Obituary of Douglas Jon Tincher

AIKEN, SC –Douglas Jon Tincher, age 60, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2020.  He was born March 16, 1959 in St. Joseph, Michigan to Phyllis Klinger Tincher and the late Allan Tincher.  He met the love of his life, Joy, in 1978 while they were both attending the University of Minnesota.  They married in the summer of 1980, and he would tell anyone who listened over the last 39 years that he was so glad he had found her and that she was the only woman in the world who could possibly put up with him. 

Doug was relatively introverted and quiet, but was the type of person that you stop and listen to when you hear him speak.  He was a confidant to many because people knew they could go to him whether they needed guidance or just an ear.  His almost supernatural calm was known to draw in people of all ages and animals alike.  His family could always depend on him in the times when they wanted to talk about everything or nothing at all.

A life-long learner and teacher, Doug was often the smartest and yet humblest person in the room.  Whether it was years of helping his two kids, Daniel and Amanda, with their homework or writing presentations to be given to top government officials, he was the go-to person because of his profound knowledge, keen insight, visionary thinking, and patient teaching.  He could coach his kids’ soccer teams through endless practices and games on his weekends when they were growing up, then pivot to sharing seemingly fathomless expertise in the workplace on his weekdays.  He believed that knowledge was more powerful when consistently developed and shared.

Doug loved a bit of adventure and was a collector and world traveler.  He collected marbles, musical instruments, medals, coins, flags, and other trinkets that reminded him of a life well-lived and well-traveled.  He was also a pilot and an avid motorcycle rider.  He would tell his family that his pilot friends thought he was crazy for riding “one of those death-trap motorcycles”, and that his motorcycle friends always thought he was crazy for “flying one of those tin cans in the sky”.  Some of his happiest moments were when he got to share his love for motorcycles with his son through trips to the annual Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival, helping his son learn how to ride a motorcycle, and then going on rides together for unplanned lengths.  Throughout years of travel for work, he saw bits of both the best and worst in the world, and always came back with interesting souvenirs and stories to tell.  And while he could easily forget his own birthday, he always remembered to bring his wife unique pieces of jewelry or other goods that he thought she would enjoy from the countries he visited.

Doug had a wicked sense of humor and a passion for music.  He had a laugh that could both fill and warm a room, and was known to be witty and sarcastic, a trait that was strongly passed down to his kids much to the dismay of his wife.  He instilled a love of music in his family.  He played trumpet while in school and then reignited his appreciation for the instrument through teaching himself how to play again while his kids were in middle school.  He participated in local community bands as a musical outlet, while also making sure to diligently cart his kids to their weekly music lessons and be in the cheering section at each one of his kids’ band concerts.  He enjoyed swapping music recommendations with his daughter, though he was not very fond of the loud songs that she insisted were relaxing.  In turn, he somehow made her appreciate jazz music, an arduous task. 

Above all, Doug will be remembered as someone who deeply loved and supported his family and friends.  He generously gave to others without ever seeking credit or expecting a single thing in return.  He steadily protected and provided for his family, and could be counted on to give some of the best hugs in the world right when they were needed the most.  He will be forever loved, cherished, and missed by his loved ones.

Survivors include his mother, Phyllis Tincher; his wife, Joy Tincher; his son, Daniel Tincher; his daughter, Amanda Tincher; his younger sister, Joan Tincher, and his two older brothers, Allan Tincher (Cheryl) and Steven Tincher (Karen).

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 10 am Saturday, March 14, 2020 in The George Funeral Chapel. The Rev. K. Scott Ayers will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601. 

The Historic George Funeral Home, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com