Donald Ray Tinnin

Donald (Don) Ray Tinnin, 81, of Farmington, New Mexico, passed away on July 17, 2026, in Farmington, New Mexico. Donald was born on January 6, 1945, in Durango, Colorado to parents James Nicholas Tinnin and Thelma Doraline Roberts.

Throughout his life, Don was devoted to his family, his community, and the education of generations of young people. A loving husband and proud father of two daughters, he built a life marked by hard work, leadership, creativity, and service to others.

He dedicated more than 49 years to the Farmington School System, serving in many important roles throughout his distinguished career. He worked as a teacher, basketball coach, and assistant principal before serving 20 years as principal at McKinley Elementary. He was also the first hearing officer in the State of New Mexico.

In each position, he brought wisdom, fairness, patience, and a genuine commitment to students, families, teachers, and staff. His influence reached far beyond the classroom, and his many years of service left a lasting impression on the schools and community he loved.

As a young man, he developed the strong work ethic that would guide him throughout his life. He worked on a construction crew that helped build Tom Bolack’s museum and spent summers working for El Paso Natural Gas. At one time, he managed the Allen Theatres, and he also operated a custodial business with his brother, Nick. These varied experiences reflected his resourcefulness, determination, and willingness to take on new challenges.

His dedication to service extended beyond his professional career. He was active in numerous clubs and organizations and served as a board member for several associations. He generously shared his time, experience, and leadership, always seeking ways to strengthen and support his community.

Away from work and civic responsibilities, he found joy in working with his hands and expressing his creativity. He loved woodworking, rock collecting, painting, and tackling art projects of all kinds. A true lover of dogs and all animals, he formed deep bonds with the creatures around him. As a certified diving master and instructor, he felt at home in the water and shared that passion with others. He also loved to travel, visiting several countries throughout his life. These interests brought him deep satisfaction and reflected his appreciation for craftmanship, nature and beauty.

Above all, Don will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, respected educator, community leader, and many of many talents. He had a great sense of humor and was quite the character. His legacy lives on through his two daughters, the countless students and colleagues whose lives he touched, and the community he faithfully served for so many years.

Donald is preceded by his parents James Nicholas Tinnin and Thelma Doraline Roberts, and brother Nick Tinnin.

Donald is survived by his wife Cynthia Robinson, stepson Shain Reed, daughters Leslie Briggance, and Cheri Tinnin, and stepdaughter Kristi Reed, sister Beverly Moffett, grandchildren Kai Briggance, Jake Houston, Alyssa Houston, Emma Briggance, Todd Houston, and Ayden Osborne, great grandchildren Casen Beck, Emily Kilmer, Reilly Johnstad, Ezra Houston, Briar Kilmer, and Joey Houston.

A Private Family Memorial will take place at a later date.