R.I.P. Bonnie Tinker
Portland activist Bonnie Tinker, 61, died Thursday in a bicycle accident on the Virginia Tech University campus, the Virginia State Police have confirmed.
Tinker, a member of Seriously P.O.’d Grannies and director of Love Makes a Family in the Portland area, was cycling about 4:30 p.m. when a 1978 Mack truck turned right in front of her, a state police dispatcher said.
She ran into the truck, then was run over by it. She died at the scene.
The driver was hauling dirt from a construction site to Shultz Dining Hall. Virginia news sites reported that Tinker was attending a conference on campus with the Religious Society of Friends.
Tinker was a peace promoter, lesbian activist and abuse survivor. In 2008, she was arrested for protesting at the downtown Portland Armed Forces Recruiting Center.
Cecil Prescod, a member of the Love Makes a Family board of directors, said Tinker and her partner had three grown children. He said cycling was among Tinker’s hobbies.
“She had been active in the community for many years on a number of issues, from domestic violence to gay rights to, more recently, anti-war activities.”
Tinker is survived by her wife of 32 years, Sara Graham and 3 children.
This is a very sad loss, her bravery is inspiring.
to all who feel loss, my sympathy, and best wishes.
“Strength and Happiness”
I’m so sorry to hear about this. My thoughts and prayers are w/her family and friends.
Thanks for posting this, and great to run across your blog! I’d totally be down for a “Richmond outsiders” meetup sometime.