Timothy James Reininger
Dec. 13, 1968 - Jan. 14, 2024

Tim was born at the old Trinity Hospital in Arcata on Dec. 13, 1968 to Kelly and Sue Reininger. Tim attended Morris Elementary, McKinleyville Elementary and McKinleyville High Schools. Tim played football and baseball from the age of 8 years old through high school. He was also good at gymnastics. Tim lived his whole life in McKinleyville.

But on one fateful night on Tuesday January 23, 1987, Tim’s life would be changed forever. He was returning to halftime of a basketball game with his friend Doug Jones when a drunk driver ran a stop sign at Murray and Central and hit Tim’s truck. This accident killed Doug and severely injured Tim for the rest of his life. Tim needed to have 18 surgeries to repair injuries that never healed. Throughout his whole life Tim never complained, even though he was in daily pain.

Through much effort with the county, the Jones and Reininger families were able to have them make that intersection a four-way stop with a flashing red lights to keep this from happening again.

Tim loved watching his favorite teams, the SF 49ers and SF Giants, play with family and friends. Tim enjoyed playing Yahtzee, Uno and Doghouse. He also loved watching his nephew Bode play basketball and baseball all over Northern California with his family and friends. TIm and Bode would also play video games together with a lot of friendly banter. Tim was so proud of Bode being able to play sports and maintain an “A” average.

Tim also loved going to Trinity Lake on our houseboat every summer, water skiing and knee boarding and being with family and friends, especially his Grandpa and Grandma.

Tim ultimately received a cancer diagnosis in late 2022 that caused him to receive painful treatments in 2023. In late 2023 Tim was told the cancer had spread to other parts of his body and would require more treatments to prolong his life. In the end a few weeks later the combination of injuries he sustained from the accident and the cancer were too much and claimed Tim’s life. Tim is now at peace and pain-free. We will miss him dearly, every morning and every night.

Tim leaves his favorite dog, “Lucy,” who was always with him and he loved her very much. She slept with him every night and she is missing him too.

Tim was preceded in death by grandparents Floyd McBride, and Hurshell and Helen Reininger, uncle Frank Reininger and aunt Vicki Reininger.

Tim is survived by his parents, Kelly and Sue Reininger; grandmother Moleta McBride; brother Kirby Reininger; nephew Bode Reininger; uncles and aunts Curt and Debbie McBride, Roger and Sharon Reininger. He is also survived by numerous cousins.

He also leaves behind his friend Sarah McCurdy, who he loved dearly.

Tim requested there be no services.

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