David Tinkoff

  
   
 

Our Friend

  

Many of you will remember David as a warm and generous man.  He was a fine mandolin player and high tenor singer. He was also a former-Director and active member of Valley Grass.  In 2004, David was struck down while crossing Bank Street.  Although he survived the accident, he spent his final few years as a resident of the Saint-Vincent Hospital, unable to sing or play his beloved mandolin.

 

Bluegrass music is characterized by each melody instrument switching off, playing improvised solos in turn, while others resort to back-up. It is clear why bluegrass was David's favourite. It provides a sense of togetherness, balanced with a sense of individuality. A sense of formality with spontaneity. 

David was uncomplaining. he had faced a lot of adversity in his life and was not the least bitter about it. He was courageous in overcoming that adversity and facing the challenges brought on by his accident. He was accepting. he took everybody he met at face value. He was thoughtful: he always asked after his friends' family and current projects. He was expressive: he told us many times how much he appreciated our inclusion of him in our company.

Teased as a child for his differences, David retreated to a world of music where he found strength and for which he was incredibly well suited. 

 
 

Excerpts from the Eulogy by Susan Bercovitch

 

The David Tinkoff Award

The David Tinkoff Award is presented annually by the Valley Grass Association to person(s) who have "special contribution to the life of the bluegrass community in the Ottawa area."  The award was the suggestion of Donald Tarte, the President of 'Valley Grass (2004-current), in response to David's family who wanted to thank the Ottawa music community that was such an important part of David's life. 

David Tinkoff Award Winners

  Award Winners, 2006 Sue and Rich McCarthy
  Award Winner, 2007 Garry Greenland
  Award Winner, 2008 Steve Hanes
  Award Winner, 2009 Mike O'Reilly
     

David Tinkoff Mandolin Scholarship

Arthur McGregor at the Ottawa Folklore Centre is proud to announce the creation of the David Tinkoff Mandolin Scholarship. It will be presented in the spring of every year and will consist of 12 private lessons and a frame-able certificate.  The yearly winners' names will also be inscribed on a trophy (yet to be designed).  It is hoped that the scholarship will remind everyone of our unique friend.
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