Mike was born in Lewiston on May 14, 1946 to parents, Earl and Mary (Joyce) Tiner. The only son, and middle child, Mike could be a bit mischievous. He enjoyed harmless pranks, but his crooked smile would often give him away!
He attended Lewiston schools and graduated from Thomas College. After teaching for a brief period in Livermore Falls, Oxford Hills, and Saint Dominic Academy, he spent most of his career at Lewiston High School, where he taught math and coached golf for more than 20 years. He is remembered by many former students and athletes for his ability to help them believe in themselves. His coaching experience included high school athletes, youth (through the Lewiston Recreation Department), and adult education. Through this work, he impacted the lives of many in our community.
An accomplished golfer in his own right, Mike won many club championships at Fairlawn Golf Course, and was a member at Martindale Country Club for more than 50 years. One of his most cherished memories is his hole-in-one on the 9th hole! Most importantly, this sport that he loved brought him life-long friendships, both on and off the course.
Mike’s love for golf was second to his love for family. He married the love of his life, Suzanne Gagne, on June 14th, 1969 and, together, they built a beautiful home and family. Their love remains the kind of love that every person hopes to experience. Today, they are blessed to have three children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Throughout their 56 years of marriage, Mike shared the things that he loved with the people he loved. Beyond golf, this included fly fishing, dirt-road hunting, golden road moose searching, camping, hiking, Saturday night dinners, Friday happy hours, cribbage competitions, family bonfires, bird watching, and anything that brought family together.
Mike’s memory lives forever in our hearts and we will honor him always in every birthday celebration (‘hail, hail, the gang’s all here’), in every Thanksgiving poker tournament (don’t forget your Scally cap), in every Tiner Cup trophy, and every wooden carved artwork that he specially crafted for each of us.
Mike will be missed by many, but no one more than the love of his life and wife, Sue Tiner; his son, Erik, and his wife Lisa; his daughter, Jennifer, and her husband David Robert; his son, Scott, and his wife Jennifer. Mike, who was also known as Pappy/Pop, will live forever in the hearts of his eight grandchildren: Erik Tiner II and his wife Mikaila; Brandon Tiner and his wife Keri; Jacob Tiner and his fiancé Sarah Maxim; Madeleine Tiner and her wife Eleanor; Christopher Tiner; Alex Robert; Sara Robert; and Emily Robert. In addition, Mike is survived by four great grandchildren: Colin, Quinn, Finley, and Teagan Tiner. Mike is also survived by his sister Jane Campbell and her husband Robert as well as many nieces and nephews; he is predeceased by his parents (Earl and Mary Tiner), his sister Mary Kay Clemente and her husband Philip, as well as mother-in-law Madeleine Fillion.
Mike’s legacy is family and the spirit of love that he showed all of us throughout his life. Remember, “it’s not goodbye, it’s see you later”—we will miss you each and every day—until then.
The family invites you to a time of visitation on Saturday November 22nd from 10:00am to 12:00pm immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at 12:00pm and a reception at The Fortin & Pinette Group, Dillingham, Lynch, Plummer & Merril, 305 Alfred Plourde Parkway, Lewiston ME. You may offer your memories and condolences at www.fortinpinettegrouplewiston.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Andwell Health Partner, Attn: Development Office, 15 Strawberry Ave, Lewiston, Maine, 04240.
