Edward Robert Tinsley

Edward Robert Tinsley was born in January 1938 to Edward and Ruth Tinsley in Philadelphia, PA and three years later became an older brother to his sister Barbara. It was growing up in here that he developed his love for railroads (Erie, Reading and Pennsylvania were his favorite) and the Phillies where a nickel and two Wheaties box tops got him an outfield seat at Shibe Park. A graduate of Northeast High School in 1955, as a spectator he remembered fondly watching in the gymnasium as a Walt Chamberlain led Overbrook High School defeated his school in the Public Playoffs a year prior. He entered Drexel University to study chemical engineering, joined the ROTC, and was called into active duty in the Army upon graduation where he served as a 1st Lieutenant. During a June 1962 dance for bachelor military officers in Washington D.C., Ann Smith caught his attention, along with his heart, and after their second date he confidently professed that he was going to marry her. Spoiler alert, he was right and in 1963 they married in a military wedding at Fort Leslie McNair and spent 59 1/2 years together. His early professional career was with Sinclair Oil in both Philadelphia and New York when a merger with Atlantic Richfield provided an opportunity to take Ann, Ruthann (born 1965) and Christine (born 1969) to Los Angeles which he accepted.

In Los Angeles not only did his professional career blossom, but his faith-based volunteering as well serving on the board or in leadership positions with the Knights of Colombus, Rancho San Antonio and as a lector at St. John Eudes Church for decades. Upon retirement from British Petroleum, he went to handle billing for a Doctor's office and work alongside Ann who initially told him “Oh no you’re not” but relented and they officially retired together 12 years later.

It was during their retirement that Ed and Ann traveled the world visiting more than a half-dozen countries and he would often be found walking away from the group as his curiosity far outweighed what was previously planned. He also was able to further enjoy his passion for HO Scale (1:87) trains with the Santa Susana Pacific Model Railroad Society and would often be found in the garage aging a boxcar or tinkering with an engine. However, the greatest enjoyment of his retirement came with the additional time Ed could spend with his granddaughters Ekaterina (born 2000) and Alexa (born 2003). He was a familiar face at every soccer match, dance recital and track meet while also becoming their self-appointed ride home from Bishop Alemany High School, a time all three cherished.

Ed was proceeded in death by his parents and sister and is survived by Ann, Ruthann and Christine, son-in-law Rodney and their children Ekaterina and Alexa.

Ann wanted to make sure it was remembered that Ed “always put his family first” but for those who were lucky enough to know him, he made us all feel that way.