Keith Charles Tinner's Obituary
Keith Charles Tinner passed away in the presence of his family on April 14, 2017, he was 61. Keith ran track for Lincoln High School in Tacoma, the University of Washington, and represented America at the 1973 AAU Junior Olympics. He was a state and national champion in various events. His 1975 University of Washington relay team set a national record that held for over thirty years, they were inducted into the Husky Hall of Fame in 1988. He was also inducted into the Tacoma Athletic Commission’s Hall of Fame. He is considered one of the greatest sprinters in the sport’s history. After he retired his cleats, he moved to Tacoma where he spent the remainder of his life. He worked for the Tacoma School District for over twenty years where he became the first African-American man in Tacoma to earn an Operating Engineers License, something for which he and his family took immense pride in.
Keith came from a large family and they were the most important piece of his life. Later in life he fell in love with Jesus and had a faith that brought joy to others. He was young at heart and loved fishing, comics, cooking, science fiction, and telling stories to anyone who would listen.
He is survived by his son Kevin and daughter Kassie, whom he loved unconditionally and were the pride and joys of his life. He is also survived by his brother Robert, sisters Linda and Denise, and many others whom he loved as if they were his own children. His mother Alice and sisters Flo and Genera precede him in death.
A Celebration of Life will be held on April 22nd at 4:00 p.m. at Greater Christ Temple, 1926 S G St. in Tacoma. In Keith’s honor, the family encourages blood donations be made to the Puget Sound Blood Bank.
What’s your fondest memory of Keith?
What’s a lesson you learned from Keith?
Share a story where Keith's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Keith you’ll never forget.
How did Keith make you smile?