Leonard John Tincher

October 7, 1969 – September 20, 2026

With heavy hearts, family and friends announce the passing of Leonard John Tincher, who passed away on September 20, 2026, at the age of 56.

Leonard was born on October 7, 1969, in San Gabriel, California, and spent much of his childhood growing up in the Cabazon, Banning, and Beaumont area. It was there that he formed many of the friendships, relationships, and memories that remained an important part of his life.

Leonard was an incredibly intelligent man. Those who knew him well might lovingly describe him as the dumbest smartest man they ever knew—a contradiction that somehow suited him perfectly. He had a unique way of looking at the world, an impressive amount of knowledge about the things that interested him, and the ability to figure out just about anything when he put his mind to it. He could make people laugh, frustrate them, surprise them, and leave them wondering how someone so smart could occasionally make such questionable decisions. That was simply part of who Leonard was.

Throughout his life, Leonard wore many different hats, spending time contracted with Cal Fire, volunteering with the Cabazon Fire Department, and working at Desert Hospital, along with many other jobs over the years. Of all the paths he took, however, the one that truly became a part of who he was, was driving trucks.

Leonard had been driving trucks since before he was even old enough to have a license, and much of his life was spent behind the wheel. Over the years, he drove nearly every kind of truck imaginable, including belly dumps, tow trucks, heavy equipment haulers, and flatbeds. If there was one thing Leonard truly knew, it was how to drive a truck.

The road became as much a part of his life as any place he ever called home. Through his work and the countless miles he traveled, he met people from every walk of life and formed friendships that lasted for decades. He could have pursued many different paths, but there was something about being behind the wheel, working with his hands, and heading down the road that always seemed to suit him best.

Like all lives, Leonard’s was not without struggle. There were hard years, complicated moments, and things those who loved him may wish could have been different. But those moments do not erase the life he lived or the memories he created. He will be remembered for the stories, the laughter, the stubbornness, the lessons, the long conversations, the trucks, the friendships, and the countless miles that made up his journey.

Leonard leaves behind his children, Robert Parsons, Cody Tincher, Kimberly Riston, and Jena Borel; his seven grandchildren; his mom, Betty Johnson; his sister, Lori Slavik; his brothers, Terry Tincher, Dan Johnson jr, and Chris Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones whose lives crossed paths with his along the way.

Leonard was preceded in death by his mother, Judith La Vaughan Smith; his father, Leonard Delbert Tincher and Dad, Dan Johnson; his grandmother, Marjorie F. Smith; and his aunt, Jerilyn Smith.

His passing leaves a space that cannot be filled. There are conversations that will be missed, stories that will be remembered, and moments that those who loved him will wish they could experience one more time. He will be deeply missed, but the pieces of his life that remain in the people who knew him will continue to carry his memory forward.

May Leonard finally find the peace that life did not always give him.

And for a man who spent so much of his life on the road, it seems only fitting to imagine him now with nothing ahead but open highway—no traffic, no deadlines, no breakdowns, and nowhere he has to be.

Rest easy, Leonard. The road is yours now.

Service date and time are TBD and will be updated as soon as arrangements are finalized.