The Solebury Township community is in mourning following the passing of William Tinsman, of Lumberville, a former township supervisor, and president and co-owner of the country’s oldest continuously-operated family-owned lumber yard.
Tinsman, 75, a champion for the environment, was actively involved in numerous causes, including the Bucks Audubon, the Delaware River Flooding Task Force, and Bowman’s Hill. Additionally, he held the title of President of the Paunacussing Watershed Association.
“Solebury has lost a pillar of the community,” township officials said in a statement.
In 2019, the Solebury Township Historical Society honored Tinsman with the Distinguished Citizen of Solebury award, placing him in the company of figures and his own parents, Sue and Bill Tinsman, Jr.
On Sunday, Tinsman died after a year-long battle with brain cancer at Chandler Hall in Newtown.
Beyond his vast professional and community achievements, Tinsman was a dedicated family man. He is survived by his wife Melody, his son Will, and daughter-in-law Renée, according to an obituary in the Bucks County Herald.
Tinsman attended the George School in Middletown Township.
After serving in Vietnam with the U.S. Navy, Tinsman returned home to work at his family’s Tinsman Brothers Building Materials.
Tinsman gained attention for hanging the American flag on the Lumberville-Raven Rock Pedestrian Bridge following the September 11, 2001 attacks. The tradition continued over the years.
A celebration of Tinman’s life is set for October 14 at 2:30 p.m. at the Solebury Friends Meeting at 2680 Sugan Road, according to his obituary.
Contributions can be made in Tinman’s memory the Lumberville Bridge Memorial Flag Fund, located at 6632 Old Carversville Road, Lumberville, PA 18933.
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