To view a recording of the Memorial Service Message go to: https://youtu.be/7uEvgx3d71U

Brian Marshall Tinker

Brian Marshall Tinker died on January 15, 2021 at Sanford Hospital in Bismarck. He was the oldest child and only son of Arthur and Virginia (Allen) Tinker.

He has two sisters, Sheryl Farris, Colorado and Lark (Bryan) Suit, California.

Brian was born on May 3, 1946 in Santa Barbara, California, and graduated in 1964 from Los Gatos High School in Los Gatos, California. He was declared the "fastest slide rule" at his high school in his math studies.

He attended University of California at Berkeley before enlisted into the U.S. Air Force in 1965, where he obtained the rank of Sergeant in the 22 Avionics Maintenance Squadron as an Aircraft Electrician.

He served most of his enlisted time at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska until his discharge in 1969.

Loving the mountains, he remained in Alaska, where he completed his bachelor's degree at the University of Alaska at Anchorage, Advanced Studies in Mathematics at Alaska Pacific University. He was self-employed as a Certified Public Accountant most of his life.

He earned his Master of Business administration from the University of North Dakota.

He was a member of Alaska Mensa and North Dakota Mensa, serving each state for ten years as Executive Director. He was a member of Rotary International, Polish American Club, Sons of Norway, Alaska Scottish Club, Mathematical Association of America, US Chess Federation, American Cryptogram Association, AICPA, ASCPA, and a JCI Senator.

He was the founder and dance director of Quest International Folk Dance Group.

The group performed at many events for several ethnic dances throughout Alaska and the surrounding islands, including Russian, German, Irish, Scottish, English, Scandinavian, Israeli, and many others.

Flying into Dutch Harbor for their annual Deutschfest and performing for ship crews and passengers from around the world was one of the group's favorite places, as well as performing at Elmendorf Air Force Base.

He was also a charter member of the Society of Folk Dance Historians and contributed regularly to their publication for 46 years. He had one of the largest collections of folk dance music, costume designs, and folk dance choreography in the United States.

Brian was an avid player of chess, once competing in high school against a grand master and staying in the competition the most moves of all the competitors before he lost the match. He enjoyed teaching chess to anyone who wanted to learn and in recent years had formed a local club but was unable to continue due to health complications.

Brian married Patricia Drennan in 1969, they later divorced.

He married Mary Louise (Albers) Harle in 1972 and they had three children, Audrey, Aaron and Gretchen and raised them with three step-children, Rick, Terri and Triena Harle, in Anchorage, Alaska.

During these years, he attempted to climb Mt. McKinley, sponsored by the Anchorage Rotary Club, but had to descend before reaching the summit, due to altitude sickness.

Upon marriage to Allan Pederson in 1994, they moved permanently to McClusky, ND, in 1997, where he completed his master's degree in business. He was a member of the North Dakota Society of Accountants and regularly attended their meetings, enjoying the trip to Medora and the musical after his accident.

He ran for Sheridan County Auditor in 2004 and was Chairman of Sheridan County Strategic Planning Committee, Secretary of Sheridan County Economic Development Corporation, active in Christian Business Men's Association, McClusky Lions, and a member of Moose and Eagles clubs. He served as District Governors for Lions International, (District 5 NC) and Lions International MD-5 Council Chair.

In 1995, he invited best man, Jeffrey Martwick, to accompany him and friend Curtis Lester to hike the Chilkoot Trail, a 33-mile trail through the Coast Mountains that leads from Dyea, Alaska, close to Skagway, in the United States, to Lake Benton, British Columbia, in Canada.  They returned by train after the long hike

The couple lived on a farm north and west of McClusky for 24 years, celebrating their 26 ^th wedding anniversary in 2020.

Brian continued to service clients in Alaska, California, Texas and North Dakota, after a car accident that left him a paraplegic in 2010.

Brian continued with his computer work, accounting, stamp collecting, folk dance history research, and trying out good restaurants wherever they traveled.

He is survived by his wife Allan, father Arthur Edward Tinker, two sisters Sheryl Farris and Lark (Bryan) Suit, three children, Audrey (Jeff) Harris, Aaron Tinker and Gretchen Tinker; stepchildren Rick (Barb) Harle, Triena Slatter, Terri Harle, Jerri Van Sandt, Darcie Crumpton, Gable Rhoads, Nathan (Debra) Rhoads, Daniel Leslie) Rhoads and Dakota (Thomas) Lasher; grandchildren Kelsey (Josiah) Caswell, Valleri Harris and Colten Harris; and numerous step-grandchildren, one great granddaughter, Audrey Dylan Caswell, and several step great-grandchildren; nephews Eric (Heather) Suit and their daughters, Kaylee, Avery  and Braelyn; Kevin and Kevin's son (Gabriel) and Bill (Kate) Bystricky.

Brian was predeceased by his mother Virginia Tinker and infant son Brian Edward Tinker.

His memorial service will be held at McClusky City Community Center on June 25 open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., with service at 10:30 and a brunch served following the service.

Interment will be at the North Dakota Veteran's Cemetery, located 6.5 miles south of Mandan on Highway 1806, at 1 p.m. on June 28, 2021.

Hertz Funeral Home of McClusky and Harvey is in charge of the services