William A. Tingley
Longtime Alaskan William A. Tingley, 91, passed away Monday, Oct. 17, 2016 at Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna.
Memorial services were held Sunday, Oct. 23, at Peninsula Memorial Chapel in Kenai. Pastor Janice Carlton officiated.
Tingley was born Apr. 16, 1925 in Attleboro, Mass., the son of Louise and E. Blake Tingley. He joined the U.S. Navy at 17 to fight during World War II. Following his military service, he began a career in the Merchant Marines and achieved Master of Oceans, unlimited license.
Tingley was the founding member and charter president of Southwest Alaska Pilot’s Association, and retired in 1992. He later retired from real estate in 2007.
Tingley enjoyed hunting, fishing and caring for his wife.
His family wrote, “In 1968, Bill and Willie were married. They were very devoted to each other and were rarely apart. Bill always said the best job he ever had was taking care of his wife. Captain Bill was a family man, always willing to help a family member in need. He was loved and will be missed by many.”
Tingley was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Charles, Norman, Joshua and Richard Tingley.
He is survived by his wife, Wilema Tingley of Soldotna; children, Jay Tingley of Anchor Point, Joan Miner of Maple Valley, Wash., Jeff Tingley of Lynnwood, Wash., Jill Herbert of Homer, Darold Matthews of Anchorage, Marti Anderson of Kenai and Lance Matthews of Show Low, Ariz.. Grandchildren include Keith Miner, Shaun Miner, Brandi Peck, Heather Mecsko, Daryll Matthews, Shannon Johnson, Thomas Tingley, James Tingley, Johnathan Tingley, Elton Anderson, Kelse Anderson, Tess Dickinson, David Herbert and Margaret Herbert; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel in Kenai.