Donald Drake Tinkham

- – Donald (Don) Drake Tinkham, 88, of Phoenix died at Maine Medical Center on November 9, 2018 as a result of complications from heart surgery.

Born on May 9, 1930 to Mildred and Alfred Tinkham in Melrose, Massachusetts. Don graduated from Melrose High School, Tilton School in New Hampshire and Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. He married his High School sweetheart, Karolyn and had 2 children, Leslie and Jeffrey. Don served in the US Army Reserves from 1950 to 1953.

In 1960, Don moved his family to Phoenix to take a job at Fountains Pharmacy / Crandall’s Pharmacy as Pharmacist. He worked there for many years before moving to The Drugstore and then to Osco / CVS in Scottsdale. He and Karolyn raised their family in Phoenix / Scottsdale and although Karolyn was sick for most of their life together, Don kept his joyous nature and loving heart as he cared for Karolyn until her passing in 1999.

Don was introduced to his 2nd wife, Luverne, by family friends and they were married in 2005. She was from Maine so they had a winter home in Phoenix and a summer home in Maine. In this 2nd marriage, Don was lucky to have and love Luverne’s children, Duane, Derek, Laurie, Cathy, Kristen and Lisa. Don & Lu were able to travel the world and enjoyed every minute.

He loved life and made the most of it. He got licensed to fly his Ultra Lite which he did for years. He went skydiving in his 70’s and Bungee jumped from a bridge in New Zealand at 81. He enjoyed sailing and kayaking and there was always the traditional mountain climbing on holidays. He was known for his green thumb and gardens and his love of food. He saw the beauty in the world and was happy for every day he was given. He was a very kind man with a big heart and a great sense of humor.

Don was an active member of the Church of the Beatitudes for many years and Paradise Community Church. Don and Lu were members of the Church on the Cape, Cape Porpoise, Maine. He was a devout Christian and loved God, church music and his church families. He loved to sing and sang joyously in the church choirs.

Don is survived by his wife of 13 years, Luverne, of Kennebunk, Maine. Daughter, Leslie Evangelo and Son, Jeff Tinkham, both of Phoenix. Grandchildren Tiffany, Michael, Tyler and Lindsey and his 8 great grandchildren Tony, Andrew, Austin, Ayden, Chloe, Addison, Aubrey and Jackson.

A celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, Nov 24th at Noon. Please inquire to his daughter Leslie at levangelo@live.com. He will be dearly missed.