Today September 23 we said goodbye to our one in a million dad, papa and friend Skip Tinder as he made his way to be with his savior & of course his other half Judy. Skip was born in Seattle WA and at the age of 17 months he and his parents made their journey to the Gallatin Valley, where he grew up on a ranch outside of Logan MT. Skip graduated from Manhattan High in 1963, he then went on to work different jobs. Skip changed tires for Long’s Tire Service, ready mix driver for Kenyon Noble, and the “tire guy” for the Montana State Highway Department, where he retired.
Skip married his love Judy on August 26, 1973 and they lived in Bozeman MT where they had 2 daughters a granddaughter and grandsons. Skip had a love of hot rods at a young age up until the day he passed. “To my car guys club, it was an absolute great time, and everyone was always so helpful.”
Skip loved nothing more than spending time with his family and friends sitting around telling stories. Skip also loved being Santa and did it for many years. “I would like to thank all the little children big and small who came to see me at the mall.” Skip will forever be remembered as Santa and a gentle soul who will be greatly missed.
Skip is preceded in death by his wife Judy Tinder, Parents Jack and Marie Tinder, his in-laws Norm and Laura Amerman and his Brother inlaw Grant Ballantyne.
Skip is survived by his daughter Misti Tinder and his Daughter Mandi Tinder, his little “toots” Ashley Tinder (19) his “buddy” Casey Streich (15), his Grandson Dominic Streich (25), Sister Jackie Jean Ballantyne of Manhattan: Niece Chrissy Mest & Family: Nephew Brad Ballantyne & Family, Brother in-laws Jeff Amerman & Family, Jon Amerman & Family.
Skip has family and friends all over whom he loved. “I want all the people to be happy. I will miss you all.”
“The Robin has flown for the last time…”
Skip decided to be cremated as was his other half. Please join Skip’s family for a memorial service to celebrate Skips life at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at the Auction Barn, 25 Wheeler Mountain Way, Bozeman, MT 59718. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Skip.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday October 10, 2020
Auction Barn
25 Wheeler Mountain Way
Bozeman, Montana 59718
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday October 10, 2020
Auction Barn
25 Wheeler Mountain Way
Bozeman, Montana 59718
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Pam Arnold says
Oh, I am so sorry to hear of Skip’s passing. I always enjoyed it so much when he was Santa at Van’s County Market, and made sure to have my picture taken with him. I was a checker there. He was a most wonderful person and I know he was a wonderful father and family man. I remember he and his wife bringing dinner to Misty when she was the night manager and how they all had dinner together. People like Skip are few and far between. I will surely miss seeing him!
Kenneth Matthiesen says
Skip was a great friend. Always ready to help without being asked. Great sense of humor and a ready listener. He will be missed by my family as well as his.
Ann Day says
I am so sad to hear of Skip’s passing. He was my cousin and I’m sorry we lost touch over the years. He was so much fun at his family ranch or at the lake in Helena. We recently met briefly at the airport in Bozeman when I flew in to meet my Aunt and he was there with her, grinning at me like he always did. We knew each other in spite of the years. It was so fun to catch up. He will be missed.
Dennis Clinton says
I’m so sorry to hear of Skips passing. We had great conversations during the festival’s. His big smile will be missed.
Susan and Allen Watson says
So sorry to hear of Skip’s passing. I grew up next door to him on the Madison. Skip, Jackie Jean, I and my sister and brothers spend lots of time together playing. My mom and dad loved having him as “Santa” at the Madison Valley School House. RIP Skip. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Darcy Halpin says
Our heart felt love to you all.
Warren and Darcy
❤️❤️
Andy and Sheila Brown says
We are so sorry to hear of Skip’s passing.Our condolences and prayers go out to your family. Such a GREAT man. He was a great friend and coworker !!! I loved working with him at the Highway Dept. and Kenyon Noble. His laugh will always be remembered as will seeing him play Santa, and his many stories, and jokes. One in a million is right! Such a great guy and we’ll miss him dearly !!! Godspeed Skip and God Bless!
Andy and Sheila Brown and family.
Gordon Gollehon says
Skip was always Santa to my three daughters and myself and a fellow “Car Guy”– my condolences
Debbie Border Boom says
Dear Family, I am so sorry about Skip passing away. Skip is my Dad’s cousin. My Dad was so happy when Skip would come to visit him in their assisted living home. (Thank you Skip). Skip was such a great guy, fun and kind. My husband and Skip were in a car guys club because they both love cars. My husband and Skip would be a good combination for humor and laughter. My Dad (folks) are sorry also – Dad cried when I told him. Skip is one of the few cousins he has left. Bye Cuz and see you soon!!
Sara Jones says
So sorry to hear of “Santa’s” passing. He held the heart of many children and their parents ! God bless Skip for all the good he brought to this community! He will truly be missed!
Jenn & Alan McCollim says
We are so sorry to hear of “Santa Skip’s” passing. He was the best Santa ever & I’m so thankful that we have lots of pictures & memories of our boys sitting on his lap over the years. My husband Alan knew Skip for many years before that through Kenyon & always had great things to say about Skip. I remember a few years ago Skip came as Santa to the Kenyon Christmas party & was the hit of the night! Even showing off his infamous tattoo. He was one of a kind & will forever be Santa Skip to our family. Our deepest condolences to all of you.
Jim Melin says
Farewell Santa Clause, it was a honor to know and work with you on the State, There will never be another. Condolences and Blessings to your family
Karen and Dick Bourquin says
Jackie, so sorry to hear about Skip’s passing. Remember all the years at Manhattan, riding the Logan bus to school. Life was good way back then. Sending our love and prayers to you, Dick and Karen Bourquin
John VM says
The world is now a smaller place without Skip and Judy in it. They had so much love to share with those around them; they will truly be missed. Hope to see them on the other side! DBLUGLY forever…
Dawn, Matt, TJ and Colter Miller says
The world has certainly lost a BIG, wonderful man!!! I remember so many stories being told over the fence between our house and theirs. My husband dressing up as Santa one year and Skip sitting on his lap because the kids all started to catch on that he was Santa. I’ve heard stories about him packing out bags of concrete on his shoulders that would normally take 2-3 men to do. You touched so many, young and old. You’ll be missed and remembered by many. Love ya big man- The Miller Family
Gayle DeDycker says
I am so sorry of your Dad passing. I will always remember him as the real Santa. He was the sweetest person and always had a smile on his face. He worked at the highway with my husband for many years. God bless all of you.
Val Martinez says
My heart aches for your family. Skip aka Santa will be missed greatly. He touched so many heart here in Gallatin county. Best wishes to you all.
Frank Petrik says
Skip and the Tinder family hold a special place in my heart and will always be an example of genuine loving people. Skip’s kindness and wit was never lost on the people he knew. I am honored to have been a recipient of his goodwill. Rest in peace and best to all of his family.
The Petriks
Catherine Kimble says
i am saddened to hear of his passing. he was always smiling and happy when i saw him in the grocery store. i will treasure my pic with him as santa much more now. prayers to misti, mandi and the rest of the family.
Bruce Blackketter says
Good bye old friend.
mike kellie says
Misty and Mandi I am so sorry to hear about Skip. I worked with Skip for quite a few years, That big guy had a very special soul, just the thought of him warms your heart and always bring a ray of light to your darkest days. He will be greatly missed by so many. Know this, he is with you always! You could never find a better angel! God bless.
Gary Perkins says
Rest in peace.
Amber Hargrove says
Skip always had smile for everyone. Best person to work with. You will be greatly missed.
George Jensen says
Skip was a good man. He was my friend. May the Lord bless him and his family.
Jenifer Rather says
Skip was definitely a kind, and good man, who will always be fondly remembered. My deepest condolences to the family.
Karen Semerau says
We first began inviting Skip to be our Santa at our annual Employee Family “Santa Brunch” several years ago, after I was told that he would be fantastic for our family brunch event. He certainly has been that and so much more. I will never forget the story shared that during his first brunch with our company, a co-worker’s son was overheard telling the younger kids sitting with him “HE is the REAL Santa! I know! HE is the real one!” I was fortunate to get to know Skip on a more personal level over the years. Our beloved REAL Santa, Skip Tinder, absolutely LOVED being Santa because he loved what he did, and the children reciprocated this love back to him. He loved children and was sincerely interested in them and what they had to say. My heart breaks for the loss in our community and for Skip’s family. He was a most genuine, loving and real person which made him the absolutely perfect REAL Santa.
Alan Eck says
Skip always made the work day more pleasant at MDOT. He was a fine person and enjoyable be around.
Julie Leep says
Misti, Mandi ~ your dad was the best!
Bruce and I will forever hold Skip as one of the kindess hearted person we knew. Be strong, and know they’ll both be watching over your family forever. Hugs to all.
Lorraine Ekegren says
Mysti and family.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father.
Mary Ann Toohey says
Skippy was truly an angel here on earth spreading love and joy. Don’t think I ever saw him mad. Worked with him at the highway department. He took time to memorize my kids names before Christmas and which one needed to clean their bedroom more, or listen to their Mom when asked to do something. So on that day when we showed up for pictures as the boys were walking up to him he would say. Hello Austin hello Jack and eyes wide open they listened to what they needed to improve upon!! Skip had a way with making people feel good about them selves, always had a story. And always listened when someone spoke to him. Loved him as so many did. Heaven gained the real Santa! Love and healing thoughts to all the family. From the Toohey Family.
joy Goodpaster says
Every year we would take our kids to the mall for pictures and skip was our Santa, he was sooo patient and kind
Then one year he wasn’t there and it just wasnt the same! So every year after that we made sure to come when he was there. Now at Christmas when I hang up all the santa photos the kids always comment on how that one Santa just didn’t feel like santa and Skip made them believe 💜. He was an amazing person.
Paul says
Skip and I had a mutual friend who used to live across the street. For probably 7 or 8 years, Skip came to one of several different houses in our neighborhood to “be Santa”. He did this at our home for three years, I think. The 8-9 families that would come would get gifts for their kids. We would collect them in a bag, so that when Skip came, he would come inside, hold court, and then reach into his bag to pull out the gifts, read the names, and have the kids come up to get them, sit on his knee, and interact with him. This, to many of us, was the highlight of Christmas for many years. It was absolutely magical for most of the kids in our neighborhood. They were so excited to see HIM, the REAL SANTA!! They were excited for each other…and it went far beyond the “things” that he was bringing. The wonder, joy, and love he brought to our home and neighborhood was immeasurably precious. Though I experienced all this as an adult, they will forever be (for me) the memories that most embody what Christmas SHOULD be. They will be my most irreplaceable holiday memories. Skip made all that possible, so clearly, had so much love and magic within himself. I know I will be forever grateful for those experiences he gave me and my friends. I wish I knew him better, as he was clearly a wonderful man…the type that this world could use many more of. My sincere condolences to his family. RIP Skip. With love and gratitude, Paul Neubauer