Tim Kernighan grew up, lived, and worked in Coquitlam, BC. He attended Lord Baden-Powell Elementary School, Como Lake Middle School, and Centennial High School. He graduated from Centennial High School in 1973 and attended Douglas College. In 1980, he joined the Coquitlam Fire Department, where he worked for 25 years. He held the roles of both Fire Fighter and Fire Prevention Inspector.