I just read that Phil had passed. 
I just love him! I shared a bus with Phil at EECS for three straight years every afternoon. 
We had a great time.  That bus was FULL of kids.  
Yes! Phil did know everybody's name. 
We talked often about music and about life in general. 
Phil is funny and wise. 
Love you Phil. 
Dan Nogar

I had the distinct honor and pleasure of working with Phil in the transportation office at Portland Public Schools. Such an incredibly lovely man. I was extremely sad to learn of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Phil's family and friends. Phil and his service to our community will not be forgotten.

Phil was my direct across the street neighbor for 27 years!  What a lovely and kind man!  He was thoughtful, helpful and generous. Always willing to help with snow blowing or keeping an eye on the house. Always friendly with a wave from his porch or his car. Generous with graduation gifts for my kids. Honestly you couldn’t ask for  a better neighbor. Such a void in the Westbrook neighborhood, it will not be the same here without him! We will miss you Phil!

I love Phil. He and I worked together in high school and were roommates after high school for a couple years and friends forever. I will miss his smiling face and words of wisdom that kept me grounded years ago. I lived in Woodford's and he lived in Nason's Corner so we walked home together most days from Portland High School. RIP Tinkie. 

George Libby

My family remembers Phil, the bus driver, fondly. The kids are now 13 and 16 but had Phil as a bus driver all through elementary school at East End.  He was great—friendly and kind and somehow, among so many kids, knew their names.  When my youngest went for a special visit to the school before the start of Kindergarten she got to ride the bus to try it out. She was a very shy little girl but amazingly, I heard her tell Phil, on her way off the bus, "You did a good job."  I always loved that for her and for him.  I think being a school bus driver is one of the hardest, most honorable jobs out there and a thankless one.  Then on the first day of school, my older daughter got on the bus after school, looked out the window and saw her little sister getting on the wrong bus.  She told Phil, in a panic and he went right over and got her off the bus and carried her back to his bus.  He had known her since she was a little toddler in my arms waiting at the bus stop for her big sister.  I'm so glad they got to have such a sweet bus driver.  I'm so grateful that he kept them safe and did such a great job. 
He will be missed.

I worked with Phil on the fire department, and he was great to work with always a great sense of humor.  Phil was a good man to be with at a fire  and he always could be counted on to do a great job.   I will miss Phil at the annual Munjoy Hill reunion.       God bless u Phil.  Eternal rest and peace!!!                                                                   
  John Bellino

We are sorry for your loss.  Phil was our best man at our wedding and  I was fortunate to sit with Phil at our class reunion this past summer. Phil and I also served in the US Marine Corps after high school. He became the Armor for our company. Dorothy and I will always remember Phil and the wonderful times we had together.
Dorothy and Noyes Turner

My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Phil Tinkham . We shared many memories as firefighters and as friends. Thank you for your service to the Portland Fire Department , the community and even more important thank you for your friendship. 
Your dedication, loyalty and unique sense of humor will be remembered by everyone who had the good fortune to know you . 
Rest in Peace my friend,
Sincerely, Ed

We are so so sorry for your loss. My husband worked with Phil in the Portland fire department . I grew up on Munjoy hill and was friends with June  his sister and Phil  .. He was a great guy and again so very sorry for your loss . Katie and George Earley

OBITUARY

Philip Edward Tinkham

April 6, 1947 – December 26, 2025

Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services