My son Andrew is a Life Scout with Troop 642 and received the Timothy Killian award this past weekend during their Court of Honor. I had heard about Tim in previous Courts of Honor but only today as I read about him realize the impact one person can have on others they haven’t even met. What a great honor for my son who I will share Tim’s legacy from family and friends so that he can pay it forward in his life.

Hi, I’m Paul, I’m Timothy’s oldest brother, oldest sibling In some ways, we grew up in different houses. With 9 years between us, I was in high school while he was just entering elementary school. I was the big brother, so I had the duty to pass on my wisdom, which I had gained in my years. Some of my advice was good, some of it might not have been. And rightly, some of it he took, some of it he ignored. With some things he needed to learn his own lessons, forge out a path different from that of his older siblings, and become his own person. And with that, I think he did. Between his love for suspenders, and his mutton chops, he created an identity that was unique. He was loving…caring…and very much in touch with his emotions Two summers ago, he and Ruthanne watched my boys during the day while my wife and I worked. He’d take them for walks, sleep with them on the couch, play with them, teach them… And while they may be too young to remember him when they grow up, I am really glad that they got to spend so much time together. I know that he shaped their development. I know he touched them, and I hope that one day my boys will be half the man he was… someone who loves their family, someone who cares deeply for their friends, someone who loves the Lord with all their heart, mind, and soul. And I have a feeling that they will remember him. Just after I had told my oldest son, Nathan, that Uncle Timothy had died, he told me that he can still hear Tim… in his heart. Timothy was a Boy Scout through, and through. He lived the scout motto of be prepared... just look at his key chain, he had four or five multi function tools hanging on it. If you needed an oil change or dinner, he had the tool for it. With the passage of years, I had felt like we were drifting a little but apart. I got married and had kids, and he went off to college. But since his passing I realized something. I wasn’t losing him. I was sharing him. From the tremendous out pouring of love over the last few days, I realized how much he has touched the lives of others. It was his time to share his love with others, and spread joy to everyone he met. It seems everyone who ever interacted with him was deeply touched by him, and his love for life, and his love for the Lord. I’ve talked to people who have never even met him, but only know of him, who were still so touched by him.

Dear Anne, My heart is broken for you as I can't imagine what it's like to lose a child. Please know that Paul & I are praying for you and your family. May the healing power of our Lord embrace you. All our love, Bonnie & Paul Downey