Larry Wayne Tinkler

Larry Wayne Tinkler died at home in Cerritos, California on December 28, 2023 at 81 years of age, after a long and bravely fought battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born September 20, 1942, in Wichita, Kansas to Ethel (Stegman) Tinkler and Wendell Tinkler. He lived for a time on a farm in Augusta, Kansas.

In 1957, his family moved to Southern California. Larry graduated from Cal State Long Beach with an Economics degree.

Larry worked in the consumer electronics industry for 36 Years, for Craig and then the last 24 years for Pioneer Electronics, where he was VP of National Service. He was the leader in founding and implementing Pioneer Academy, which provided courses in electronic technician certification to high school students in South Central Los Angeles. His many contributions to the service industry included representing Pioneer in the National Electronics Service Dealers Association, who gave him their National Friend of Service Award in 2004. He was chair of the National Products Service Committee. He wrote many standards and protocols for the industry.

After retirement, he volunteered weekly at Artesia Christian Home, playing music for the residents on his sound system and being a friend to many. He also enjoyed his antique radio collection, going to swap meets and club meetings with his friends. He loved electronics, ham radio (K6LXT call sign), music and guitars.

Above all, Larry loved his family and is survived by his wife of 41 years, Susan Tinkler; his children Wendy Flick, Melissa Sonsma, Charles Tinkler, and Joanna Pao-Tinkler; grandkids Noah, Talia, Natalie, August and James; his sister Diane (Susie) Parr; predeceased by sister Jeanne Cleveland and his parents.

Larry was an exceptionally intelligent and mechanically gifted man who could fix anything from cars to plumbing. He will be remembered, though, above all, for his extraordinary kindness, decency, and generosity, as well as his wry sense of humor (and corny Dad jokes).

Larry will live forever in our hearts and minds in the love he gave us, the fun, the support, and in the example of a life well lived in kindness and giving, respect for all, honesty and decency, humor and love, always helping in any way anyone he could. We love you, Larry.

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If you are looking for a way to honor Larry, the Michael J.Fox Foundation is devoted to funding cutting edge research to find a cure for Parkinson’s. I know he’d be honored by donations in his name to help others.

Another way to honor Larry is through the Larry W. Tinkler Endowment Fund which provides tuition assistance for students in need at Crean Lutheran High School where August attends. My Dad was such a believer in opportunity for all and the importance of education. This endowment was created a few years ago and thankfully we were able to share about it with him. We love you Dad & Grandpa. (All donations are tax deductible.) Crean Lutheran High School C/O Jacquie Anton 12500 Sand Canyon Avenue Irvine, CA 92618