Marion Tinsley was born in Irontown, Ohio, on February 3, 1927 and became interested in checkers early in life. While looking for a book on mathematics in his local public library, he saw two books on checkers, one by Millard Hopper, and the other by James Lee, his famous Guide to the Game of Checkers. These books fascinated him and spawned an active career in the game.

Dr. Tinsley's phenomenal memory and analytical skills enabled him to win virtually every Ohio State and Cedar Point tournament in which he participated at an early age. He became United States Junior Champion by defeating Maurice Chamblee in 1947. The match was played at Cedar Point, Ohio, with Dr. Tinsley scoring three wins, with 25 games drawn, and two lost. Dr Tinsley then won the Tourney Championship of America at Brownwood, Texas, without losing a game. Dr. Tinsley competed with Professor Fraser of Montreal in a mixed match of 10 games of go-as-you-please, 10 games of two-move restriction, 10 games of three-move restriction, and 10 games of eleven-man ballot. Dr. Tinsley won the match easily with 14 wins, no losses, and 26 drawn games.

Dr. Tinsley played in a World Championship match against Newell Banks in Detroit, Michigan. This tournament, played at two-move restriction, ended with three games for Dr. Tinsley, one lost, and the remaining games drawn. In 1954 Dr. Tinsley was recognized as World Champion by the American Checker Federation and confirmed his title by accepting a challenge from the formidable Walter Hellman of Gary, Indiana. The match was played at Lakeside, Ohio, and at Peoria, Illinois, in 1956. It was won convincingly by Dr. Tinsley, who scored three wins, with no losses and 35 games drawn. He also defeated aspirant Derek Oldbury of Torquay by the overwhelming score of nine wins to one, with 24 games drawn. In the same year Dr. Tinsley decided to temporarily retire from active play.

When Dr. Tinsley reentered the arena, he beat Elbert Lowder by 15 wins, no losses, and with 10 games drawn. Since then Dr. Tinsley's domination of the game has been unquestioned. His achievements in checkers assure him of a place among the giants of the game.

It is with deep regret we announce the passing of Marion Tinsley on April 3, 1995. As a man, Dr. Tinsley was exceedingly kind and loved by everyone. He was a great friend of the Chinook team.