Wade Paul “Tinker” York, age 66, passed away on July 23, 2025, in Provo, Utah, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born on June 2, 1959, in Payson, Utah, to Paul and Jeanette (McDonald) York on the day before his sister Shanna’s third birthday.
Wade lived life with resilience and a passion for hands-on craftsmanship. A graduate of Payson High School and Utah Trade Technical College, he built a diverse career as an auto body technician, HVAC technician, and fabrication technician. His skilled hands and inventive mind earned him the respect of colleagues across multiple trades.
An outdoor enthusiast at heart, Wade found joy in riding ATVs and camping through the West’s rugged terrain with friends. He always had a deep love for cars—he loved attending shows and occasionally showing vehicles he restored himself. He also loved many types of music, cooking for people he cared about, and watching old westerns on TV.
Family remained at the center of Wade’s world. He is survived by his son Brenton (Rebecca) York and grandsons Arthur and Morgan. He shared a close bond with his sister Shanna (Gary) Banner; nephew Rob (Dana) Losser and their family; niece Brittanie Ewell & Sam Stanford and their family; and grand-niece Chelsey Losser. Also by his cousins, who were like siblings to him, Tracy, Preston, Jason and their families. Wade also maintained strong ties with his former in-laws Dan and Peggy Stoker; Cindee (Mark) Nielsen and their family; and especially his brother-in-law Kyle Stoker & family. Kyle lived with him during the past year and a half and they had a chance to renew their friendship after Kyle’s 30 years in New Jersey.
He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Danika York; parents Paul and Jeanette York; grandmother Martha Ann McDonald; nephew Rusty Losser; Rusty’s wife Sheri Losser; and his ‘brother’ Blake Thompson.
Wade’s adventurous spirit, craftsmanship, and enduring connections leave behind a legacy treasured by those who knew him best. His memory will continue to inspire laughter, stories, and heartfelt remembrance among family and friends.
There will be a Celebration of Wade’s Life held on Saturday August 2nd from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC pavillion (1551 American Way, Payson UT) on the south side of the parking lot. Please come in your normal Saturday dress – jeans are perfect but bonus points for shorts! We would love for everyone who knew and loved him to come and share a story or just reminisce.
In lieu of flowers, if you are so inclined, the family requests a donation to fund research to find a cure for this insidious disease. The American Cancer Society is one option, Huntsman Cancer Institute another.
Copyright 2026 © All rights reserved. Walker Funeral Home by Mountain Media
5 Condolences for Wade Paul “Tinker” York
Condolences(5)
DeeAnn S Sorenson says
July 29, 2025 at 2:38 pmShanna, I’m so sorry for the loss of your brother. May the memories you hold give you pace and comfort.
Quinn Herbert says
July 30, 2025 at 9:15 pmI had the opportunity to know wade as a senior in high school taking an auto body class at the Spanish Fork High School in the fall of 1976 where Payson High and Springville High were combined where I was from Spanish Fork, and he was from Payson. In the fall of 1977, we ran into each other again at what is now U.V.U both enrolled in collision repair & automotive painting where we both graduated in the spring of 1979. We both graduated as the top 2 students in our class where we both received scholarships from State Farm Insurance paying our second years tuition. I had run into Wade here & there over the years since then & just saw him about a year ago, the thing is he always looked the same as he did back in school. Rest in Peace my friend.
Richard robertson says
July 31, 2025 at 11:45 pmI still have the truck he painted he was very talented thanks for sharing wade with a nobody like me rest in peace Boo
Richard robertson says
July 31, 2025 at 11:44 pmI still have the truck he painted he was very talented thanks for sharing wade with a nobody like me rest in peace Boo
Kyle Stoker says
August 4, 2025 at 9:20 pmA forever friend since the day we met. Dance away my brother, dance away!
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