable 40-year career as an Organic Landscaper, preceded by over 30 years as an accomplished Mason Contractor. His craftsmanship is still visible in many homes throughout southern Fairfield County, from Ridgefield to Wilton, Westport, New Canaan, Stamford, and the surrounding areas.
A devoted and ever-present father and mentor to many, Tinker was not a religious man but he believed in and lived by the golden rule: doing unto others as you would have done to you. As such, always a man of action leading by example, he became actively involved in the early years of SCOR, not only coaching but also becoming a key volunteer. Without fail you would find him setting up and lining the soccer fields bright and early every weekend (and some week days), rain or shine, often with his son by his side, before heading off to work. This led to his decades-long involvement with Ridgefield Parks & Recreation, where he proudly served as an active and engaged Board Member for over 24 years, instrumental in the growth and development of many of the town's athletic fields. Additionally, he contributed to his community as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Building Commission during the 1980s and 1990s.
Forever grateful for the time we were blessed to be part of his journey, Tinker is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Brigitte Tinker, daughter Andrea Tinker Nielsen, son David (Courtney) Tinker, grandson Andrew Tinker, and step-granddaughters Abby du Preez and Mia Pierandri. He is predeceased by his mother, Mary Tyler, father Theodore Tinker, brother Norman Tinker and many beloved dogs, including Muddy, Buzzy, Rhapsody and Maggie.
A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held on Saturday, June 7th at Ridgefield Parks & Recreation, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. For those who wish to attend, please bring a treasured story about Tinker to share in his memory - whether written or spoken. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all gifts be made in his honor to Friends of Ridgefield Parks & Recreation Commission, Inc. or Ridgefield Visiting Nurses Association.