ANNOUNCEMENT - Since 2000, the CAN (Child Abuse and Neglect) Council has annually honored an outstanding individual or group for being extraordinarily committed to making the Great Lakes Bay Region a better place for children.  In 2014, it was their privilege to honor Leslie D. Tincknell, FAIA, as the Child Advocate of the Year.

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Community Engagement

For more than five decades, Les Tincknell has been a pillar of the community.  It all began when he moved to Saginaw after graduating from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in architecture.

 

While Les has been a CAN Council supporter for decades, it was within the last few years that he devoted hundreds of hours to making sure that the organization’s facility was what they needed and what would best serve their children and families.

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As former President of the new WTA Architects, he continues to consult with the firm and remains active in Saginaw. He works tirelessly studying the need for space as well as the function of programs.  Making himself available for meetings – whether planned or unplanned – Les would always say, “I’m happy to do it!” or “Don’t worry; you’re not bothering me”.  He truly is a child advocate to be celebrated!

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Always generous with his time and giving back in countless ways, Les has been active in the community as president of the Optimist Club of Saginaw; Chairman of the Saginaw County Chapter of the American Red Cross; Chairman of the Saginaw Arts & Enrichment Commission; Chairman of the Saginaw Riverfront Development Commission; and President of First Congregational Church.  In addition, he has served as board member of the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra; Saginaw Art Museum; PRIDE in Saginaw; and the Japanese Cultural Center.

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In 2010, he was awarded the Robert H. Albert Lifetime Community Service Award by the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce.

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Professional Career

Les joined the firm of Frederick E. Wigen, Architect in 1958, serving as Director of Design, 1959-1993, and as President from 1976 to 1993.  During the last 56 years with the firm, he worked on educational, religious, medical, governmental, housing and historic preservation projects.  Many of the buildings Les designed have housed and served children such as Kempton Elementary School, Stone Elementary School and the Children’s Zoo at Celebration Square. Additionally, other projects to his credit include the Jerome T. Hart State Office Building, Andersen Enrichment Center, the Montague Inn and the East Side Soup Kitchen / Hidden Harvest Hunger Solution Center.

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Les has been active in professional organizations serving as a member of the American Institute of Architects, AIA Michigan board member, Michigan Architectural Foundation Board and the University of Michigan Architecture and Urban Planning Alumni Board.  He is also a decorated award recipient, having received both personal and project-based honors at the local, regional, state and national levels including through AIA and AIA Michigan.

 

Congratulations, Les!

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A lifetime of dedicated service to his community and his profession – even finding ways to combine the two – adds up to a very deserving honoree.