David Joseph Archie Tinant

David Joseph Archie Tinant was born on March 27, 1945, in Vancouver, BC, to Emile and Gertrude (Klein) Tinant while his dad was serving with the Canadian Armed Forces and was overseas.

In 1947, the Tinant family travelled to start a homestead at Muenster, Saskatchewan, through the Veterans’ Land Act (VLA). Dave, or “Archie” as he was nicknamed for many of his school years, attended the Monastery School near the Cathedral until Grade 8 and then attended St. Peter’s College until graduation.

As part of a mixed family farm, there were the usual chores relating to cattle, pigs and chickens (the despicable ones) as Dave called them. No end of fun was to be had as he roamed our pasture on the Wolverine Creek; hunting for gophers, tobogganing, skating (after hours of ice cleaning) or just hanging out.

Sunday was a day for Church and then often a card game was the order of the day. We all became excellent card players under Dad’s watchful eye.

Dave, being the second oldest child, often became our storyteller / babysitter. He fabricated an ongoing tale of “Aviator and I” - he could spin a true yarn. His truly best yarn was the family history he wrote for our parents’ 50th Wedding Anniversary. It was a tale of epic proportion. His memory and memories were a true reliving of our growing up years. Shades of the Walton’s!

After his school years, Dave became a painter by trade. He was also a “Mr. Fix-it” tackling many other projects in the building trades.

His travels took him to cities and towns such as Regina, Saskatoon, The Pas, Lynn Lake, Thompson and Edmonton, where he painted with his brother Joe. Eventually Dave settled in Humboldt with his wife Amable and son Rob.

A quiet man, Dave did love to tell stories of past adventures that occurred during his painting career.

Dave always had a book on the go, and I am sure the library was hard-pressed to keep him in new reading material. He also followed many sports where lively discussions often resulted. Dave was interested in world affairs and liked to share his opinions.

Another facet of Dave’s life was his many years’ association with AA; his other family. He became an advocate, often speaking and encouraging new participants, sharing his journey.

Dave is survived by his wife Amable, son Rob, and grandsons Nathan and Gavin. Also surviving are his siblings; Joan, Mary (Tony), Maddie (Hal), Terri (Lorenzo), Joe (Eunice) and Cathy (Barry), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Emile and Gertrude (Klein) Tinant and his brother Paul.

A Graveside Service will be held at a later date in the St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Muenster.