Mr. Tinney, from the perspective of a 4th grader, was the toughest, meanest, most ruthless hard-ass imaginable. He was 7 feet tall, and perfectly represented the “final boss” of elementary school in the form of a 5th grade teacher. He was going to be my first taste of the “real world!”

Turns out, Rich Tinney was the most loving, hilarious, sensitive guy. He was the best teacher I ever had, bar none. 

One day toward the end of the year, Mr. Tinney took me aside and we had a brief chat. I wish I could remember exactly what he said but it was something to the effect of “Dylan, when you get older you’re going to feel different from other people, maybe even totally alone. You just have to keep going.” I felt connected to him but I didn’t know why, and as a 10 year old I didn’t really know how to process this kind of thing. I often wonder what Mr. Tinney saw in me that would prompt that conversation. I was president of school council, popular, athletic, and an accomplished student. By all measures, I seemed like the kid no one would really need to worry about becoming alienated or feeling lonely.

Mr. Tinney was right, and just a few years later I dropped out of high school and struggled with isolation and alienation. I did feel at odds with the world around me, and felt like the world was sick and insane. And Mr. Tinney, I did keep going. I love you, and I regret not coming to visit you more as I grew older. Your impact on so many kids was and is incalculable and if there’s a heaven, you’re teaching there and scaring kids in your gorilla costume. See you on the other side.

To his friends and family, my heart breaks as you have lost a truly special person. My condolences to you all. 

Mr Tinney made such a huge and positive impact on my 2 sons. He was a great teacher and person and I am forever grateful for the gift of having him in the Lakewood schools. To his family: your husband, dad, and grandpa touched so many young minds in significant ways. 

I was fortunate to work with Rich and know him as a dedicated and beloved colleague in Lakewood City Schools. May he rest in peace. Sincere condolences to his family. 

Rich was a wonderful friend over the years & always very encouraging. 

• As a room mom for many classes at Hayes during the 80’s,  I can say that being one for Rich was one of the best. Both my kids were “Tinney Boppers” and loved the class. He made learning fun. Especially liked his state capital challenge test. Every time I need to know one, I think of him. He was a great person. Sincere condolences. 

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Tinney's passing. The early eighties at Hayes Elementary were magical. It was truly the best place. Mr. Tinney played a big part in that for me. He inspired and encouraged me and so many others. I've told my daughter so many stories from his 5th grade class circa 1983 or so. I hope his family know the impact he had on so many kids!

So sorry for your loss😢. I am the mother of one of his students, who is now 52 years old. To this day Mr.Tinney’s name will come up as one of his favorite teachers. Mr Tinney’s dedication and caring qualities toward his students was something to be admired. I am sure he will be truly missed by his family and friends. Thank you, Mr Tinney, for the lasting impression you left on my son….Rest In Peace 🙏🙏

I was a student of Mr. Tinney’s in his first years at Hayes.  I am so grateful for the happy, productive environment he created for our learning and for his expectation we always give our best. We always felt special that we got to be his students. I offer my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Please know he affected thousands of lives and made this world a much better place. Patsy Welsh

Mr Tinney changed my life and the trajectory of my education forever. I want his family to know that even at 35 years old I can still remember things about him and his class from the 1999-2000 year I was his student at Hayes. As a young girl with anxiety and trouble with math, he took the time to help me in ways no one else had. He made me love math and science and my parents remember him as well as one of the best teachers I ever had in K-12. I’ll never forget going to Mohican with the entire 5th grade class and him teaching us songs, him showing up when I was a 4th grader in Mrs Holian’s class to randomly yell “7 x 8!” And just overall what a good person he was. Your husband, father and grandfather changed hundreds of lives besides mine and I want his family to know I’m one of countless people who will remember him this way. I believe there’s the most special place in heaven for Mr Tinney and hearing of his passing leaves a giant void in the world that can’t ever be filled. Please know how loved he was! 

My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Tinney family. Your husband, father and grandfather was truly one of the most sincere and genuine people I was ever graced to be taught by and known by. His stamp on young people’s lives and hearts is felt even after being out of his supervision at Hayes for 35+ years.

Cherish the moments he created in your lives and the stories of the lives he cherished while on this Earth.

May you find God’s unfailing comfort and joy through this season!