Ron Tiner Exeter, Devon Death and Obituary – The art and comics community is mourning the loss of Ron Tiner, a distinguished comic artist, illustrator, and author from Exeter, Devon, whose passing was confirmed in late October 2025. According to multiple reports and social media tributes from fellow artists, Tiner’s death marks the end of an extraordinary era in British illustration and comics. He was 85 years old.
On October 24, 2025, comic artist and writer Lew Stringer announced on his blog that he was “saddened to learn of the recent death of artist Ron Tiner.” A few days later, a Facebook post from October 27 further confirmed that Tiner had “passed away unexpectedly.” His dates were listed as 1940–2025, underscoring a career that spanned more than six decades of creative excellence.
Ron Tiner’s contributions to British comics and illustration were both influential and enduring. Over the years, he worked as a freelance artist for numerous publications, including Hotspur, Misty, Battle, and Oink!, titles that defined the visual and narrative culture of mid-20th-century British comics. His distinctive linework, storytelling ability, and mastery of human anatomy made his art instantly recognizable to fans and fellow creators alike.
Beyond comics, Tiner illustrated a wide range of fiction books, earning recognition for his versatility and technical precision. He also became well known for his instructional art books, such as “Figure Drawing Without a Model”, which inspired generations of artists to hone their craft. His publications combined deep artistic insight with accessible teaching, cementing his legacy as both a creator and an educator.
Tiner’s influence extended into academia and literary scholarship. He contributed to the Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and served as a contributing editor for the Encyclopedia of Fantasy, offering his expertise on visual storytelling and speculative art. These roles demonstrated his broad knowledge of genre fiction and his ability to connect the visual and literary worlds seamlessly.
Tributes from across the artistic community have poured in since news of his death was shared. Fellow illustrator Lee O’Connor praised Tiner as a “mentor and friend whose passion for art never dimmed.” Lew Stringer described him as “a true craftsman and a generous teacher,” reflecting the high regard in which he was held by peers and students alike.
Ron Tiner’s passing leaves a significant void in the creative landscape of British illustration and comics. His lifetime of work continues to influence new generations of artists, many of whom were inspired by his ability to blend realism, emotion, and narrative clarity in every piece he created.
Details regarding funeral arrangements and memorial services have not yet been publicly announced. The artistic community in Exeter and beyond will undoubtedly remember him as a trailblazer, mentor, and storyteller whose art will continue to inspire for years to come.
