Tinker was born into the Travelling Community.  He is the eldest of three children, his brother Sonny and his sister Glady.  At a young age he worked at Hayward's Farm in Harlington.  Always ready to do his bit and help his family he would prove to be the provider, he lost his own father when he was just fourteen.


During his time on the farm, he developed an interest in cars and aeroplanes.  When Tinker found something he enjoyed he wanted to know everything about it. So he taught himself how to fix cars, studying the engine until he was sure everything was right.  It was the same with aeroplanes, building small planes out of balsa wood. Spending many a happy hour on his project.


He met his wife Ann, my Mother in the early 1960's. I smile when memories are bought to life again through reminiscent chats and going through old photo's.  The Town Hall in Staines,Middlesex was the place to be.  Listening to the sounds of Buddy Holly and Elvis. Then going over to Heathrow where the Coffee Shop was.  Meeting up with friends over a frothy coffee.  Tinker was a snappy dresser and a real catch.  He married Ann in 1963 and a year later along came Mark my oldest brother.  Gary was next, born in 1965 then my appearance in 1969 completed the Gardner family.


Tinker always worked very hard for his family.  Holidays were important to him. In the early 70's he would pack up the car and off we would all go to the seaside.  Hastings, Weymouth or Camber Sands usually.   As Mark and Gary grew older, he would take them to various museums and air shows. Such as The Shuttleworth Collection, in Old Warden,Bedfordshire. At first it was a 'boys only' trip. He shared his knowledge and interests with his sons. Flying the model aeroplanes he had built and chatting with fellow enthusiasts. Later when his grandson Alex was born he too would come along on all these trips.  In recent years Ann and myself would join them. It was always such a buzz to see that he so enjoyed his hobby, happy to share it all with his family.

Tinker also enjoyed holidays abroad, Croatia, Canary Islands and Normandy,France.  Another little history trip in which he shared stories with his grandson. As I look through the many photo's taken during these times I realise just how lucky Alex was.  To have such a caring grandad as Tinker.  He was a man who was patient, strong and loving.


A funny story I can recall when my son Alex was about three years old.  Somehow he had got his head stuck in a small blue plastic chair.  After several attempts to free him, I picked up the phone and called Dad.  Without hestitation he came over with a pair of pliers to cut Alex free.  Alex had stood in the hallway looking tearful with a chair hanging from his neck. 'Sort me out Grandad'.  And of course Grandad did.


Tinker and Ann were married for 48 years.  So many happy memories. Cherished Memories of a man we were so lucky to have known.  I shall remember his strength, his kindness,the twinkle in his eye and his never ending love he had for his family.