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Eugene Tinker Obituary
Gene was born on January 25, 1943, to Lyman and Myrna Tinker, and raised on their family orchards in Pleasant Hill, OR. After high school, he attended Oregon State University where he joined Delta Upsilon Fraternity and made many lifelong friends. Gene also became a force on the OSU Rugby Team. A highlight was leading his team on a playing tour to England. After graduating OSU in 1965 with a degree in Economics, Gene, or "Tink', as many called him, joined Wedbush, a securities firm, and began a successful career as a stockbroker and financial advisor.
Retiring at 55, Gene took over the family filbert orchard in Jasper, OR, that he and his father planted in the early seventies. He started planting another 45 acres of trees 7 years ago. The young, thriving orchards, stand as a testament to Gene's passion for working the land and his regard for nature and the earth.
Gene is survived by his children, Kyle Tinker of Eugene, Kasey Tinker of San Diego, and their mother, Christy Tinker of Eugene. He was a loving Grandfather to Kylie and Julian. A former spouse, Kelli Tinker, resides in Springfield. Two sisters and their families also survive, Sharlene and Buster Mico of San Diego, niece, Missy St. John and nephew, Chappy Mico, of San Diego. His sister, Barbara Tinker and husband, Woodie Thomas, live in Arizona.
The family is planning a celebration of Gene's life at his orchard, in the spring, when the trees are lush with leaves, nuts are budding, and where indelible memories of Gene will always remain. If you would like to be notified of the event, please leave your name and contact information.
Thank you to everyone who called, visited and cared for Gene during his illness. It meant a lot to him and he was grateful for his family and many friends who surrounded him with love.
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16 Entries
Jerry Franklin
July 20, 2025
I´m so sorry of hearing about Gene passing! I knew the entire family for many years! Gene and I spent many days fishing together! I went with his sister, Barb, throughout high school! I can remember running cross country through their orchard behind Pleasant Hill High School! I live in Springfield and go by their old home quite frequently! The entire family will always hold a special place in my heart ! R. I. P Gene!
Amanda
June 4, 2025
I used to date his son many years ago and Gene was a really nice man. I'm sorry to hear of his passing. R.i.p gene.
Julue Ann Schenck
March 14, 2024
I was so fortunate to share a few years with Tinker. Every day was an adventure.
Mary Shannon
March 9, 2024
Mary Shannon. I am sorry to hear that Gene passed away. I talked with him periodically through out his illness, he would call me and I him. I was impressed how open and positive he was and he always thanked me for praying for him. I know how much he valued everyone's prayers. My husband and I have known Gene since the 90's as we were his clients and eventually he became my client also. We cherished his friendship and have many fond memories of Christmas parties and dinners with him. We would like to hear of his service in the spring. I know how much the orchard meant to him and how proud he was of it.
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Jonathan Hawkins
March 7, 2024
Gene was a long-time hazelnut grower friend. I am not currently living in the area, but have been absorbing the loss of Gene since Christmas Eve and Jackie Chase about a month before. I worked for the Chases from the time I was 14 and did some custom farming work for Gene because his orchard was right next door. All three became kind of adopted grandparents to me. Gene, even though he was struggling with long term cancer that had metastasized into many areas of his body, became very special to me as we shared common ground. We both loved farming and had medical issues. I miss the Saturday calls we shared that we both looked forward to. Gene kept me up to date on hazelnut industry news, farm projects, harvest progress, prices levels, etc. He was a special encouragement to me and prayed for me in my own struggles. He often told me I was an encouragement to him and he waited for my calls. I don´t know who encouraged who more. He became a very special, compassionate friend and mentor that I really miss."
Linda Addison
January 30, 2024
I worked with Gene and always admired him and many years later he became my neighbor! Whenever I'd be out working in the yard and he was driving by, he'd stop and ask how things were going and we would always have a good talk! Going to miss him very much. Please let me know when the service will be in the Spring.
Polly Hanson Chaffin
January 29, 2024
I went through high school with Gene and enjoyed seeing him at reunions throughout the years. I always enjoyed hearing him talk of his orchard and his tractor. Please notify me when his memorial is scheduled and I will share that information with our graduating class - PHHS Class of '61
George Myrmo
January 15, 2024
So sorry to hear of Gene´s passing. He was in my earlier years my financial advisor and did me well! Always a pleasure to be around.
May he rest in peace.
George Myrmo
Gene driving, BJ on trailer.
Kenneth Lange
January 11, 2024
I had good memories of childhood times with the Tinkers and especially Gene. He felt like a good cousin although his Mom was actually my cousin. His middle name was Laird, as was mine. We had so much fun in his family's orchards. I spent a teenage summer living in their "guest" quarters while I was at a summer job in Eugene. Lots of good times then. I'm posting this mostly to share one of my favorite photos, and Gene of course is driving the tractor.
Karissa Whitsell
January 7, 2024
Gene was a mentor, he stepped into my life as a client and became a friend. He would always give me words of encouragement when I would see him. He allowed my friend and I to stay at his orchard for the summer when I was making a change, I was buying some property. He told me that I should follow my heart in what I wanted to achieve. He was a living example of following his heart. I learned that his family was helpful to others just like he was to me. Gene's wisdom and words of encouragement will always stick with me.
Donald Hawkins
January 6, 2024
I have known Gene Tinker for around ten years as a person interested in hazelnuts but on a much smaller scale than Gene. I was able to visit Gene a couple of times shortly before he passed away, once in his home and once in the hospital. Both visits were about an hour long. Gene told me that he did not attend church very much but that he had a prayer list and prayed every day. Each time I visited him he asked me to pray with him and for him. In the hospital he said he wanted to live until after hazelnut harvest was completed for the year. I asked him, “Why?” He answered because he so enjoyed his orchard, the harvest of the nuts and just being a part of the orchard. His heart was into and for the hazelnut orchard, he wanted to know one more time how harvest went. God granted that desire. One time when I was with Gene he got a call (from Kelli , I think). It was a blessing to listen in. He was an exceptional person.
Cheryl and Troy Mueller
January 6, 2024
We are so sad and will miss him! I will never forget working with him until midnight to get his harvest hauled out before the rain. As he loaded up the last tote onto the truck and we headed to the dryer, it started sprinkling. By the time we got to Alvadore to deliver it, it was pouring (and didn't stop for weeks!). We always laughed about that! He was a hard worker, planting orchards for the future, caring for the land. It was a privilege to know him. Please be sure to let us know when his service is scheduled. Ph. (541)517-2518. Thank you.
Eileen Graham
January 6, 2024
Gene was good friend. We will greatly miss him. Please let us know when his celebration of life will be. Dave & Eileen Graham
Scott Lubbock
January 5, 2024
correction " to know him during"
Scott Lubbock
January 5, 2024
I celebrate Gene's courage, determination, self-reflection and whit. It was a pleasure to know hindering this graceful time.
Jack Oeming
January 4, 2024
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