To the Editor:

We have lost yet another son of Newtown who in a past generation made an impact on this once small town by his actions and contributions. Bill Tinkler passed away in Vero Beach, Fla., on October 18, 2021. He was but 77 years old.

Back in 1968, and for nearly 20 more years, Bill was very active supporting his new hometown, while raising a family of three children. His civic contributions were many and diversified. Firstly, and most prominently he was a Newtown Jaycee, which at the time was the most dynamic civic organization in town. We did a lot back then… raised money for many Newtown civic causes, fixed ball fields and parks for our young athletes, and basically anything asked of us to better the town.

And, whatever the project was, Bill Tinkler was at the center of things. He was a dynamic leader and a doer. He loved sports and became a Little League and Pop Warner coach for his son, Doug. What kid back then, who played for Coach Tinkler could forget his famous “Pickle,” a special play to steal second base. Whatever Bill tackled he did it with gusto. In today’s vernacular, he was always “All In.”

Bill’s obituary described him as “larger than life.” As a friend of more than 50 years, I loved to describe him as living life with a certain “Joire d’vivre” or Joy of Life. Because he gave life his best all the time, he reaped the rewards of dedication and hard work. He was very successful in business and his other passion of golf. But, Bill, too was a very generous man; he obviously cared a great deal for his family, and supported them well, both materially and spiritually.

He was there for them all throughout their lives. But, the generosity extended to friends, both old and new. Our Jaycee group has stayed close for more than a half of a century…if anyone needed a helping hand, Bill was there. There are fewer of us now, but, we all remember those “good ol’ days.” And, we remember our lost friend, Bill Tinkler, on center stage or in the dugout, narrating the parade or calling the plays with his special gusto and joire d’vivre.

Our sincere sympathy to Cookie and the Tinkler family. We will sorely miss you our friend…may you be free of pain, and may you now rest in peace.

Dennis J. Farrell

Hobe Sound, Fla.