DR TINKLE TURNS 100

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It has been a party in the planning process for quite some time—well about 100 years to be exact. On Feb 20 our good friend and world traveler, Dr Lloyd Tinkle would reach the century mark. We just realized that we have never known anyone who was born prior to World War I and before jets took to the skies and television and the internet filled the airwaves and before penicillin was discovered and before moonwalks and atom bombs. As a matter of fact, that was the theme of Sandra Bowern’s multimedia presentation in tribute to Dr Tinkle. The Cruise Director, Jamie and his wife Dana had been working intently on creating a fitting celebration to honor “Tink” on his special day. Leading up to the party, Jamie interviewed Dr Tinkle for the ship’s television show. Then Jamie taped greetings from friends and fellow passengers to be shown at the party. Captain Dag read a poem dedicated to Dr Tinkle’s youthful spirit. Kevin sang a tune he composed starting with “Tinkle, Tinkle little star….” Many people spoke of their admiration not only for his daily piano playing, his bridge expertise and his fantastic costumes but mostly people commented on Dr Tinkle’s indomitable fortitude and his positive attitude toward life and how he serves as an inspiration to all those around him. He is living proof of the power of positive thinking.

This being “Dr Lloyd Tinkle Day” everyone was encouraged to dress in their favorite travel costume and to join in the celebration of a life well lived. Songs were sung, dances were danced and poems were read. The noted game show host, Wink Martindale, who is on board as a guest lecturer, hosted a show entitled “Name that Tinkle Tune.” We all laughed ourselves silly. The whole show was put together with so much love and respect for this remarkable man from Sioux City, Iowa. He is like the ship’s mascot and good luck talisman. Ever the optimist, Dr Tinkle is already booked for next year's world cruise. It will be hard to top this 100th birthday party.

We organized a birthday dinner with some of Dr Tinkle’s good friends after the big show. Paulette Mitchell, the guest chef, and fellow Sioux Citian wrote a poem honoring Tink and joined in the dinner party along with Gerda, Sara, Dorothy, Father Kelley, Jeanne, Brett and Kevin and me. The whole restaurant staff gathered around the table to present Dr Tinkle with his favorite desert, a flaming baked Alaska, and to serenade him with the birthday song.

It was a memorable evening and in true “Tinkle Tradition” Lloyd gave each of us a present in return—a night of happiness and good cheer and inspiration. When we grow up we want to be just like Dr Tinkle!!

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Photos

Mount Tinkmore
"Great places, Great faces!"

His Royal Highness "Der Tinkle"
Sitting with Paulette at the Tribute

Manuela Madonna
She's a Material Girl

Annette & Doug
Dressed for the Occasion

Gabe Croons a Tune
Will You still Love me when I'm 104

Baked Alaska!
The whole crew joined in singing

Comments

[Mary Courim]

Happy Birthday
Susan and Kevin, Please tell Tink I said happy Birthday. I am so sorry to miss his celebration and wish him 100 more! MLC

[Mary Lou & John Shoemaker]

The Pleasure of His Company
Memory Images of Dr. Tinkle: Breakfast in Veranda with the resident priest; at the piano before sea-day morning Devotional; participation in Devotional; magnificent costumes at many events; gentlemanliness and courtliness on all occasions; ever present smile, no matter where or when. Because of these attributes and much more, like you, we would like to grow up to be like Dr. Tinkle - an inspiration in fine living. Our only regret re his birthday is that we weren't with all of you to celebrate this remarkable man. Happy 100th and wishes for more good times!

[Lois Field]

Fabulous Event
Made many cruises with Lloyd and always enjoyed spending time with him aboard and on shore. Remember the wonderful parties that he and Lillian gave together on the days of the "Sun". Also, remember his calls when he visited on the west coast (of FL) Regret that I cannot travel anymore, but love being in touch with my "cruising friends". Wish I could have been on the Voyageur for the wonderful party honoring Lloyd. My thoughts were with him. His outfit didn't dissappoint me! Love, Lois

[Becky & Dick]

What a wonderful report to read just before we head to the Mariner's Observation Lounge for cocktails overlooking Rio! Thank you for sharing the experience. Like many others, we want to grow up to be Dr. Tinkle

[anonymous]

How absolutely fabulous. I just hope I can live to be 100 and as active as Dr Tink. Lots of love Pat

[Patricia Pearce MBE]

100th birthday
What fabulous pictures of Dr Tink's 100th. I hope I can live to be that ripe old age and have as much fun as he did. Thanks for sharing pictures. Love Pat

[Mary Ann]

Happy Birthday, Dr. Tinkle
Doctor Tinkle, I have read all of Susan's travel blogs and always enjoy following the exciting travel destinations and admiring the people who make those cruises. You have been my favorite because you make the most out of every day and it seems from here that you are the best medicine for what ails most of us. You seem to spread smiles, laughter, joy, and loving life. I wish you the best of birthdays and wonderful days ahead.

[Jan Cibula]

trip
I want to be on a cruise with you two when I turn 100! What a wonderful party!!

[George Tsuyuki]

Thank you for your xmas card
Thank you so much for your loveley xmas card. I would love to hear from you. I will send you a card through the mail.

[Roger S. Wargo]

Dear Tink
Dear Tink, I just heard that you passed. I will write more soon. You and your wife have always been with me and in my prays.