Charles Evan Tinney

1940 - 2012

PARADISE, Utah - Charles Evan Tinney, well-known for his love of teaching and inspiring students to be the best they can be, passed away July 3, 2012, in Paradise, Utah. He has now moved on to an eternal classroom. Dr. Tinney earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering from Brigham Young University; a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from the University of Utah; and B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in physics and physics education from Utah State University. While these degrees were a part of his education, learning and teaching were his life.
Chuck spent nearly 30 years teaching more than 50 different university courses in physics, math, electrical engineering, electronics technology and mechanical engineering. After retirement, he continued writing math and physics books in his innovative yet easy-to-understand style. Chuck's delight in learning not only opened windows of understanding to all of the sciences, but also created philosophies that could be applied in making one's personal life better. All of these principles revolved around agency, accountability, responsibility and facilitation. He shared this excitement with everyone who would listen, hoping the application of these core principles would make a positive difference. He had an insatiable desire to know everything - math, physics, the universe, biology, bugs - you name it, he wanted to know about it. He found peace and meaning in nature. He strived to have a positive outlook and found beauty in everything around him. Every day, regardless of the weather, he'd declare, "It's a beautiful day!" He loved everything in nature - trees, plants, fields, birds, and even weeds and dirt.
He is survived by his wife and friend, Patricia; his eight children he deeply loved, Maria Nessen, Evan Tinney, Doug Tinney, LaDawn Rindlisbaker, Tiffany Ferguson, Heather Theurer, Valerie Lopez, and Desiree Peterson; and 31 grandchildren.
A private graveside memorial service will be held at a later date in Salt Lake City. In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to contribute to the LDS Church Perpetual Education Fund.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com.