Thomas Edward Rinker passed away peacefully into the loving arms of his Savior Jesus Christ at the Heritage Home in Pinedale, WY on June 26, 2026. He bravely fought brain cancer for 18 months, of which his family and friends were, and are, extremely proud.

Thom was born in Fountain Hill, PA to Earle and Eleanor Rinker on October 14, 1955. In 1969, the family moved to Moraga, CA where he graduated from Campolindo High School in 1973. He enjoyed running on the cross-country and hurdling track teams.

In 1977, Thom graduated from California State University: Hayward with a degree in Recreation. While attending, he represented Hayward on the track team for four years.

In 1988 he married Kim Worthington and they were blessed with 38 years together. They raised two, darling daughters, first in California, then in Wyoming. In all locations, family time together was the greatest joy for the Rinker family.

Running, skiing, road/mountain-biking, hiking, fishing, and gardening were his happy pursuits. He spent many years on the National Ski Patrol in the Sierra Nevada mountains in the Lake Tahoe region and at White Pine, WY.

He began his professional career as a Production Planner for Tri-Valley Growers/Crown, Cork, and Seal in Fremont, CA before moving on to Castrol Motor Oil/BP on Point Richmond in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2006, Thom chose to transfer with BP to Western Wyoming to Operations in the Jonah Field, Granger, and Wamsutter where he worked with great teams of people. In 2014, he happily retired and was able to enjoy all the fishing, hiking, and skiing he wanted. He also spent his retirement volunteering with Sublette County Tip Top Search & Rescue and the Pinedale Community Food Basket Food Distribution Program, both of which served as outlets for his love of helping others.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years Kim Rinker of Pinedale, WY, daughter Alison Rinker of Missoula, MT, daughter and son-in-law Emily and Kurtis Youse of Story, WY, brother Bill Rinker (Elida) of San Anselmo, CA, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Uncle Thom will always be remembered as the “fun” uncle and the BEST dad and husband one could ask for.

Thom was dearly loved by his wife, daughters, son-in-law, extended family, and friends. The void of his presence will be great. His loyalty, kindness, and devotion to his loved ones will be sorely missed. However, we take great comfort in knowing he is now in Heaven with his Savior Jesus Christ; healed, whole, at peace, and so warmly loved by Jesus.

Our Hope: John 3: 16: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. That whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Jesus, our Blessed Hope gave us such comfort and sustained us through Thom’s difficult diagnosis and cancer battle.

The Rinker and Youse families wish to thank our Pinedale Bible Church family, extended family, friends, and Sublette County communities for all the love, meals, flowers, visits, and prayers.

Please consider a donation in Thom’s honor to Tip Top Search & Rescue of Sublette County or the Pinedale Community Food Basket Food Distribution Program. Thank you.

A Celebration of Thom’s Life will be held in September at Pinedale Bible Church with the date to be announced soon.