becoming a funeral director.
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   It is never easy to say goodbye.  It is even harder when the person you're saying goodbye to has seemingly woven himself into the fabric of an institution.  Gene Tinory, a member of the Norfolk County Teachers Association for the past 50 years - 37 as an officer - died suddenly on December 2, 2007 at the age of 77.  The West Roxbury resident was on his daily walk in Millennium Park when he was stricken.

   Tinory not only craved out a storied career as an educator, e also become well-know for his charitable ventures, his military service, as well as his many outside interests.  His trophies, awards, certificates and other honors filled an entire room at his home.

   A graduate of Boston College, Tinory taught in Holliston before going on to the Thurston Junior High School in Westwood.  He taught in Westwood for 37 years, but was involved with his students for many years afterwards.

For 50 years, he took a group from the school's World Organization Study Club on a trip to New York City, culminating with a trip to the United nations.

   He was honored many times by both the Massachusetts Teachers association and the National Education Association as well as the NCTA, which he served as a past president and secretary at the time of his heath; the NCTA awarded him a Service Award in 1969, and the President's Award in 1975.

   A decorated veteran of the Korean War and a retired major in the Army, Tinory found many ways to help his fellow servicemen overseas and as an honorary admissions counselor at West Point helped guide almost two dozen students to the academy.

Tinory was also a longtime Boy Scout leader, escorting Troop 7 of West Roxbury to its summer camp for 39 straight years and being honored by the Scouts on several occasions.

  He was an award-winning gardener whose talents were recognized by the city of Boston on several occasions.  He was also a talented musician who lent his talents at no cost to many groups, and an author.  He memorialized his late mother and her journey from Lebanon in the book Journey From Amneah, raising money for the Lebanese War Orphans Fund he set up in the name of his late parents.  At his funeral service, those who know Tinory well praised him for his generosity and many selfless acts.

  "Gene will be sorely missed by teachers, parents, associations, clubs, and friends who were may, but the biggest losers mostly will be his students who benefited from his wisdom and knowledge," said John M. Demerjian of the Nicholas Beram Veterans Association.  "There was hardly enough hours in the day for Gene to accomplish all the things he wanted to do, usually for the benefit of others, said friend Joseph Hanley, the former executive director of the NCTA and Tinory's colleague at Thurston Junior High.

   But education remained his first love.  "Teaching was Gen's first love and he devoted himself to his career in a tireless and energetic manner."  said Hanley.  "The education of his students was the most important object of his life."

Tinory leaves behind a brother, noted music producer Richard Tinory of Cohasset, and many nieces and nephews.  The annual Eugene P. Tinory Teachers Scholarship will continue to be awarded each June to an NCTA member who is pursuing a first master's degree and has taught in Norfolk County for at least three years.  For complete guidelines and an application, go to www.nctateachers.org.