Date: January 19, 2006

Belcourt Castle
657 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840

For Immediate Release:

Subject: A great loss to the Newport Community

The Royal Arts Foundation, Belcourt Castle and The Tinney family suffered a huge loss on Tuesday of this week. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Donald Harold Tinney husband of Harle Tinney and one of the current owners of Belcourt Castle. Donald Tinney, his father Harold, mother Ruth Tinney and aunt Nellie Fuller purchased Belcourt Castle in 1956 and opened Belcourt in 1957 as a museum as well as their private residence. Belcourt historically was one of the first former grand estates opened to view in the city of Newport.

Mr. Tinney suffering from early stages of the Alzheimer's disease this past year, wandered away early in the afternoon of January 16, 2006. Mr. Tinney enjoyed from time to time a walk in the afternoon with his wife and sometimes employees and friends. It was not uncommon whilst staff and Mrs. Tinney were working that he would enjoy a moment of solitude the artist that he was needed. This past year those walks became less frequent unaccompanied but at times he stressed the need and desire to have this moment and would always return within a short interval of time. The area at the end of Ledge Road where it meets the Cliff Walk had many memories for Donald Tinney. His family's first home Seaverge was located a short distance from where tragically, he met an early death.

Donald Tinney was the inspiration of Belcourt for the past 50 years and helped create one of the first family operated museums with a collection of Arts and Antiquities from over 30 countries and several former Newport mansions. It was his joy and life's work to share his collections with the entire world community that visited Newport. Belcourt was embarking on its' Jubilee year and Donald Tinney was excited about the future of this lifelong project he began over 50 years ago.

The Tinney family wishes to thank all of the local and state and government officials and friends of Belcourt that aided in the search. It was an unfortunate accident an unexpected loss to everyone. We hope you will remember Donald Harold Tinney for what he represented, the best in the human spirit and the gentle nature of man who loved everyone. He was a man whose creativity inspired many people throughout his lifetime and will be missed by many.

Funeral Services will take place Saturday, January 21, 2006 at 11:00am at his residence Belcourt Castle, 657 Bellevue Avenue, Newport.

Entombment will take place in the Tinney Family Mausoleum at Trinity Cemetery. Portsmouth.

Calling hours will take place Friday, January 20, 2006 at Belcourt Castle from 2-4pm and 7pm – 9pm.

Donations in his memory may be made to The Royal Arts Foundations Memorial Restoration Fund in memory of Donald Tinney at 657 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840.

Arrangements by the Hambly Funeral Home "Brick House", 30 Red Cross Avenue, Newport, RI 02840.

Online condolences, information and directions: www.memorialfuneralhome.com

The family asks that you make use of this website as well to contact us if further information is needed.